# Louis XIV — Essays character guide

> Louis XIV in Essays by Thomas Paine.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0003-of-monarchy-and-hereditary-succession

## Who they are

French monarch cited as an example of absolute power.

## Relationships

### [Charles II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/charles_ii)

_social_

Charles II and Louis XIV are contemporary monarchs with diplomatic and personal acquaintance, often maneuvering for power.

## In the story

### [Royalty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/royalty)

Cited as an example of a monarch whose ambition led to conquest, despotism, and suffering for his subjects.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/louis_xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters