Ambition and Power

Where it surfaces

• VI: The Winds of Fate

  Barbaresco's ambition to lead the council of regency and Theodore's ruthless pursuit of power through intrigue are central to the chapter.

• Service

  The conspirators seek to advance themselves through regicide.

• IX: The Marquis Theodore

  Bellarion's ambition drives him to seek advancement through risky service, while Theodore wields power by manipulating those around him.

• Book II

  Bellarion's training under Facino Cane is driven by the pursuit of power and influence, reflecting the ruthless ambition that defines the political machinations of the era.

• III: The Countess of Biandrate

  Facino's ambition to adopt and train Bellarion reflects his desire to shape a successor; Bellarion's own ambition to return to Montferrat in strength.

• IV: The Champion

  The Countess urges Facino to seize power, contrasting his honour-bound restraint with the actions of Pandolfo and Buonterzo.

• V: The Commune of Milan

  Facino's military power and popularity make him a threat to the Duke, and he must navigate the politics of the court.

• Manoeuvres

  Facino's bitterness at the Duke's ingratitude and his determination to win the campaign despite personal slights reflect the dynamics of ambition and power.

• IX: De Mortuis

  Gabriello Maria Visconti manipulates alliances and marriages to secure power, while Theodore of Montferrat seeks to restore lost territories.

• XI: The Siege of Alessandria

  Della Torre's secret alliance plans, Vignate's seizure of Alessandria, and the Visconti brothers' rivalry all reflect power struggles.

• XII: Visconti Faith

  Beatrice's covert exultation reveals her ambition for empire, even at the cost of her husband's heartbreak.

• Severance

  Bellarion's plan to raise his own condotta and negotiate alliances reflects his growing ambition and political acumen.

• XVII: The Return

  The alliance proposal between Facino Cane and Theodore of Montferrat is driven by mutual ambition to recover territories and challenge Milan's power. Bellarion's own rise reflects personal ambition.

• XVIII: The Hostage

  Bellarion's calculated moves to secure the alliance and the prince's safety demonstrate his ambition to shape political outcomes, while Theodore's resistance shows the struggle for control.

• I: The Lord Bellarion

  Facino's reluctance to let Theodore gain Genoa reflects the power struggles among the Italian lords, while Bellarion's rise as a condottiero shows personal ambition.

• II: The Battle of Novi

  Theodore's ambition to conquer lands and usurp power drives the plot, while Bellarion's actions are motivated by a desire to restore the rightful heir.

• III: Facino's Return

  Facino consolidates absolute power over Milan, while Filippo Maria's brief ambition is crushed; Bellarion rises through loyalty.

• IV: The Count of Pavia

  Valeria suspects Bellarion of aiming at a throne, while Bellarion warns the Countess not to jeopardize her chance at becoming a duchess.

• VI: The Inheritance

  Bellarion manipulates Filippo Maria's greed and Beatrice's desire for the ducal crown to secure his own influence, demonstrating the ruthless pursuit of power.

• VII: Prince of Valsassina

  Bellarion's relentless drive to secure power for Filippo Maria and himself, using calculated manipulation and military strategy.

• VIII: Carmagnola's Bridges

  Carmagnola's desire for command and Valeria's trust in him highlight the struggle for control and influence within the army.

• IX: Vercelli

  Carmagnola's ambition to conquer Vercelli and lay Montferrat at Valeria's feet; Bellarion's calculated restraint.

• XII: Carmagnola's Duty

  Carmagnola's ambition and pride are challenged, and the power dynamics among the captains shift.

• XIII: The Occupation of Casale

  Bellarion's rise from a nameless scholar to a condottiero prince who holds a city in subjection, yet he plans to renounce power once his mission is complete.