The characters are inspired by those who supported the war effort in Crimea and, in particular, the many pioneering women who sought to improve conditions for soldiers and fought for women’s rights.
Learn more here on our blog about Florence Nightingale, whose determination and independent spirit are a significant source of inspiration for the character of Raymonda.
You can also learn more about some of the other trailblazing nurses who made a huge difference during the Crimean War.
Raymonda is a clever, determined young woman from a wealthy family in England. When we first meet her, she is reading news reports of the Crimean War and is frustrated by feeling unable to help. When John de Bryan, a family friend, announces that he is leaving to fight, Raymonda decides that she too will travel to Crimea, and she becomes a nurse on the front. John is in love with Raymonda and wishes to marry her; she is uncertain of her own feelings but does not wish to refuse him as he heads into battle. When Raymonda meets Abdur Rahman she finds herself torn between her promise to John, the growing attraction between herself and Abdur, and her own desire for independence.
John de Bryan is the son of another important family from the same circle as Raymonda’s. He joins the English forces in Crimea as a soldier, and becomes a respected Officer at the front. He loves Raymonda but does not entirely understand her, and the two often find themselves slightly at odds. John’s mother gifts him an embroidered scarf when he leaves to join the army: John in turn gives this to Raymonda when she agrees to marry him, as a symbol of their betrothal.
Abdur is a Prince and an Agha of the army from the Ottoman Empire, Britain’s allies (alongside France and Sardinia) in the war. He and John are friends and comrades. In order to raise spirits and encourage friendship between the allied forces, Abdur hosts a party in Act 2 and invites Raymonda, along with Henriette and Sister Clemence. The clear attraction between Raymonda and Abdur grows stronger as they dance together at the party, which causes concern amongst some of Raymonda’s friends.
Sister Clemence is a nurse who is part of an order of nuns, and is something of a mentor to Raymonda when she begins her journey as a nurse. Sister Clemence is calm, fair, and has a strong sense of duty. She is uneasy when Raymonda and Abdur appear to be growing closer, and feels that Raymonda is breaking her promise to John.
Free-spirited Henriette is present at the front as a tourist rather than as a nurse or a soldier’s wife. Flirtatious, charming and energetic, she brings out Raymonda’s more impulsive, light-hearted side. Henriette is a great favourite amongst the Officers, and encourages everyone, including Raymonda, to enjoy themselves at Abdur’s party.