Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Character

Dunois

The Bastard of Orleans, a seasoned French captain who once balked Joan and learned better, now one of her most useful allies in the field.

supporting

First appearance: Joan's First Battlefield

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

Military commander who supports Joan's leadership.

In the storyBook II: In Court and CampOpen this moment free

Dunois commands the army Joan needs moved, and he has already felt the sting of crossing her once. Chastened, he becomes the practical hand that turns her fierce will into marching columns and victualed towns. He matters because he bridges the gap between Joan's visions and the grubby mechanics of war.

See Dunois in Book II: In Court and Camp Book page

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

Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

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

+3 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
friendship · positive
Dunois was the Bastard of Orleans, a key French military leader who became a trusted ally… How this plays out →
Joan of Arc
friendship · positive
Dunois was the Bastard of Orleans, a key French military leader who became a trusted ally… How this plays out →
Joan of Arc
friendship · positive
Dunois was the Bastard of Orleans, a key French military leader who became a trusted ally… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Dunois in Joan's First Battlefield

In the story

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

Book II: In Court and Camp
Military commander who supports Joan's leadership.
VIII: Joan Persuades Her Inquisitors
Not directly mentioned in this chapter excerpt, but the Duke of Alençon is introduced as a relative of the King who becomes Joan's supporter.
She Is Made General-in-Chief
The Bastard of Orleans, a veteran commander now under Joan's command.
The Maid's Sword and Banner
The Great Bastard, governor of Orleans, who had been clamoring for Joan to be sent to him.
The War March Is Begun
Mentioned as the 'chief knight' who explained the concept of the 'seeing eye.'
Checked by the Folly of the Wise
The Bastard of Orleans, who advises the generals to deceive Joan and later faces her rebuke for the blunder.
What the English Answered
Witnesses Joan's challenge to Talbot and is sent to Blois to take command of the army.
Joan's First Battlefield
Arrives on the battlefield, urges caution, but ultimately supports Joan's assault on St. Loup.
Joan Makes Cowards Brave Victors
Hesitates when questioned by Joan about the council's plan, but eventually concedes that the council knew the bridge forts were the true objective.
She Gently Reproves Her Dear Friend
Mentioned as one of the men to whom Joan sends her command to keep the army in place.
XXII: The Fate of France Decided
Sounded the retreat, which Joan countermanded; he was present during the assault.
XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King
Mentioned as one of Joan's generals present at the festivities and the journey to Tours.
At Last—Forward!
Present at the Castle of Loches during Joan's plea to the King; through him we know what happened.
XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered
Among the chiefs who resolutely uphold Joan's side in the council.
How Joan Took Jargeau
Present at the surrender of the Earl of Suffolk, demanding his surrender alongside the Duke d'Alençon.
Fierce Talbot Reconsiders
Questions Joan's decision to delay battle but respects her authority.
XXX: The Red Field of Patay
The Bastard of Orleans, eager to join the battle but restrained by Joan's command to wait.
The Jests of the Burgundians
Mentions as part of the procession of knights and nobles.
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan
Implied as part of the army; not directly mentioned but present in the campaign.
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan
Not directly mentioned in this excerpt.
XLI: The Maid Will March No More
Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter; omitted.
Joan Sold to the English
Mentioned as one of the knights who helped steal back the standard.
Conclusion
Lives to see France free and testifies at the Rehabilitation.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Dunois in Joan's First Battlefield

See Dunois in Book II: In Court and Camp