Dangerous Acquaintances: Analysis of Major Characters
"Dangerous Acquaintances" explores the intricate dynamics and manipulations among a group of characters in a society marked by deception and revenge. Central to the narrative is the Marquise de Merteuil, a cunning and vengeful woman seeking retribution against the Comte de Gercourt for his abandonment. Her machinations not only target Gercourt but also ensnare several other characters, including the innocent Cécile de Volanges, who is unwittingly used as a pawn in the Marquise’s elaborate schemes. The Comte de Gercourt is engaged to Cécile but pursues Madame de Tourvel, eventually becoming the target of the Marquise’s plots. The Vicomte de Valmont, an unscrupulous libertine and ally of the Marquise, further complicates the relationships as he becomes involved with Madame de Tourvel. Other characters, such as the Chevalier Danceny, also serve to advance the Marquise's agenda, highlighting themes of manipulation and moral ambiguity. The narrative offers a profound commentary on the consequences of desire, betrayal, and the dangerous nature of social connections. Through this complex web of relationships, the text invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of human behavior and the perils of revenge.
Dangerous Acquaintances: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
First published: Les Liaisons dangereuses, 1782 (English translation, 1784)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Mid-eighteenth century
The Marquise de Merteuil (mehr-TYOO-ee), a fashionable and unscrupulous matron. Abandoned by the Comte de Gercourt, she seeks vengeance for her wounded vanity by a series of manipulations that bring disaster or death to all who become involved with this dangerous acquaintance.
The Comte de Gercourt (zhehr-KEWR), betrothed to Cécile de Volanges. After he deserts the Marquise de Merteuil in favor of Madame de Tourvel, his humiliation becomes the object of the malicious marquise's ruinous machinations.
Cécile de Volanges (say-SEEL duh voh-LAHNZH), a young woman betrothed by her mother to the Comte de Gercourt. She becomes a pawn in the Marquise de Merteuil's scheme of revenge on Gercourt.
The Vicomte de Valmont (val-MOHN), an unscrupulous libertine and ally of the Marquise de Merteuil in her scheme to humiliate the Comte de Gercourt.
The Chevalier Danceny (dahns-NEE), a tool of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. Encouraged by them to form a liaison with Cécile de Volanges, Danceny is to make a laughingstock of the Comte de Gercourt.
Madame de Tourvel (tewr-VEHL), a judge's wife for whom the Comte de Gercourt deserts the Marquise de Merteuil. She becomes the mistress of the Vicomte de Valmont.
Madame de Volanges, the mother of Cécile de Volanges.
Madame de Rosemonde (rohz-MOHND), the aunt of the VicomtedeValmont.
Sophie Carnay (soh-FEE kahr-NEH), Cécile de Volanges' friend and confidante.