Through the use of two main characters from the film, Queen Margot, a critical examination will be made to better understand the importance of the characters' development and their respected standard historical interpretations. By strongly characterizing the protagonist, Marguerite de Valois, audience members were given the opportunity to identify with her. Likewise, the queen regent Catherine de Medici remained heavily mythologized in the film to advance the plot. The overall success of the film can thus be attributed to the importance of the representation of historical figures. The filmmakers modernized the characterization of Marguerite de Valois, allowing the audience to have the ability to identify with the historical figures. From the beginning of the film, Margaret is presented as a pawn in the hands of her family by having to comply with an arranged marriage with a Protestant, Henri de Navarre (Chéreau, Queen Margot). Catherine arranged the marriage alliance in 1572. (Durkee 67). This submissive behavior allows the audience to connect and empathize with Margaret. Even in the final scenes of the film, the audience sympathizes with Margaret as she rides away in a carriage with her dead lover, La Mole's head in her lap (Humbert 231). The audience followed Margaret's journey, while sharing similar emotions and interacting with her character. This demonstrates the importance of developing the character of Marguerite de Valois even if historical accuracy is sacrificed (Humbert 225). Thus, modernizing the story is essential in order to evoke emotions and allow for a historical interpretation of the real Marguerite. Marguerite of Valois in La Reine Margot undergoes a transformation from a seductress to a virtuous woman as... middle of paper. .....Journal of Scholars 7.1 (2003): 61-69. Internet. November 10, 2013. Hearsey, John, Salmon, McMillan and Bakos, Adrianna. Politics, ideology and law in modern Europe. New York: University of Rochester Press, 1995. Web. Humbert, Bridgitte. “Emotion, modernization and female emancipation in Queen Margot by Patrice Chéreau.” Quarterly Review of Film and Video 19.3 (2002): 223-235. Web. November 12, 2013. Queen Margot. Real. Patrice Chéreau. Miramax Movies. 1994. Movie. Sutherland, Nicole Mary. “Catherine de Medici: The legend of the evil Italian queen. » Le Journal du XVIe siècle 9.2 (1978): 45-56. Internet. November 11, 2013. Wilson, Charles. “The massacre of Saint-Barthélemy and the European conflict, 1559-1572.” Rev. The Massacre of St. Bartholomew and the European Conflict, 1559-1572, by NM Sutherland. The Historical Journal 1973: 635-637. Internet. November 12. 2013.