Colette is the toughest chef and the only female in the kitchen at Gusteau's. Her grit, talent, and intimidating air have brought her far, but years of climbing the ladder in the male-dominated world of haute cuisine have made her wary and self-contained. At first, she is exasperated at being assigned to "babysit" Linguini as he begins his trial period as a chef. But as time passes, Linguini's vulnerability and guilelessness begin to win her over.