Gigi (Leslie Caron)’s Timeline and Summary
- Gigi is a schoolgirl playing in the park and cutting class. It's Tuesday, time to visit Aunt Alicia to learn about how to sit like a lady and eat ortolan for lunch.
- Privately, Gigi complains that she doesn't understand what the big deal is about ladyhood and romance.
- We know that Gigi's being trained to be a courtesan—a high-class prostitute.
- When Gigi gets back from the lesson, she meets up with family friend Gaston, who invites her to the Ice Palace. There, she gets her first taste of society, and finds it alternately exhilarating and a snoozefest.
- As Gaston breaks up with his girlfriend Liane, and swans all over town to demonstrate how okay he is, Gigi follows his exploits as they're reported in the paper.
- Gaston comes over to the apartment and has dinner with Madame Alvarez and Gigi, then plays cards with the girl. She very likely cheats, and wins the opportunity to go with Gaston to a nearby beach town called Trouville.
- Gigi goes to Trouville with her grandmother and Gaston and has a super-fun time.
- When they return, it turns out that Gigi has been featured in the gossip mags with Gaston, and as a result, her aunt and grandmother kick her courtesan training into high gear.
- Gigi gets a beautiful and very grown-up dress, and is wearing it when Gaston comes to visit. He's disgusted with how she's aping being some kind of real lady type and storms out.
- Madame Alvarez tells Gigi that Gaston has changed his mind, and wants to "take care" of her. She consents grimly, but when Gaston makes the proposition directly, she rejects it. She doesn't want to live life in a fishbowl, worrying what will happen to her when Gaston tires of her.
- Later, she sends Gaston a note saying she's changed her mind; she wants to be with him regardless of how awful it could be for her.
- They go to Maxim's, where Gigi performs her duties just as Liane did before her. Gaston is disgusted, and drags her home. He sees how everyone's watching her. Gigi was right about that.
- Gigi runs into her bedroom crying, and Gaston leaves, only to come back and ask for her hand in marriage. She says yes.
- Gigi is shown strolling with Gaston in the park, looking quite grown-up but still energetic and playful.