In the novel, Esmeralda's real name is Agnes. She is the daughter of Paquette (later known as Gudule). Gudule becomes a recluse after she losses her daughter. Gudule hates gypsies because they have stolen her daughter.

Esmeralda then grows up to be a fifteen-year-old gypsy. She has an émeraude on her neck that she believes it will lead her to her mother. She dances on the road with her goat Djali who can perform tricks with tambourine.



She enchants the Archdeacon of Notre Dame, Claude Frollo, who then commands Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, to steal her. Officer Phoebus de Chateaupers...