Madame Perrodon
Madame Perrodon is the good-natured governess who has been with Laura since infancy, a native of Berne whose care and good nature now in part supplied to Laura the loss of her mother, whom Laura does not even remember. She is fat, middle-aged, and romantic, and she talks and sighs poetically, forming a warm and stabilizing presence in the lonely schloss. Along with Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, she makes up the small household party that surrounds Laura and her father, and she is one of the few people Laura feels comfortable enough with to confide her fears.
Role in the Household and Early Life
Madame Perrodon has been a fixture in Laura's life from the earliest years, a familiar picture of a fat, benignant face that Laura cannot remember a time without. She is a native of Berne, and her care and good nature partly compensate for the absence of Laura's mother, who died in Laura's infancy. She speaks French and broken English, contributing to the Babel of languages spoken at the schloss, where Laura's father insists on English to keep it from becoming a lost language. As one of Laura's gouvernantes, she has just so much control over the spoiled girl as might be expected, allowing Laura pretty nearly her own way in everything.
Witness to the Arrival of Carmilla
On the evening of the carriage accident, Madame Perrodon is one of the first to greet the new arrival. She and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine come out without their bonnets to enjoy the moonlight, and they are present when the runaway carriage crashes near the drawbridge. When the young lady is lifted out, apparently lifeless, Madame Perrodon supports her, and it is to Madame that the stranger first speaks, asking "Where is mamma?" in a sweet voice. Madame answers tenderly and adds comfortable assurances, helping the young lady remember how the misadventure came about and learning that her mother has left her for three months. Later, when Laura asks how she likes the guest, Madame replies that she likes her extremely, calling her "the prettiest creature I ever saw; about your age, and so gentle and nice," and praising her sweet voice.
Confidante and Caretaker During Laura's Ordeal
As Laura begins to suffer from the mysterious illness that will prove to be vampiric attack, Madame Perrodon becomes a key figure in her care. When Laura tells her and Mademoiselle about her terrifying dream of the black creature, Mademoiselle laughs, but Madame looks anxious, sensing the gravity of the situation. When the doctor is called and gives the directive that Laura must never be left alone, Madame eagerly assures him of her compliance, and she accompanies Laura to the library for the examination. During the night of Carmilla's disappearance, Madame is one of those who rushes to Laura's aid, and she later sits up with Laura, along with two servants, as part of the extraordinary precautions taken for Laura's safety. Her presence provides a measure of comfort and stability in the midst of the horror.
The Trip to Karnstein and the Aftermath
Madame Perrodon accompanies Laura and her father on the drive to the ruined village of Karnstein, where the General tells his terrible story. When Carmilla enters the chapel and the General attacks her with the woodman's hatchet, Madame is the one who, after the frightful scene, stands before Laura impatiently repeating the question "Where is Mademoiselle Carmilla?" She has been standing in the passage ever since Carmilla entered and did not see her return, confirming the vampire's supernatural escape. After Carmilla's expulsion, Madame remains part of the household, and her steady, caring presence helps Laura through the long process of recovery, even as the image of Carmilla continues to haunt Laura's memory.
