# Melicent — Domnei character guide > Melicent in Domnei by James Branch Cabell. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Dame Melicent, Madame Melicent, young Melicent **First appearance:** 0008-part-i-perion ## Who they are The beautiful lady whose hand Perion seeks and whose worth is measured, by her captors and suitors alike, in minae and in madness. ## Relationships ### [Perion de la Forêt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/perion_de_la_foret) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ### [Ahasuerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ahasuerus) _psychological_ Ahasuerus obsesses over Melicent, manipulating her fate and viewing her as an object of his dark designs. ### [Demetrios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/demetrios) _romantic_ Demetrios harbors a possessive romantic desire for Melicent, creating tension with Perion. ### [Callistion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/callistion) _friendship_ Callistion is a gentle and loyal friend to Melicent, offering comfort and companionship. ### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/orestes) _friendship_ Melicent and Orestes share a warm friendship, with Orestes acting as a protective ally to her. ### [Ambrogio Bracciolini](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ambrogio_bracciolini) _friendship_ Ambrogio is a witty and loyal friend to Melicent, often lightening her burdens with humor. ### [Perion de la Forêt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/perion_de_la_foret) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ### [Perion de la Forêt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/perion_de_la_foret) _romantic_ Melicent and Perion are passionate lovers, bound by deep romantic devotion and longing across trials. ### [Ahasuerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ahasuerus) _psychological_ Ahasuerus obsesses over Melicent, manipulating her fate and viewing her as an object of his dark designs. ### [Callistion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/callistion) _friendship_ Callistion is a gentle and loyal friend to Melicent, offering comfort and companionship. ### [Ahasuerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/ahasuerus) _psychological_ Ahasuerus obsesses over Melicent, manipulating her fate and viewing her as an object of his dark designs. ### [Demetrios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/demetrios) _romantic_ Demetrios harbors a possessive romantic desire for Melicent, creating tension with Perion. ## In the story ### [A Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/a-preface) Presented as the central figure of domnei, holding an image of Perion that keeps her inviolable despite violence. ### [Critical Comment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/critical-comment) Referenced as the 'silly damosel' whom Perion desires in Nicolas's Tale of Melicent. ### [The Argument](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/the-argument) Described as containing all the world's riches in herself, with sapphire eyes, ruby lips, pearl teeth, ivory forehead, gold locks, and silver hands, and a soul adorned with manifold virtues. ### [Domnei](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/domnei) The object of worship and idealization in the comedy of woman-worship. ### [Incipit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/incipit) Introduced as Dame Melicent, daughter of the great Count Manuel, central to the tale of Poictesme. ### [Part I: Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-i-perion) The object of Perion's desire, fated to marry a king. ### [How Perion Was Unmasked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/i-how-perion-was-unmasked) Learns Perion's true identity and is deeply shamed and angered, yet agrees to help him escape to Manneville out of mercy. ### [How the Vicomte Was Very Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ii-how-the-vicomte-was-very-gay) The subject of the projected marriage to King Theodoret; Perion thinks of her beauty, purity, and her loathing of him. ### [III: How Melicent Wooed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iii-how-melicent-wooed) Woos Perion, offering to abandon her honour and go with him into exile, believing in his innocence despite his confessions. ### [IV: How the Bishop Aided Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iv-how-the-bishop-aided-perion) Disguised as Ayrart de Montors, she orchestrates Perion's escape and reveals herself on the beach, declaring her trust and love for him. ### [How Melicent Wedded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/v-how-melicent-wedded) Defies her kinsmen by wedding Perion in a private ceremony, then asks for her face to be covered as he leaves. ### [Part II: Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-ii-melicent) Melicent is upcast under a heathen castle, alone and in mortal danger in pagan lands. ### [How Melicent Sought Oversea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/vi-how-melicent-sought-oversea) Disguises herself as a man named Jocelin Gaignars, cuts her hair, steals jewels, and sails to rescue Perion. ### [VII: How Perion Was Freed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/vii-how-perion-was-freed) Melicent offers herself as ransom for Perion, declaring her heart dead, and is later led to a bridal ceremony with Demetrios. ### [How Demetrios Was Amused](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/viii-how-demetrios-was-amused) Melicent is now living in Demetrios's house, having been wedded to him. She