Marie de Montpensier, also known as the "Grande Mademoiselle," was a French noblewoman born in 1627. She was the daughter of Gaston, Duke of Orléans and Marie de Bourbon. Known for her strong personality and intelligence, she played a significant role in the political intrigues of her time, particularly during the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. Despite her noble status, Marie was also a talented writer and left behind memoirs that provide insight into the court life of the 17th century. She was a prominent figure in the French court and had aspirations to marry, but her life was marked by her independence and refusal to conform to traditional expectations.