Dangerous Liaisons
Valmont's cunning accomplice, orchestrating schemes for revenge and amusement.
Letter 2: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount Valmont, at the Castle of ⸻
Writes to Valmont, revealing her manipulative and vengeful nature as she orchestrates a plot to seduce Cecilia Volanges and humiliate Count Gercourt.
Letter 4: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont playfully addresses her as his former lover and current co-conspirator in their 'mission of love.'
Letter 5: The Marchioness de Merteuil, to the Viscount Valmont
Writes to Valmont, expressing anger and mockery at his pursuit of Tourvel, and threatening to break with Belleroche.
Letter 6: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Addressed by Valmont; criticized for her harsh view of Tourvel.
Letter 7: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Mentioned as one of the two amiable persons Cecilia knows, along with Danceny.
Letter 9: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel
Mentioned as the only woman who has successfully resisted and defeated Valmont.
Letter 10: The Marchioness de Merteuil, to Viscount Valmont
Writes to Valmont, criticizing his timid approach to seducing Tourvel and boasting about her own manipulative success with Danceny.
Letter 11: The Presidente de Tourvel to Madame Volanges
Mentioned as the subject of Valmont's praise and apparent friendship, which Tourvel initially mistook for love.
Letter 12: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Cecilia expresses affection and asks for her help.
Letter 13: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges
Writes to Cecilia, expressing concern and arranging a social gathering.
Letter 14: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Mentioned as the one who was to take Cecilia to the opera and who flatters Cecilia about Danceny's preference.
Letter 15: Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont accuses her of favoring the Chevalier and demands she either take him back or take another.
Letter 16: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Cecilia considers confiding in her for guidance on whether to answer Danceny's letter.
Letter 18: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Mentioned as the one who introduced Cecilia to Danceny and whose absence leaves Cecilia without guidance.
Letter 20: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Writes to Valmont, setting terms for their relationship and plotting to corrupt Cecilia.
Letter 21: From Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of Valmont's letter, his confidante and co-conspirator.
Letter 23: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Valmont's letter; his confidante and co-conspirator in the seduction plot.
Letter 25: Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Valmont's letter; he shares his progress and seeks her opinion.
Letter 27: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Cecilia's letter; Cecilia trusts her as a friend and confidante.
Letter 29: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Cecilia's new confidante; she approves the correspondence, offers to review letters, and plans to lend Cecilia books on love.
Letter 31: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned as the one who provided a secret to Cecilia's mother, allowing Danceny and Cecilia to meet.
Letter 32: Madame de Volanges to the Presidente de Tourvel
Mentioned as a counterexample; Volanges notes Merteuil's own caution and agreement that Valmont is a risky connection.
Letter 33: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, offering strategic advice on his seduction of Tourvel and reporting on her manipulation of Cecilia.
Letter 34: Viscount Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Valmont's letter; he responds to her earlier advice about speaking versus writing in love.
Letter 38: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Writes to Valmont, detailing her manipulation of Cecilia Volanges and her plans for revenge against Gercourt.
Letter 39: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Accompanies Cecilia to the opera, discusses the marriage, and subtly manipulates Cecilia by emphasizing wifely duties and discouraging her attachment to Danceny.
Letter 40: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Valmont's letter; he seeks her approval and shares his strategic reasoning.
Sequel to the Fortieth Letter
Valmont addresses his letter to Merteuil, discussing his schemes and frustrations.
Letter 44: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's confidante and correspondent, to whom he reports his schemes and discoveries.
Letter 47: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont asks her to post his letter to Tourvel and arranges a meeting.
Letter 51: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount Valmont
Writes to Valmont in frustration, orchestrates a meeting between Cecilia and Danceny, and manipulates Cecilia's religious scruples.
Letter 53: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Addressed by Valmont; he asks her to gather information from Cecilia.
Letter 54: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Narrator of the letter; orchestrates the meeting between Danceny and Cecilia, expresses frustration with Danceny, and plans to mentor Cecilia.
Letter 55: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Cecilia compares her affection for Merteuil to her love for Danceny, noting they are often together.
Letter 57: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient; Valmont addresses her anger and her role in the scheme with Danceny and Cecilia.
Letter 59: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont addresses Merteuil, asking for her instructions regarding Danceny and their schemes.
Letter 61: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Cecilia hopes to enlist her help to deliver a letter to Danceny.
Letter 63: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont
Architect of the scheme; manipulates Madame de Volanges and Cecilia to further her revenge on Gercourt and control over Danceny.
Letter 65: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Mentioned as the person through whom Valmont initially planned to deliver a letter.
Letter 66: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont acknowledges her wisdom and commission.
Letter 70: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont warns her of Prevan's plot and seeks her instructions.
Letter 71: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her directly and shares his tale for her amusement.
Letter 74: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, revealing her capricious interest in seducing Prevan and her manipulative control over Valmont's affairs.
Letter 75: Cecilia Volanges to Sophia Carnay
Cecilia's confidante in her love affair, mentioned as someone she can speak freely to.
Letter 76: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont critiques her cryptic remarks about Prevan and warns her of his danger.
Letter 79: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her directly, warning her against Prevan and urging a prudent response.
Letter 81: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Delivers a lengthy, self-justifying monologue defending her methods and superiority over Valmont, recounting her calculated upbringing and mastery of deception.
