# John Kemeny — ’Midst the Wild Carpathians character guide

> John Kemeny in ’Midst the Wild Carpathians by Mór Jókai.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Kemeny, Prince John Kemeny

**First appearance:** 0008-vi-the-battle-of-nagy-sz-ll-s

## Snapshot

A former prince of Transylvania whose shadow still falls across the current reign, a rival whose ambitions never quite died.

## Who they are

Kemeny belongs to the dangerous category of men who have worn a crown and lost it, leaving them with a permanent claim on the loyalties of the discontented. His presence in the novel's political background reminds every character that Apafi's throne rests on contested ground. For the great lords and scheming ministers who navigate Transylvania's treacherous politics, Kemeny represents both a cautionary tale and a potential rallying point for those who would overturn the present order.

## Relationships

### [Michael Apafi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/characters/michael_apafi)

_rivalry_

John Kemeny is a former prince and rival to Michael Apafi, representing a lingering threat to Apafi's rule.

### [Michael Apafi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/characters/michael_apafi)

_rivalry_

John Kemeny is a former prince and rival to Michael Apafi, representing a lingering threat to Apafi's rule.

### [Michael Apafi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/characters/michael_apafi)

_rivalry_

John Kemeny is a former prince and rival to Michael Apafi, representing a lingering threat to Apafi's rule.

## In the story

### [A Banquet with the Prince of Transylvania](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters/iv-a-banquet-with-the-prince-of-transylvania)

The reigning Prince, indulging in a sumptuous feast, dismisses the news of Apafi's proclamation with contemptuous humor.

### [VI: The Battle of Nagy Szöllös](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters/vi-the-battle-of-nagy-sz-ll-s)

Leads a vast host against Apafi but is cautious about engaging, preferring to await the enemy's attack at Nagy Szöllös.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters/endnotes)

Noted as Prince of Transylvania from 1661 to 1662.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/characters/john_kemeny
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/characters