The story takes place during the War of 1870, in the middle of winter and begins with the withdrawal of French troops and the Prussians’ invasion of Rouen. It’s aboard a six-horse stagecoach that the heroine, dubbed by the author "Towl Ball," and nine other people flee to Dieppe." There is a couple of merchants, two couples of the bourgeoisie and nobility, two nuns, a democrat, and Boule de suif, a gallant woman, whose presence raises distrust, indignation, or curiosity."
Travel looks tough, cold is sharp. Snow slows stagecoach progression. Travelers are hungry. Alone, Boule de Suif thought about bringing provisions that she’s happy to share with her fellow travelers. They then do not hesitate to temporarily forget their prejudices to benefit from the passenger’s generosity.
In the evening, the stagecoach stops for a stop at the "auberge de Tôtes". This one is occupied by the Prussians. The Prussian officer forbids the stagecoach to leave until the Tallow Ball has accepted his advances. Before dinner she is called to join him but refuses. Bonapartiste, she doesn’t agree to sleep with the enemy.
Passengers get stuck during the day at the hostel and realize that the Prussian officer won’t let them go until Suifball has offered himself to him. Everyone then goes from their argument to convince the young woman to agree to sacrifice herself."
She spends the night with the officer and they leave in the early morning.
All had small dishes prepared except Boule de Suif who didn’t have time.
When meal time comes, travelers feast but no one will share their meal with Suiff Ball. She’ll only be entitled to contempt on the part of this well-thinking micro-society, which she’s nurtured and then liberated.