Oriane Congost-Pelletier
(1191 - 1244)
The elder of Bertrand Pelletier's two daughters, Oriane is clever, devious, ambitious and eager for power. She is unscrupulous and extremely charming – when she wants to be. Oriane is – in spirit – her mother's daughter.
Oriane's mother Marguerite Pelletier dies in childbirth in 1200. Her father, Bertrand Pelletier, is intendant – steward – in the household of Raymond-Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, Béziers and Albi. Therefore Marguerite's daughters, Oriane and Alaïs, are brought up by a succession of women servants within the Trencavel household.
Oriane hates her sister Alaïs. Alaïs only half understands that this out of jealousy.
Oriane is wary of her father, Bertrand Pelletier, knowing that he has no respect for her. She is also aware that there is more to him than meets the eye.
At the start of Labyrinth in 1209, Oriane is nearly 19, married to a dull, older man, Jehan Congost, a court scribe and écrivain public. She has many lovers, including her younger sister's husband, Guilhem du Mas.
Oriane is attractive and flirtatious. She makes alliances through the promise of sexual favours and is prepared to sacrifice much to get what she wants.
