In Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, the main character, has three important men in her life. All of whom she looks at differently and has different emotions for. Throughout her life Edna feels the need for attention from all men. This explains why she marries Leonce Pontellier, her deep feelings for Robert Leburn, and her sexual affairs with Alcee Arobin.
Because her husband spends most of his time away from home on business trips, Edna is left with a great deal of time for herself. Leonce spends little time worrying about family matters. He constantly criticizes Edna and only cares about money and his own reputation. Edna knows she need to be with Leonce for his financial support and stability. Edna is not sure if she is in love with him or if she has ever been. She slowly grows to despise Leonce.
Robert Leburn, with whom Edna falls in love with, has a history of being very close to married women. With Edna his feelings are different. He is very devoted to her, and she loves him in return. Though they wish to be together they know that society frowns against it. Edna's deep love for Robert pushes her further and further away from her husband and children. She longs to be with Robert but knows that it would be frowned upon by others who know them. .
Edna has a love affair with Alcee Arobin. He has the reputation of a "ladies man". Alcee enjoys flirting with women, especially married women. Even though Edna does have sexual relations with Alcee, she does not love him. She had fun with Alcee. There were no strings attached because they did not love each other. .
All three of these men men played different roles in Edna's heart. Edna had money and support from Leonce, love from Robert, and sexual relations with Alcee. Her flirty ways made her fall in love with the only man she should have been with all along, Robert Leburn.