Setting The action takes place in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century on two Louisiana plantations, one called Valmonde, a family name, and the other called L'Abri (French for shelter). The story begins in the warm-weather months and ends in autumn. Characters Desiree: A young woman described by the narrator as "beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere." When she was a very small child of "toddling age." Narrator says, "she was abandoned in front of a plantation home." ...

• Word Count: 2905
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School