Letter 85: Marchioness de Merteuil to Viscount de Valmont
Narrates her calculated seduction and ruin of Prevan, demonstrating her mastery of manipulation and social theater.
Letter 86: The Marechale de ⸻ to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; reported to have been victimized by Prevan and to be very ill.
Letter 87: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Madame de Volanges
Narrates the scandalous bedroom intrusion by Prevan, expressing distress over the public exposure and seeking counsel from Madame de Volanges.
Letter 96: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont acknowledges her recent adventure and addresses her impatience with his slow progress.
Letter 97: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of Cecilia's confession; Cecilia appeals to her for advice and compassion, though she feels unworthy of her friendship.
Letter 98: Madame de Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of the letter, asked for advice and consolation; her friendship and prudence are invoked.
Letter 99: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her as his confidante and reminds her of their agreement.
Letter 100: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont's confidante; he seeks her advice and assistance in his revenge scheme.
Letter 104: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Madame de Volanges
Writes to Madame de Volanges offering advice against Cecilia's attachment to Danceny, advocating for the match with Gercourt.
Letter 105: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges
Writes a manipulative letter to Cecilia, mocking her innocence and advising her to deceive her mother and lovers.
Letter 106: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, mocking his failure and outlining a manipulative plan for Cecilia.
Letter 109: Cecilia Volanges to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of the letter; Cecilia seeks her guidance and reassurance about the affair and her future with Danceny.
Letter 110: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont shares his schemes and progress with her, including his plans for Cecilia and Tourvel.
Letter 113: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes to Valmont, advising him to return to Paris to salvage his reputation; reveals her plan to discard Belleroche and pursue Danceny.
Letter 115: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient; Valmont criticizes her interest in Danceny and offers himself instead.
Letter 116: Chevalier Danceny to Cecilia Volanges
Has left for the country; Danceny describes her as a mutual friend and an amiable woman who loves Cecilia.
Letter 118: Chevalier Danceny to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient; Danceny addresses her as his 'charming friend' and confidante.
Letter 121: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Chevalier Danceny
Writes to Danceny, critiquing his affected style and asserting her preference for sincerity and friendship over romantic nonsense.
Letter 125: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of Valmont's letter; he shares his triumph and reflections with her.
Letter 127: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes a scathing reply to Valmont, rejecting his proposal and asserting her autonomy.
Letter 129: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient; Valmont addresses her accusations of presumption and jealousy.
Letter 131: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; she analyzes the nature of pleasure and love, rejects Valmont's proposal for a sustained affair, and negotiates a single night of intimacy deferred to a later date.
Letter 133: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Addressed by Valmont; he reassures her of his devotion and agrees to her plans, including sacrificing Tourvel if needed.
Letter 134: Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; she analyzes Valmont's feelings, refuses his plan, and discusses her lawsuit and the end of her affair with Belleroche.
Letter 138: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her accusations of his being in love.
Letter 140: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont is annoyed by her lack of response and questions their alliance.
Letter 141: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Writes a scolding, analytical letter to Valmont, accusing him of self-deception and love for Tourvel, and encloses a mock breakup letter as a lesson.
Letter 142: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont references her story and epistolary model.
Letter 144: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont addresses Merteuil as his confidante and co-conspirator, seeking her return and approval.
Letter 145: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; she taunts Valmont, claims credit for the letter sent to Tourvel, and asserts her control over the situation.
Letter 146: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Chevalier Danceny
Writer of the letter; announces her departure to Paris and playfully chides Danceny for his neglect.
Letter 148: The Chevalier Danceny to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Danceny addresses her as his beloved and tries to reassure her.
Letter 150: Chevalier Danceny to the Marchioness de Merteuil
The recipient of Danceny's letter; she has proposed ending their correspondence as dangerous.
Letter 151: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Valmont confronts her about her secret meetings with Danceny and her manipulation.
Letter 152: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; defends her autonomy and mocks Valmont's jealousy.
Letter 153: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Receives Valmont's ultimatum and responds with a declaration of war.
Letter 158: The Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil
Recipient of the letter; Valmont alludes to her night with Danceny and her coquetry.
Letter 159: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Viscount de Valmont
Author of the letter; expresses anger and a desire for revenge.
Letter 168: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Subject of the spreading rumors; has left Paris unexpectedly for the country.
Letter 169: The Chevalier Danceny to Madame de Rosemonde
Identified by Danceny as the true cause of the conflict; he includes her letters to expose her dangerous nature.
Letter 172: Madame de Rosemonde to Madame de Volanges
Revealed to be deeply deceitful; Rosemonde possesses a 'heap of shocking abominations' proving her true nature.
Letter 173: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Publicly humiliated at the Italian comedy, then stricken with smallpox; Madame de Volanges sees this as divine punishment.
Letter 174: The Chevalier Danceny to Madame de Rosemonde
Condemned by Danceny for the 'horrible pleasure and pains' she took to destroy Cecilia's innocence and candor.
Letter 175: Madame de Volanges to Madame de Rosemonde
Recovered from smallpox but disfigured and blind in one eye; lost her lawsuit, fled to Holland with stolen diamonds and valuables, leaving debts.
Endnotes
Mentioned in relation to her past with Gercourt and Valmont, and her disregard for religion.
