The dictionary definition of a Creole is "a white person descended from the French or Spanish settlers of Louisiana and the Gulf States and preserving their characteristic speech and culture."
In The Awakening, Chopin uses the free-spritedness and open expression of the Creoles to change Edna. Ad�le Ratignolle, Edna's close friend, is the emobodiment of Creole culture. She speaks her mind and is seemingly carefree.
The incorporation of French phrases and customs also aids in adding local color to the work. Even the vacation of spot of Grand Isle was a real location popular among wealthy Creoles.
For a more detailed definition of Creoles and their culture go here.
A paper by Bryan Bourn discusses Chopin as a 'local-color' writer.
Mrs. Parizek's AP English
