# Madame de Volanges — Dangerous Liaisons character guide

> Madame de Volanges in Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Volanges, Madame Volanges

**First appearance:** 0011-letter-9-madame-de-volanges-to-the-presidente-de-tourvel

## Snapshot

Cecilia's anxious mother, determined to arrange a respectable marriage while warning everyone against the very people she trusts.

## Who they are

Madame de Volanges is a woman of the world who believes she understands it, and who writes to her friend Madame de Rosemonde with warnings about Valmont's reputation and advice about Cecilia's future. She has chosen Gercourt for her daughter and considers the match prudent, unaware that her confidante Merteuil is the one orchestrating its consequences. Her letters frame the moral landscape of the early novel: a mother's vigilance that is real, well-meaning, and almost perfectly misplaced.

## In the story

### [Letter 1: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-1-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay-at-the-convent-of-the-ursulines-of)

Cecilia's mother, who is arranging the marriage and managing Cecilia's transition from convent life.

### [Letter 2: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount Valmont, at the Castle of ⸻](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-2-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-the-viscount-valmont-at-the-castle-of)

Mother of Cecilia; she has secretly arranged the marriage to Gercourt and is hosting the supper where the plot will unfold.

### [Letter 3: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-3-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, who hosts the supper and allows Cecilia to retire after her embarrassing moment.

### [Letter 7: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-7-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, referred to as 'Mamma' in the letter.

### [Letter 8: Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-8-presidente-de-tourvel-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; praised for her maternal prudence and choice of Count Gercourt as a match for Cecilia.

### [Letter 9: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-9-madame-de-volanges-to-the-presidente-de-tourvel)

Writes to warn Tourvel about Valmont's character and advises her to avoid him.

### [Letter 11: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-11-the-presidente-de-tourvel-to-madame-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; Tourvel addresses her warnings about Valmont and her advice to shorten his visit.

### [Letter 12: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-12-cecilia-volanges-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Cecilia's mother, who is indisposed and not receiving visitors.

### [Letter 13: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-13-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-cecilia-volanges)

Indisposed; Merteuil plans to visit and play piquet with her.

### [Letter 14: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-14-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, who was indisposed and kept Cecilia at home.

### [Letter 18: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-18-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother; she is present during Danceny's visit, preventing direct communication between the young people.

### [Letter 22: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-22-the-presidente-de-tourvel-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; Tourvel seeks to change her harsh judgment of Valmont.

### [Letter 27: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-27-cecilia-volanges-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Cecilia's mother, who treats her like a child and is unaware of the correspondence.

### [Letter 29: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-29-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, who remains silent about the marriage plans and is unaware of Merteuil's influence.

### [Letter 30: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-30-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia mentions that her mother is supping at home and may invite Danceny to stay.

### [Letter 31: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-31-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges)

Cecilia's mother, whose return ended the lovers' private moment and imposed restraint.

### [Letter 32: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-32-madame-de-volanges-to-the-presidente-de-tourvel)

Writes a cautionary letter to Tourvel, expressing deep concern over Valmont's influence and defending her own cautious stance.

### [Letter 37: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-37-the-presidente-de-tourvel-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; her advice and warnings about Valmont are acknowledged by Tourvel.

### [Letter 39: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-39-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, who arranged the marriage; Cecilia fears being sent back to the convent if she objects.

### [Letter 44: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-44-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Revealed as the source of letters warning Tourvel against Valmont; he vows revenge on her through her daughter.

### [Letter 45: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-45-the-presidente-de-tourvel-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; her wish for Valmont's departure is acknowledged.

### [Letter 46: The Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-46-the-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges)

Mentioned as the one who informed Danceny of the time for the next day's meeting, since Cecilia feigned ignorance.

### [Letter 49: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-49-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Referenced as the authority Cecilia will inform if Danceny continues to write.

### [Letter 51: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-51-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-viscount-valmont)

Merteuil plans to arrange for her to leave the house so Cecilia can meet Danceny.

### [Letter 54: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-54-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-the-viscount-de-valmont)

Manipulated by Merteuil into leaving the house despite feeling ill, then later put to bed after returning.

### [Letter 61: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-61-cecilia-volanges-to-sophia-carnay)

Cecilia's mother, who discovers the letters and confiscates them.

### [Letter 62: Madame de Volanges to Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-62-madame-de-volanges-to-chevalier-danceny)

Writes to Danceny, expressing indignation and asserting her authority as a mother to protect her daughter's honor.

### [Letter 63: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-63-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-viscount-de-valmont)

Deceived by Merteuil into believing her daughter is in danger; agrees to send Cecilia to Madame de Rosemonde's chateau.

### [Letter 64: The Chevalier Danceny to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-64-the-chevalier-danceny-to-madame-de-volanges)

The recipient of Danceny's letter; she has forbidden him from visiting and demanded the return of Cecilia's letters.

### [Letter 65: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-65-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges)

Mentioned as the one who discovered the correspondence and wrote a letter to Danceny.

### [Letter 66: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-66-the-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Valmont discusses hindering her from being startled and keeping her from the convent; he plans revenge against her.

### [Letter 69: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-69-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia's mother, who has confiscated her writing materials and stopped speaking to her, and is taking her to the country.

### [Letter 72: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-72-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges)

Referenced as having a bad opinion of Valmont and having separated Danceny and Cecilia.

