Mme Giry's Ambitions for Meg

The character destiny of the box-keeper, who hopes the ghost will make her daughter an empress.

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The Prophecy

The Prophecy The Ghost's Letter One evening, Mme. Giry finds a letter in Box Five from the ghost, predicting that her daughter Meg will become an empress in 1885. The letter lists historical precedents of dancers who married royalty. Mme. Giry is convinced. The Devotion From that day on, Mme. Giry becomes the ghost's loyal servant. She does everything he asks, believing it will secure Meg's future. She delivers messages, carries envelopes, and keeps the ghost's secrets. The Reward In return, the ghost arranges for Meg to be promoted to leader of the ballet. Mme. Giry's faith seems justified. She is a willing accomplice, though she never sees the ghost.

The Fall from Grace

The Fall from Grace The Suspicion When Richard and Moncharmin take over, they suspect Mme. Giry of being the ghost's accomplice. They question her, and she reveals the prophecy. They think she is a fool and fire her, but the ghost demands her reinstatement. The Arrest Attempt Richard tries to have Mme. Giry arrested for theft, but she defends herself. She reveals how she slipped the envelope into Richard's pocket. The managers are humiliated. The Mystery Remains Mme. Giry never sees the ghost, but she continues to believe. After the events, she fades into obscurity. Her daughter Meg later becomes a respectable baroness, but the prophecy of empress never comes true. Mme. Giry's fate is one of delusion and loyalty.

years before the novel

during the managers' tenure