El Dorado · Character

The Dauphin

The child king in waiting, whose rescue from Revolutionary France has become the fixed star by which Sir Percy Blakeney steers — and suffers.

supporting

Also known as little Capet, Capet, Louis Capet, young Capet, Louis XVII

First appearance: part i v the temple prison

As a supporting figure in El Dorado, The Dauphin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned by de Batz and Jeanne; Jeanne expresses deep sorrow and helplessness regarding his imprisonment.

In the storyIV: Mademoiselle LangeOpen this moment free

See The Dauphin in IV: Mademoiselle Lange Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Known to his captors only as little Capet, the boy is less a presence than an obligation: the living pledge that binds the League's honour and Percy's own. His friends at Mantes resist letting him leave France, and every day of delay tightens the screws on the man who has sworn to see him safe. Around this unseen child the novel's early tension coils — a rescue that cannot wait, and a rescuer who will not abandon it.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of The Dauphin sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Dauphin in part i v the temple prison

Character Web

18 connections

A slice of how The Dauphin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Scarlet Pimpernel network
Revolutionary political leaders
Protagonist

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Armand’s interna…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Chauvelin
professional · negative
Chauvelin views the Dauphin as a key pawn in revolutionary power games, using him for… How this plays out →
Chauvelin
professional · negative
Chauvelin views the Dauphin as a key pawn in revolutionary power games, using him for… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Dauphin in part i v the temple prison

In the story

The Dauphin appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: Mademoiselle Lange
Mentioned by de Batz and Jeanne; Jeanne expresses deep sorrow and helplessness regarding his imprisonment.
The Most Precious Life in Europe
The Dauphin (Louis Capet) is found drunk, reciting a corrupted catechism and prayer. He is roughly handled by Simon and falls into a drunken sleep, symbolizing his degradation and the tragedy of his situation.
Arcades Ambo
The imprisoned son of King Louis; Héron is obsessed with preventing his escape and plans to make him unfit for kingship.
The Removal
Referred to as 'little Capet,' locked in the inner room of the tower during the removal.
It Is About the Dauphin
The Dauphin has been secretly removed from the Temple, replaced by a dummy.
Back to Paris
Successfully rescued from the Temple prison and handed over to Hastings and Tony for transport to Mantes.
XXIX: For the Sake of That Helpless Innocent
The helpless innocent; Percy plans his escape to Holland via Delft.
The Last Phase
Referenced as 'little Capet,' the child whose location Chauvelin and Héron are desperate to extract from Sir Percy.
XLI: When Hope Was Dead
Percy's plan involves de Batz helping to save the Dauphin; Tony has already taken him toward Holland.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Dauphin unlock in the free preview.

See The Dauphin in part i v the temple prison

See The Dauphin in IV: Mademoiselle Lange