### [Letter 73: Viscount de Valmont to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-73-viscount-de-valmont-to-cecilia-volanges)

Mentioned as the cruel mother whose persecution Valmont promises to soften.

### [Letter 74: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-74-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-viscount-de-valmont)

Mentioned as a target of Valmont's revenge, facilitated by Merteuil.

### [Letter 76: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-76-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Shows vexation at Valmont's arrival; attempts to follow Tourvel but is thwarted by Valmont.

### [Letter 82: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-82-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia's mother, whose constant surveillance and scolding make it difficult for Cecilia to write or receive letters.

### [Letter 84: Viscount de Valmont to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-84-viscount-de-valmont-to-cecilia-volanges)

Cecilia's mother; Valmont describes her as showing 'small confidence' and 'moroseness,' and instructs Cecilia to deceive her by taking the key from her chimneypiece.

### [Letter 87: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-87-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; Merteuil asks for her prudent advice and consolation.

### [Letter 88: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-88-cecilia-volanges-to-the-viscount-de-valmont)

Cecilia's mother, described as exceedingly watchful and a source of fear for Cecilia.

### [Letter 89: The Viscount de Valmont to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-89-the-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Mentioned as a vigilant and severe obstacle to Danceny's correspondence with Cecilia.

### [Letter 93: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-93-chevalier-danceny-to-cecilia-volanges)

Implied as having possibly destroyed Cecilia's affection and candor, influencing her actions.

### [Letter 94: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-94-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia fears her mother discovering the key, which would cause trouble.

### [Letter 95: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-95-cecilia-volanges-to-the-viscount-de-valmont)

Cecilia fears her mother discovering the key exchange.

### [Letter 96: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-96-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Cecilia's mother; Valmont notes her concern over Cecilia's altered appearance the morning after the seduction.

### [Letter 97: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-97-cecilia-volanges-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Notices Cecilia's distress and speaks gently to her, unknowingly deepening Cecilia's guilt and sorrow.

### [Letter 98: Madame de Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-98-madame-de-volanges-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Writes to Merteuil in distress, torn between her promise to Gercourt and her daughter's evident unhappiness; she leans toward breaking the engagement.

### [Letter 100: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-100-the-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Valmont suspects her as a possible accomplice but is pleased she was not consulted; he detests her.

### [Letter 101: The Viscount de Valmont to Azolan, His Huntsman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-101-the-viscount-de-valmont-to-azolan-his-huntsman)

Valmont specifically orders interception of letters addressed to her.

### [Letter 104: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-104-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; Merteuil addresses her concerns about Cecilia's marriage and maternal authority.

### [Letter 105: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-105-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-cecilia-volanges)

Cecilia's mother; Merteuil reveals her plan to trick Cecilia into confessing, and advises Cecilia to feign submission to her.

### [Letter 106: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-106-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-the-viscount-de-valmont)

Merteuil manipulates her into opposing Cecilia's marriage to Danceny, playing on her past indiscretions.

### [Letter 109: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-109-cecilia-volanges-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Cecilia's mother; Valmont tells stories about her that Cecilia finds hard to believe, and Cecilia fears being sent to a convent if discovered.

### [Letter 110: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-110-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil)

Cecilia's mother; Valmont uses her as a subject of scandalous stories to corrupt Cecilia's respect for her.

### [Letter 111: Count Gercourt to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-111-count-gercourt-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of Gercourt's letter; he seeks her approval regarding a delay in the marriage to her daughter.

### [Letter 117: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-117-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia's mother, who is pleased with her and whom Cecilia tries to caress to possibly avoid the marriage.

### [Letter 147: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-147-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes to inform Madame de Rosemonde of Tourvel's deteriorating condition and stays by Tourvel's bedside.

### [Letter 149: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-149-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Narrates the letter, describes Tourvel's condition and her own emotional response.

### [Letter 154: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-154-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes to Madame de Rosemonde, describing her exhausting attendance on the ill Madame de Tourvel and her refusal to act as Valmont's intermediary.

### [Letter 156: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-156-cecilia-volanges-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Cecilia's mother, who is frequently out and goes to bed at eleven, enabling the planned meeting.

### [Letter 160: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-160-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes from Tourvel's chamber, reporting on her condition and the discovery of the undirected letter.

### [Letter 165: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-165-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Narrates the letter, describing the death of Madame de Tourvel and her own grief.

### [Letter 168: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-168-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes to Rosemonde, alarmed by rumors about Merteuil and seeking information.

### [Letter 170: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-170-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes to Madame de Rosemonde in a state of shock and sorrow after Cecilia's flight to a convent; she struggles with whether to enforce parental authority or show maternal leniency.

### [Letter 171: Madame de Rosemonde to the Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-171-madame-de-rosemonde-to-the-chevalier-danceny)

Referred to as the wounded maternal heart whom Madame de Rosemonde wishes to protect.

### [Letter 172: Madame de Rosemonde to Madame de Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-172-madame-de-rosemonde-to-madame-de-volanges)

Recipient of the letter; is urged to trust Rosemonde's judgment and to allow Cecilia to remain in the convent.

### [Letter 173: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-173-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Writes to Madame de Rosemonde, expressing anguish over her daughter's fate and seeking confirmation of her worst fears.

### [Letter 175: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-175-madame-de-volanges-to-madame-de-rosemonde)

Narrates the letter; prepares for her daughter Cecilia to become a novice; reflects on the misfortunes caused by dangerous connections.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/madame_de_volanges
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- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters