# Marchioness de Merteuil — Dangerous Liaisons character guide > Marchioness de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Madame Merteuil, Madame de Merteuil, de Merteuil **First appearance:** 0002-dangerous-liaisons ## Snapshot A widowed aristocrat who has turned self-mastery into weaponry, engineering others' downfalls while keeping her own reputation immaculate. ## Who they are Merteuil moves through Parisian society as a model of propriety, yet her letters reveal a strategist who has studied her own sex and her enemies with cold precision. She alone has defeated Valmont, and the alliance between them runs on shared contempt, old intimacy, and the thrill of orchestrating ruin from a drawing room. Her schemes to punish Gercourt and to school the naive Cecilia set the plot's machinery in motion, making her less a participant in the game than its architect. ## Relationships ### [Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/viscount_de_valmont) _psychological_ A manipulative and obsessive partnership of mutual exploitation and rivalry, bound by shared schemes and a toxic history. ### [Chevalier Danceny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/chevalier_danceny) _romantic_ Danceny is infatuated with Merteuil, who manipulates him as a pawn in her revenge plots. ### [Cecilia Volanges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/cecilia_volanges) _psychological_ Merteuil acts as a corrupting mentor to the naive Cecilia, using her as a tool for manipulation. ### [Prevan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/prevan) _romantic_ A brief, calculated affair used by Merteuil to publicly ruin Prevan's reputation. ### [Count Gercourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/count_gercourt) _rivalry_ Gercourt is Merteuil's former lover and target of her revenge for his perceived slight against her. ### [Sophia Carnay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/sophia_carnay) _friendship_ Sophia is Merteuil's confidante and correspondent, though Merteuil often uses her for information. ### [M. Bertrand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/m_bertrand) _professional_ Bertrand is Valmont's loyal valet, who occasionally interacts with Merteuil as a messenger or go-between. ### [Julie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/julie) _professional_ Julie is Merteuil's maid or servant, assisting in her schemes and daily life. ### [Prevan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/prevan) _romantic_ A brief, calculated affair used by Merteuil to publicly ruin Prevan's reputation. ### [Viscount de Valmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/viscount_de_valmont) _psychological_ A manipulative and obsessive partnership of mutual exploitation and rivalry, bound by shared schemes and a toxic history. ## In the story ### [Dangerous Liaisons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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 ⸻](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/endnotes) Mentioned in relation to her past with Gercourt and Valmont, and her disregard for religion. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters/marchioness_de_merteuil - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/characters