Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Character

Charles VII

The hesitant Dauphin of France, indolent and doubting, who must be persuaded that a peasant girl carries the will of Heaven.

supporting

Also known as King Charles, the Tawdry King, Dauphin

First appearance: VI: Joan Convinces the King

As a supporting figure in Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, Charles VII is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Portrayed as cowed, resigned, and preparing to flee; he stood supine and indifferent while Joan was burned; he was rescued from vagabondage and crowned by Joan.

In the storyTranslator's PrefaceOpen this moment free

Charles receives Joan with amusement that curdles into astonishment as she speaks of Rheims and coronation. He wants a sign, something unassailable, before he will trust her Voices or her sword. His wavering is the great drag on the story's early arc: France cannot be saved until its own king decides to believe.

See Charles VII in Translator's Preface Book page

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Character Web

29 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Joan's Supporters and Allies
Protagonist
Key Figures in Joan's Campaign and Trial
Joan's Adversaries and Opponents

+24 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Joan's suffe…

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Relationships

Joan of Arc
professional · positive
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on… How this plays out →
The Paladin
professional · ambivalent
Joan of Arc
professional · positive
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on… How this plays out →
Joan of Arc
professional · positive
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on… How this plays out →
The Paladin
professional · ambivalent

Joan of Arc
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on her leadership to reclaim his throne.
The Paladin
Charles VII and The Paladin had a distant professional relationship, as The Paladin was a soldier in the king's service.
Joan of Arc
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on her leadership to reclaim his throne.
Joan of Arc
Charles VII was the king who Joan served as a military commander and advisor, relying on her leadership to reclaim his throne.
The Paladin
Charles VII and The Paladin had a distant professional relationship, as The Paladin was a soldier in the king's service.

Relationship notes

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

See Charles VII in VI: Joan Convinces the King

In the story

Charles VII appears across 23 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Translator's Preface
Portrayed as cowed, resigned, and preparing to flee; he stood supine and indifferent while Joan was burned; he was rescued from vagabondage and crowned by Joan.
Book II: In Court and Camp
The Dauphin who meets Joan and is persuaded by her divine mission.
VI: Joan Convinces the King
Convinced by Joan's revelation of his secret doubt; leads her out of the hall with honor.
Our Paladin in His Glory
Mentioned in the Paladin's tale as the king who supposedly gave him a signet ring and praised his future, though this is a fabrication.
VIII: Joan Persuades Her Inquisitors
His doubts are cleared by Joan's revelation, but he is swayed by Tremouille and the Archbishop; appoints a commission to investigate Joan; enjoys her honest conversation.
She Is Made General-in-Chief
King of France who confers the title of General-in-Chief upon Joan.
Checked by the Folly of the Wise
King who ordered the generals to obey Joan, though they often disregarded his commands.
What the English Answered
Mentioned as the rightful king whom God wills to hold France.
XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King
The 'Tawdry King' dressed in extravagant fashion; initially gracious, he ennobles Joan and her family but hesitates on the coronation march due to courtly influence.
At Last—Forward!
The King idles at Loches, consults with councilors, and is persuaded by Joan to allow the march to Rheims after she proposes breaking the Loire strongholds.
XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered
Issues the command that the generals must do nothing without the Maid's sanction.
How Joan Took Jargeau
Not directly present, but his coronation is implied as a future goal; Joan's victory strengthens his cause.
Joan's Five Great Deeds
Referred to as a serf under La Tremouille's control; later becomes a brave and capable soldier under Richemont's influence; referred to as Dauphin before coronation.
The Jests of the Burgundians
Hesitates to march to Rheims but eventually follows Joan's advice and ransoms the prisoners at her request.
XXXV: The Heir of France Is Crowned
Crowned at Rheims; grants Domremy a permanent tax exemption; lodges at the Archbishop's Palace.
Joan Hears News from Home
The King, honors Joan's father and uncle publicly, giving them his hand to kiss and ordering the Bailly to host them.
Again to Arms
Sends a messenger requesting Joan to remain as commander and attend a war council.
The King Cries “Forward!”
Initially passive, he is stirred by Joan's bold speech and ultimately surrenders his sword to her, endorsing the march on Paris.
We Win, but the King Balks
The King, who balks at advancing on Paris, delays at St. Marcoul, and is influenced by Tremouille's counsel.
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan
Weak and easily manipulated by La Tremouille, he forbids the assault on Paris, breaks the bridge, and makes a truce, effectively betraying Joan.
XLI: The Maid Will March No More
The King who halted Joan's advance on Paris and kept her at court; shows kindness but fails to support her military ambitions.
The Maid in Chains
The King of France who made no offer or effort to ransom Joan despite her service.
Joan Tells of Her Visions
The King is mentioned in Joan's testimony regarding the signs and clergy's counsel that led him to believe in her revelations.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Charles VII unlock in the free preview.

See Charles VII in VI: Joan Convinces the King

See Charles VII in Translator's Preface