Dangerous Liaisons
The innocent young girl targeted for seduction by Valmont and Merteuil.
Letter 1: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Narrator of the letter; excited and naive about her new life and upcoming marriage.
Letter 2: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount Valmont, at the Castle of ⸻
Described as a handsome, innocent fifteen-year-old rosebud, recently out of convent, who is to be seduced by Valmont to disgrace her future husband, Gercourt.
Letter 3: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Narrates her discomfort and self-consciousness at her first social gathering, feeling awkward and blushing under scrutiny.
Letter 5: The Marchioness de Merteuil, to the Viscount Valmont
Mentioned as having made a conquest of Danceny; Merteuil suggests she is wild and easily led.
Letter 7: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
The letter's author, expressing her happiness and growing attachment to Danceny.
Letter 8: Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges
Mentioned as the subject of the proposed marriage to Count Gercourt; Tourvel hopes to form a sisterly friendship with her.
Letter 9: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel
Her marriage to Count Gercourt is delayed due to his military orders.
Letter 12: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The writer; regrets missing the opera and asks Merteuil to pass a message to Danceny.
Letter 13: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of the letter; Merteuil addresses her affectionately and mentions her singing with Danceny.
Letter 14: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Narrates the letter; expresses frustration at being kept from the opera and Danceny, and reveals her increasing concern with her looks.
Letter 16: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
The letter's author; excited and conflicted after discovering Danceny's hidden letter.
Letter 17: The Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of Danceny's declaration; he credits her with inspiring his feelings and asks for her reply.
Letter 18: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
The letter's author; she is conflicted, emotional, and rationalizes her decision to write to Danceny despite her friend's advice.
Letter 19: Cecilia Volanges to Chevalier Danceny
Writes reluctantly to Danceny, torn between her promise and fear of discovery.
Letter 20: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Merteuil describes her as a promising pupil, already in love with Danceny, whom she plans to corrupt.
Letter 25: Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned briefly as 'little Volanges,' to be discussed later.
Letter 27: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Writes to Merteuil in distress, confessing her secret correspondence with Danceny and seeking guidance.
Letter 28: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of Danceny's letter; she is accused of offering only friendship and remaining silent.
Letter 29: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Writes to Sophia, expressing relief and happiness after receiving Madame de Merteuil's approval and guidance.
Letter 30: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes to Danceny, confessing her love and promising to be more open.
Letter 31: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of Danceny's letter; she has confessed her love and is urged to be less reserved in future meetings.
Letter 33: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as progressing well under Merteuil's manipulation.
Letter 38: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Described by Merteuil as naive, naturally duplicitous, and amusing; Merteuil is manipulating her affair with Danceny and her hatred for Gercourt.
Letter 39: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Expresses melancholy and unease about her arranged marriage to Gercourt, reaffirms her love for Danceny, and relies on Merteuil's friendship.
Letter 44: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Target of Valmont's revenge plot against her mother; he plans to seduce and ruin her.
Letter 45: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges
Mentioned as Mademoiselle de Volanges, whom Tourvel hopes to meet soon.
Letter 46: The Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Accused by Danceny of being fickle and deceitful; she has become cold and evasive, avoiding his looks and refusing to arrange a meeting.
Letter 47: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont mentions he will see her at Madame de Volanges' house.
Letter 49: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes to Danceny to end their correspondence, citing religious duty and her mother's authority.
Letter 51: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Terrified by confession, she wants to break off with Danceny but is manipulated by Merteuil into meeting him instead.
Letter 53: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Referred to as 'the little Volanges'; Valmont considers her more open and silly.
Letter 54: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Shows affection to Merteuil and appears bashful after the meeting with Danceny; Merteuil finds her susceptible and amiable, planning to model her.
Letter 55: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Narrates the letter, confessing her renewed affair with Danceny and her emotional turmoil.
Letter 57: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The target of the seduction scheme; Valmont discusses Danceny's hesitation to compromise her honor.
Letter 61: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
The letter's author, distraught after her mother discovers Danceny's letters.
Letter 62: Madame de Volanges to Chevalier Danceny
Mentioned as the daughter whose innocence was exploited and who is now threatened with confinement.
Letter 63: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont
Target of Merteuil's manipulation; distraught over the discovery of her correspondence but comforted by Merteuil's false promises.
Letter 64: The Chevalier Danceny to Madame de Volanges
The object of Danceny's affection; her letters are at the center of the dispute, and Danceny insists on protecting her secrets.
Letter 65: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of the letter; Danceny worries about her grief and seeks her approval of his plans.
Letter 66: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The 'little one' whose letters Valmont has read and plans to use as leverage.
Letter 69: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes a tearful, secret letter to Danceny using a pencil, expressing her love and despair at being separated and betrayed.
Letter 70: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Referenced as 'your pupil'; Valmont promises to advance her affair.
Letter 72: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient; Danceny pleads for her forgiveness and continued love.
Letter 73: Viscount de Valmont to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of Valmont's letter; instructed to hide writing materials and act indifferent in company.
Letter 75: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Narrates the letter, expressing her admiration for Valmont's artfulness and her shyness about her love for Danceny.
Letter 76: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont delivers Danceny's letter to her; she shows surprise and awkwardness but is instructed to hide it.
Letter 80: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of the letter; Danceny accuses her of silence and questions whether she still wishes to see him.
Letter 81: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Referenced as one of the 'two children' Valmont brought together, though Merteuil claims the eagerness is due to her own manipulation.
Letter 82: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
The letter's author; she is distressed by Danceny's complaints and describes her efforts to write secretly under her mother's watch.
