Rastignac is a character who represents the young and ambitious. He is trying to make his way in Parisian society. He is constantly evolving, learning the ways of the world, and sometimes compromising his values in his pursuit of success, which makes him a very relatable and memorable figure in Balzac's short stories.
Vautrin is another. He is a complex and somewhat mysterious character. He has his own code of conduct which often goes against the norms of society. He is shrewd, manipulative, and yet at times shows a certain understanding of human nature that makes him both feared and respected in the stories.
Eugenie Grandet is a very memorable character. She is a young woman caught in the middle of her father's miserly ways. Her life is shaped by his extreme frugality and love for money, and she has to navigate her own desires for a normal life and love within that context.
There's Ivan Dmitritch in 'The Lottery Ticket'. He is memorable because of how his thoughts and emotions quickly change when he imagines winning the lottery. At first, he is excited about the possibilities, but then as he starts to consider the potential problems, his mood sours. Another is Alyohin in 'About Love'. His unspoken and complex love story makes him stand out.
Quentin Compson is quite memorable. He's a complex character with a lot of inner turmoil. Caddy is also notable. Her actions and relationships with other characters are very interesting. And there's Joe Christmas, a character full of mystery and who challenges the norms of the society in the stories.
Love and relationships also play a significant role. Balzac explores different types of love, from passionate and all - consuming to more practical and calculating relationships that are influenced by social and economic factors.
One memorable character is Juliet in 'Chance'. Her journey of self - discovery and her complex relationship with her mother make her stand out.
Eugenie Grandet is a notable character. She is a complex figure, known for her simplicity yet also her struggle with the avarice that surrounds her, especially that of her father. Another is Vautrin, a character full of mystery and cunning. He often manipulates situations and people to his own advantage in the seedy underworld of Paris that Balzac so vividly portrays.
We also find women who are in difficult situations. Some are forced to make tough choices between love and financial stability. For instance, a young woman from a poor family might have to choose between a poor lover she truly loves and a wealthy suitor she doesn't love but who can provide for her.
In 'The Awakening', Edna Pontellier is a crucial character. She is a woman who gradually awakens to her own desires and a sense of self outside of her role as a wife and mother. Another important character is Robert Lebrun. His relationship with Edna is complex and serves as a catalyst for her awakening.
Amos Burton is one of the most memorable. He has a tough exterior but a sense of loyalty deep down. His past and how it has shaped his personality is fascinating. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty when it comes to protecting his friends and the things he believes in. His no - nonsense attitude and his unique moral code make him a character that really sticks in the reader's mind. In the short stories, we get to see different facets of his character in various challenging situations.
Gabriel Conroy from 'The Dead' is quite memorable. His self - reflection during the party and his realization about his relationship with his wife and the nature of love are striking. Then there's Eveline. Her inner turmoil as she stands at the docks, unable to decide whether to leave or stay, makes her a character that stays with the reader.
One of the memorable characters is Khriss. She is very intelligent and seems to have knowledge about many aspects of the Cosmere. Another is Hoid. He pops up in different stories and his mysterious nature makes him stand out.