The Vicomte de Bragelonne: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Vicomte de Bragelonne" is a historical novel that features a complex interplay of love, ambition, and rivalry among its major characters. Central to the narrative is Raoul, vicomte de Bragelonne, the son of Athos, one of the original Three Musketeers. Raoul's love for Louise de la Vallière becomes a point of contention as she ultimately becomes the mistress of Louis XIV, who is also vying for her affection. The story unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue, involving key figures such as Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister to Louis XIV, and Charles II, the exiled king of England.
Other notable characters include D'Artagnan, a loyal Musketeer who supports the king, and various plotters like Fouquet and M. du Vallon, both of whom are involved in schemes against the monarchy. The narrative also touches on themes of loyalty and betrayal, illustrated through the fates of characters like the comte de la Fère, who experiences deep grief upon losing his son Raoul. The novel blends personal and political drama, encapsulating the tensions of 17th-century France, and explores the consequences of love and ambition in a tumultuous historical context.
The Vicomte de Bragelonne: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: Auguste Maquet and Alexandre Dumas, père
First published: 1848–1850 (English translation, 1857; also in 3 volumes, The viscomte de Bragelonne, 1893; Louise de la Valliere, 1893; The Man in the Iron Mask, 1893)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France and England
Plot: Historical
Time: Seventeenth century
Raoul (raw-EWL), vicomte de Bragelonne (vee-KOHN deh brah-geh-LOHN), the son of Athos, the comte de la Fère, who was one of the famous Three Musketeers. Raoul becomes the rival of Louis XIV for the love of Louise de la Vallière. Disappointed in love, he goes to Africa, where he is killed.
Louise de la Vallière (lweez deh lah vahl-YEHR), a beautiful young woman. Though betrothed to the vicomte de Bragelonne, she becomes the mistress of Louis XIV.
Louis XIV (lwee), the king of France and vicomte de Bragelonne's rival for Mlle de la Vallière.
The comte de la Fère (deh lah fehr), formerly known as Athos, one of the Three Musketeers. He helps Charles II regain the throne of England. He dies of shock when told of the death of the vicomte de Bragelonne, his son.
Charles II, the English king, who took refuge in France while Cromwell ruled England.
Cardinal Mazarin (mah-zah-RAN), the chief minister to Louis XIV.
D'Artagnan (dahr-tahn-YAN), the famous Musketeer. He is loyal to Louis XIV and supports the king against those who plot against the monarch. He dies in battle shortly after having been made a marshal of France.
General Monk, the leader of the English Parliamentary forces. He is seized by D'Artagnan and taken to France, where he agrees to put Charles II on the English throne.
Planchet (plahn-SHAY), a wealthy merchant who was formerly D'Artagnan's servant. He helps finance his former master in the effort to put Charles II on the English throne.
Fouquet (few-KAY), the finance minister under Louis XIV. He plots against the king.
Colbert (kohl-BEHR), an intendant under Louis XIV.
M. du Vallon (dew vah-YOHN), formerly Porthos, one of the Three Musketeers. A plotter against the king, he is killed in battle at Belle-Isle.
The bishop of Vannes (vahn), formerly Aramis, one of the Three Musketeers. He is also known as M. D'Herblay. Although he plots against the monarchy, he is pardoned at the request of D'Artagnan.
Mlle de Montalais (mohn-tah-LAY), a lady in waiting at the court and a plotter against Louis XIV.
Philippe (fee-LEEP), Louis XIV's twin brother. He is the mysterious prisoner in an iron mask.
M. Saint-Aignan (sahn tehn-YAHN), who is killed in a duel over Mlle de la Vallière by de Bragelonne.