Who is Diane, Duchess of Tremontaine from Swordspoint: A Novel and what is their importance? Swordspoint English & Literature "Diane

Diane, the Duchess of Tremontaine, is initially seen as little more that a beautiful woman, who loves beautiful things. Over the course of the novel, however, we learn that she is a master of secrecy and deception, and that her true interests lay in politics.... not food, parties, and pretty dresses.

It is rumored that the Duchess had her husband murdered, that as a single woman she happily assists young nobleman to rise to their full potential, making them both students and lovers. As the young men rise to power, she promotes her own agenda through them.