remains steadfast in her love for Perion and shows no fear when confronted by Demetrios. ### [IX: How Time Sped in Heathenry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ix-how-time-sped-in-heathenry) Melicent is lodged in a luxurious pavilion at Nacumera, attended by many slaves, and remains faithful to Perion despite Demetrios's wealth and pride. She pleads for Callistion's life and cleverly tricks Demetrios out of his magic sword. ### [How Demetrios Wooed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/x-how-demetrios-wooed) A prisoner at Nacumera, she rejects Demetrios's advances, stating that he purchased her body but not her love. She fears Ahasuerus. ### [Part III: Demetrios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-iii-demetrios) The beloved Dame Melicent is the object of both Perion's and Demetrios's affections, driving their rivalry. ### [How Time Sped with Perion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xi-how-time-sped-with-perion) Perion's stolen wife, the object of his quest; mentioned as having a mole on her left cheek. ### [XII: How Demetrios Was Taken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xii-how-demetrios-was-taken) Named as the ransom for Demetrios and threatened by Callistion. ### [XIII: How They Praised Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xiii-how-they-praised-melicent) The subject of the Tenson; described by Perion as having amethyst eyes, red lips, bright hair, and white skin; by Demetrios as graceful, soft, and stupid, with a patient tolerance that vexes him. ### [How Perion Fought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xv-how-perion-fought) The woman both Perion and Demetrios love; her safety motivates their actions. ### [XVI: How Demetrios Meditated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xvi-how-demetrios-meditated) Melicent is the woman Demetrios loves and seeks to possess; her life is tied to his safe return to Nacumera. ### [XVIII: How They Cried Quits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xviii-how-they-cried-quits) Referenced as the beloved whose life depends on the alliance between Perion and Demetrios; her ring is sold to fund the escape. ### [How Perion Got Aid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xx-how-perion-got-aid) Referenced by Perion as the lady he serves. ### [Part IV: Ahasuerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/part-iv-ahasuerus) Is the object of Ahasuerus's compassion and farewell. ### [How Demetrios Held His Chattel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxi-how-demetrios-held-his-chattel) Melicent is held captive by Demetrios, takes pleasure in hearing of Perion, and is horrified by the brutal sword fight. ### [XXII: How Misery Held Nacumera](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxii-how-misery-held-nacumera) Melicent consoles herself with dreams of a younger Perion, walking in an idealized forest, and expresses pity for Mélusine while grieving her own loss. ### [XXIII: How Demetrios Cried Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxiii-how-demetrios-cried-farewell) Grieves for Demetrios despite his past cruelty, grants him compassion and pardon, and feels a new comprehension of the world and love. ### [How Orestes Ruled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxiv-how-orestes-ruled) Returns to the Court of Stars, confronts Orestes, kneels by Demetrios's body, and enters the Women's Garden with pride and fearlessness. ### [XXV: How Women Talked Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxv-how-women-talked-together) Confronts Callistion in the garden, speaks of her love for Perion, and shows compassion despite the threat. ### [How Men Ordered Matters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxvi-how-men-ordered-matters) Confronted by Orestes; learns of Perion's siege and Orestes' plan; laments the curse of her beauty. ### [How Ahasuerus Was Candid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxvii-how-ahasuerus-was-candid) Listens in horror as Ahasuerus confesses his manipulations, expresses her revulsion, and feels trapped in Nacumera. ### [XXVIII: How Perion Saw Melicent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxviii-how-perion-saw-melicent) Standing on the turrets of Nacumera, attired in white silk with silver bands, her hair blazing in the sunlight. ### [XXIX: How a Bargain Was Cried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxix-how-a-bargain-was-cried) Kneels in her oratory, prays to the Virgin, and later bargains with Ahasuerus, offering herself to save Perion. ### [How Melicent Conquered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xxx-how-melicent-conquered) Melicent confronts Ahasuerus, holds to her bargain, and then descends to meet Perion, conquering through her steadfast soul. ### [The Afterword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/the-afterword) The other lover; the chronicle of their love-business ends abruptly. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/ii) Central figure in the episodic story disembedded from the main narrative. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/iii) Melicent is the woman who figures as an intermediary toward Perion and, in a different degree, toward Ahasuerus. ### [Bibliography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/chapters/bibliography) Central figure in many listed works, including 'Les Amants de Melicent', 'Melicent; an heroicke poeme', and 'The Soul of Melicent'. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters/melicent - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/domnei_se/characters