# Bellarion — Bellarion the Fortunate character guide > Bellarion in Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Bellarion the Fortunate, Bellarione Il Fortunato, Messer Bellarion, Master Bellarion, Cane, Bellarion Cane, Messer Bellarion Cane, the knight Bellarion, Ser Bellarion, the Knight Bellarion, the Lord Bellarion, the Lord Bellarion Cane, the White Dog **First appearance:** 0000-book-i ## Who they are A young adventurer of fortune, cunning and resourceful, who becomes entangled in the wars of northern Italy. ## Relationships ### [Valeria of Montferrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/valeria_of_montferrat) _romantic_ Bellarion is deeply in love with Valeria, and their relationship is marked by romantic tension and devotion. ### [Facino Cane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/facino_cane) _professional_ Bellarion serves as a trusted subordinate and protégé to the condottiero Facino Cane, with a strong mentor-student dynamic. ### [Theodore of Montferrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/theodore_of_montferrat) _friendship_ Bellarion and Theodore are close friends and allies, often working together for common goals. ### [Filippo Maria Visconti](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/filippo_maria_visconti) _rivalry_ Bellarion and Filippo Maria Visconti are antagonists, with Bellarion opposing Visconti's ambitions and schemes. ### [Countess of Biandrate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/countess_of_biandrate) _social_ Bellarion and the Countess of Biandrate have a cordial acquaintance, often meeting in courtly settings. ### [Girolamo Vignate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/girolamo_vignate) _rivalry_ Bellarion and Girolamo Vignate are enemies, with Vignate often opposing Bellarion's plans. ### [Bertino Mantegazza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/bertino_mantegazza) _friendship_ Bellarion and Bertino Mantegazza are loyal friends and companions, sharing many adventures. ### [Valeria of Montferrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/valeria_of_montferrat) _romantic_ Bellarion is deeply in love with Valeria, and their relationship is marked by romantic tension and devotion. ### [Theodore of Montferrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/theodore_of_montferrat) _friendship_ Bellarion and Theodore are close friends and allies, often working together for common goals. ### [Facino Cane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/facino_cane) _professional_ Bellarion serves as a trusted subordinate and protégé to the condottiero Facino Cane, with a strong mentor-student dynamic. ### [Valeria of Montferrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/valeria_of_montferrat) _romantic_ Bellarion is deeply in love with Valeria, and their relationship is marked by romantic tension and devotion. ### [Facino Cane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/facino_cane) _professional_ Bellarion serves as a trusted subordinate and protégé to the condottiero Facino Cane, with a strong mentor-student dynamic. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/book-i) Protagonist; leaves the convent and becomes embroiled in the conspiracy against the Regent. ### [I: The Threshold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/i-the-threshold) The protagonist, a learned youth leaving the convent, who is robbed of five ducats and a letter. ### [The Grey Friar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ii-the-grey-friar) Recites his stolen letter from memory and tells the story of his childhood and renaming. ### [The Door Ajar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iii-the-door-ajar) Flees from the tavern after the accusation against Fra Sulpizio, outruns his pursuers, and discovers a hidden door ajar. ### [IV: Sanctuary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iv-sanctuary) Flees into the garden sanctuary, is hidden by Valeria, and demonstrates resourcefulness by diving into the lake to avoid capture. ### [V: The Princess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/v-the-princess) Emerges from hiding, shivering and self-critical; recounts his day's misfortunes; offers his services as a messenger to Princess Valeria. ### [VI: The Winds of Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vi-the-winds-of-fate) Enters Casale under a false identity, lies to the watch and to Barbaresco, and skillfully extracts information about the conspiracy against the Regent. ### [Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vii-service) Disguised as a painter, he infiltrates the conspiracy and reports to Valeria. ### [IX: The Marquis Theodore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ix-the-marquis-theodore) Presents himself as Facino Cane's adoptive son to gain the Regent's trust, but finds himself outmaneuvered and forced into deeper intrigue. ### [X: The Warning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/x-the-warning) Presented as Facino Cane's son; warns Valeria of the conspiracy and his role as the Regent's agent. ### [XI: Under Suspicion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xi-under-suspicion) Under suspicion from the conspirators after his visit to court; defends himself with wit and irony, suggests verification of his identity, and is imprisoned in a roof chamber. ### [XII: Count Spigno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xii-count-spigno) Freed by Spigno, then murders him in cold blood to thwart the conspiracy; prays for Spigno's soul; escapes through a window but is captured by the watch. ### [The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiii-the-trial) The accused, claiming to be Facino Cane's adoptive son, maintains his composure during the trial and suggests verification through the convent. ### [XIV: Evasion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiv-evasion) Imprisoned, then visited by Theodore; lies to protect himself and the conspiracy; escapes using tools provided by Theodore; reflects on his journey and the Princess Valeria. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/book-ii) Continues his transformation from a convent-educated youth into a shrewd pupil of war and politics under Facino Cane. ### [I: The Miracle of the Dogs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/i-the-miracle-of-the-dogs) Claims to be Facino Cane's son; survives the Duke's dog attack through mysterious means; uses wit and wordplay to manipulate the superstitious onlookers. ### [II: Facino Cane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ii-facino-cane) Bellarion is brought before Facino Cane, tells his true story, and is taken under Facino's protection. ### [III: The Countess of Biandrate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iii-the-countess-of-biandrate) Impressed Facino with his knowledge of military history and philosophy; begins training in arms and courtly arts. ### [IV: The Champion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iv-the-champion) Receives training from Facino, discusses contentment and stagnation, and is sent on a mission to Genoa to hire French lances from Boucicault. ### [V: The Commune of Milan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/v-the-commune-of-milan) Facino's adoptive son who negotiates a favorable rate for Boucicault's troops, saving the Commune money and earning a reward. ### [VI: The Fruitless Wooing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vi-the-fruitless-wooing) Now famous at court, Bellarion navigates social intrigues and resists the Countess Beatrice's advances, remaining loyal to Facino. ### [Manoeuvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vii-manoeuvres) Serves as Facino's esquire; warns of Buonterzo's potential countermove; scouts the heights with Stoffel and alerts Facino to the danger; proposes a plan to hold the ford. ### [VIII: The Battle of Travo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/viii-the-battle-of-travo) Leads the hundred Swiss crossbowmen in holding the ford at Travo, executing his own strategic plan; presumed dead after the battle. ### [IX: De Mortuis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ix-de-mortuis) Posthumously celebrated as the hero of the victory over Buonterzo; his strategy and sacrifice are praised, and a Requiem Mass is ordered for him. ### [X: The Knight Bellarion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/x-the-knight-bellarion) Returns to Milan alive, is knighted, and avoids a joust with Carmagnola by feigning illness. ### [XI: The Siege of Alessandria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xi-the-siege-of-alessandria) Proposes a strategic diversion to Lodi, citing Athenian tactics; clashes with Carmagnola and is rebuked by Facino. ### [XIII: The Victuallers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiii-the-victuallers) Rides alone to visit Stoffel, discovers the mule shoe and flour trail, interrogates Lorenzaccio, and proposes a plan to capture the victuallers. ### [XIV: The Muleteer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiv-the-muleteer) Disguised as the muleteer Beppo, he infiltrates Alessandria, delivers provisions, and persuades Vignate to launch a night attack on Facino Cane. ### [XV: The Camisade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xv-the-camisade) Masterminds the capture of Alessandria through a daring camisade ruse; captures Vignate in single combat and negotiates his ransom; demonstrates strategic brilliance and aversion to personal violence. ### [Severance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xvi-severance) Decides to leave Facino's service, plans to raise his own condotta of Swiss infantry, and proposes an alliance with Theodore of Montferrat. ### [XVII: The Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xvii-the-return) Returns to Casale as a celebrated knight and envoy of Facino Cane, commanding a troop of arbalesters. He contrasts his current status with his departure a year ago and engages in a tense dinner with the court, deflecting Valeria's scorn with wit. ### [XVIII: The Hostage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xviii-the-hostage) Orchestrates the hostage scheme, using deception and strategy to manipulate Theodore and the Council, while earnestly seeking Valeria's trust. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/book-iii) Continues his rise as a cunning and fortunate soldier, now deeply entangled in Visconti politics. ### [I: The Lord Bellarion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/i-the-lord-bellarion) Now a celebrated condottiero leading the Company of the White Dog, he receives Facino's summons and proposes a strategic diversion to Genoa. ### [II: The Battle of Novi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ii-the-battle-of-novi) Feigns interest in Theodore's offer while secretly loyal to Facino; orchestrates the exposure of Theodore's plot. ### [III: Facino's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iii-facino-s-return) Laughs at the Duke's impotence, rebukes him, and later becomes Facino's deputy in Milan, earning the title Count of Gavi. ### [IV: The Count of Pavia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/iv-the-count-of-pavia) Recovering from his injury, he patiently maneuvers at court, observing Filippo Maria's interest in the Countess and warning her to withdraw to Melegnano. ### [V: Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/v-justice) Receives warning from Venegono, interrogates Mombelli, and decides to ride to Milan to stop Gian Maria Visconti. ### [VI: The Inheritance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vi-the-inheritance) Adoptive son of Facino Cane, now Count of Gavi; orchestrates a marriage proposal between Filippo Maria and Beatrice to consolidate power. ### [VII: Prince of Valsassina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vii-prince-of-valsassina) Now Prince of Valsassina, he orchestrates Filippo Maria's marriage, leads military campaigns, and goads the Duke into action against Theodore of Montferrat. ### [VIII: Carmagnola's Bridges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/viii-carmagnola-s-bridges) Demonstrates strategic foresight, secretly sends Stoffel to Carpignano, and clashes with Carmagnola over military decisions. ### [IX: Vercelli](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ix-vercelli) Leads the siege as a strategic demonstration; reluctantly agrees to Carmagnola's plan; suspects Theodore's craft and tries to withdraw the attack. ### [X: The Arrest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/x-the-arrest) Accused of treachery, defends himself with logic, arrested. ### [XI: The Pledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xi-the-pledge) Condemned to death by the captains, he escapes by overpowering a friar and a guard, fleeing in disguise. ### [XII: Carmagnola's Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xii-carmagnola-s-duty) Mentioned as the wrongfully accused agent; his plan to raise the siege is discussed. ### [XIII: The Occupation of Casale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiii-the-occupation-of-casale) Occupies Casale, forces the council to swear fealty to Gian Giacomo, writes a revealing letter to Valeria, and prepares to meet Theodore's advancing army. ### [XIV: The Vanquished](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xiv-the-vanquished) Orchestrates the strategy to draw Theodore out of Vercelli; commands the forces that engage Theodore near Villanova; after the victory, he collapses in a swoon. ### [XV: The Last Fight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/xv-the-last-fight) Recovering from a near-fatal wound, he expresses his desire to leave the world and enter a monastery, but ultimately confesses his love for Valeria. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters/bellarion - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/characters