Letter 84: Viscount de Valmont to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her as his 'pretty pupil' and instructs her in deceitful methods to bypass her mother's restrictions.
Letter 88: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, refusing his risky plan for a duplicate key due to fear of her mother's watchfulness.
Letter 89: The Viscount de Valmont to the Chevalier Danceny
Described by Valmont as timid and uncooperative, blamed for the slow progress of her affair with Danceny.
Letter 92: Chevalier Danceny to the Viscount de Valmont
Subject of Danceny's anxiety; he fears she no longer loves him and recalls her recent difficulties and timidity.
Letter 93: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of Danceny's letter; accused of distrusting Valmont and being influenced by her mother, with her love and candor questioned.
Letter 94: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes to Danceny, defending her actions and expressing hurt over his accusations.
Letter 95: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, agreeing to the key exchange and denying her love for Danceny.
Letter 96: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's latest conquest; he recounts seducing her in her bedchamber after obtaining the key through manipulation.
Letter 97: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Writes in despair, confessing Valmont's violation and her own conflicted feelings, overwhelmed by guilt toward Danceny.
Letter 98: Madame de Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Described as dejected, melancholy, and visibly altered; she flings herself into her mother's arms, sobbing and confessing she is very unhappy.
Letter 99: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's other target; she locks her door against him, provoking his anger and plans for revenge.
Letter 104: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Madame de Volanges
Discussed as the daughter whose marriage is being considered; Merteuil warns against her youthful passion for Danceny.
Letter 105: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of the letter; Merteuil scolds her for her shame and naivety, and instructs her on how to manage her affairs.
Letter 106: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Described as a 'mere machine' to be used and discarded in Merteuil's scheme against Gercourt and her mother.
Letter 109: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The letter's author; she is conflicted but increasingly comfortable with Valmont's attentions, and seeks Merteuil's approval.
Letter 110: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's pupil; he has been meeting her at night, teaching her scandalous language, and corrupting her by undermining her respect for her mother.
Letter 111: Count Gercourt to Madame de Volanges
Mentioned as Mademoiselle de Volanges, the intended bride of Gercourt.
Letter 112: Madame de Rosemonde to the Presidente de Tourvel
Described as chatty and yawning; falls into a profound sleep every evening.
Letter 113: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Merteuil notes that Cecilia's letters show she still thinks of Danceny, not Valmont, and that Valmont only possesses her person.
Letter 115: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont describes seducing her and dictating her letters to Danceny.
Letter 116: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
The recipient of Danceny's letter; he expresses his love and frustration over their separation.
Letter 117: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes to Danceny, torn between her love for him and her fear of future consequences, and influenced by Valmont's dictation.
Letter 118: Chevalier Danceny to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Danceny's beloved; he mentions her letter and their secret love, though he withholds details.
Letter 121: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Chevalier Danceny
Referred to as Danceny's young mistress; Merteuil comments on her virtue and the dangers of seduction.
Letter 127: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as another of Valmont's targets, with Merteuil mocking his concern for her opinion.
Letter 129: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as a minor affair undertaken at Merteuil's request; Valmont dismisses her significance.
Letter 133: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont has secured communication with her through bribery; he plans to seduce her and eventually hand her over to Danceny.
Letter 134: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned in the context of Valmont's offer to sacrifice her; Merteuil refuses this and demands he continue the affair.
Letter 138: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as the 'little Volanges' who is absent at a ball, leaving Valmont with free time.
Letter 140: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's pupil; she suffers a fall and subsequent symptoms indicating pregnancy after a careless encounter.
Letter 141: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned briefly at the end; Merteuil thanks Valmont for his account of her and says it will be kept for the scandalous gazette after her wedding.
Letter 144: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Cecilia has recovered from her illness and is visited by Danceny; Valmont plans to use her further.
Letter 145: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned in the context of her health and the decision about her future with Danceny or Gercourt.
Letter 146: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Chevalier Danceny
Referenced as Danceny's love interest; her illness and recovery are mentioned.
Letter 155: The Viscount de Valmont to the Chevalier Danceny
Has succeeded in arranging a meeting with Danceny, but is displeased by his lack of attention.
Letter 156: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny
Writes a desperate, loving letter to Danceny, arranging a secret nighttime meeting.
Letter 157: The Chevalier Danceny to the Viscount de Valmont
Danceny's beloved; he wishes to spare her from pain and remains devoted to her.
Letter 158: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Mentioned as Danceny's beloved; Valmont dictated a letter from her to Danceny.
Letter 165: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Mentioned as being indisposed after hearing of the two deaths; put to bed by her mother.
Letter 170: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Has fled to a convent, claiming a religious vocation; she is described as trembling and tearful when confronted by her mother, and refuses to explain her motives.
Letter 171: Madame de Rosemonde to the Chevalier Danceny
Her letters are requested by Madame de Rosemonde to protect her mother from further pain.
Letter 172: Madame de Rosemonde to Madame de Volanges
Her vocation to enter the convent is discussed; Rosemonde advises supporting her choice and breaking off her intended marriage.
Letter 173: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Subject of her mother's fears; suspected of having been seduced by Danceny and possibly entering a convent out of despair.
Letter 174: The Chevalier Danceny to Madame de Rosemonde
Her letters are returned; Danceny reflects on her innocence and candor corrupted by Merteuil's machinations.
Letter 175: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
About to put on the habit of novice; her mother laments her culpability and the necessity of this sacrifice.
Endnotes
Noted for changing her confidant and for letters that are suppressed.
