# Louis de Conte — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc character guide

> Louis de Conte in Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** the Sieur Louis de Conte, Sieur de Conte, de Conte

**First appearance:** 0004-the-sieur-louis-de-conte-to-his-great-great-grand-nephews-and-nieces

## Snapshot

Born two years before Joan in a France gutted by English fangs and civil slaughter, he becomes her page, secretary, and the hand she last touches in life.

## Who they are

Louis grows up in Neufchâteau among Armagnac exiles, his family stripped by Burgundian raiders, his childhood marked by burning roofs and plague-emptied streets. As Joan's page and secretary, he witnesses her meteor flight across France's war firmament and her extinction at the stake, and only decades later comprehends what he saw. His intimate, grieving narration makes the miraculous and the terrible feel like memory rather than history.

## In the story

### [A Peculiarity of Joan of Arc's History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/a-peculiarity-of-joan-of-arc-s-history)

The Sieur Louis de Conte, whose Personal Recollections are faithful to Joan's official history but whose added particulars rely on his word alone.

### [The Sieur Louis de Conte to His Great-Great-Grand Nephews and Nieces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/the-sieur-louis-de-conte-to-his-great-great-grand-nephews-and-nieces)

The narrator, now 82, introduces himself as Joan's childhood playmate, page, and secretary, who was with her from start to finish.

### [Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/personal-recollections-of-joan-of-arc)

Narrator and author of the recollections, serving as Joan's page and secretary.

### [Book I: In Domremy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/book-i-in-domremy)

Narrator and childhood friend of Joan; serves as her page and secretary.

### [When Wolves Ran Free in Paris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/i-when-wolves-ran-free-in-paris)

Narrator and author; born in Neufchâteau in 1410; orphaned after a Burgundian raid; raised by the priest Guillaume Fronte in Domremy.

### [The Fairy Tree of Domremy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/ii-the-fairy-tree-of-domremy)

Narrates the scene, observing Joan's temper and Père Fronte's reactions.

### [All Aflame with Love of France](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iii-all-aflame-with-love-of-france)

The narrator, who recalls the winter gathering and the stranger's visit, describing the scene and Joan's actions.

### [Joan Tames the Mad Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iv-joan-tames-the-mad-man)

Narrator; feels ashamed for running away during the madman incident.

### [Domremy Pillaged and Burned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/v-domremy-pillaged-and-burned)

The narrator, reflecting on the events and the villagers' reactions, and recalling Joan's extraordinary qualities.

### [Joan and Archangel Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vi-joan-and-archangel-michael)

Narrator and childhood friend; initially skeptical of Joan's hope; witnesses the divine vision in the forest.

### [VII: She Delivers the Divine Command](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vii-she-delivers-the-divine-command)

Observes Joan's transformation and is entrusted with her secrets, agreeing to support her mission.

### [Why the Scorners Relented](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/viii-why-the-scorners-relented)

Stands by Joan during her persecution, along with Haumette and Mengette.

### [Book II: In Court and Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/book-ii-in-court-and-camp)

Narrator and companion to Joan, present at court and camp.

### [Joan Says Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/i-joan-says-goodbye)

Louis is the narrator, receives Joan's instructions, and witnesses her farewell.

### [The Governor Speeds Joan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/ii-the-governor-speeds-joan)

Narrator, housed near Joan, witnesses events, and departs with her.

### [The Paladin Groans and Boasts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iii-the-paladin-groans-and-boasts)

Narrator and member of Joan's escort; reflects on Joan's prophecies and interacts with the Paladin.

### [Joan Leads Us Through the Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iv-joan-leads-us-through-the-enemy)

Narrates the chapter, describing the hardships of the march and Joan's leadership.

### [We Pierce the Last Ambuscades](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/v-we-pierce-the-last-ambuscades)

Writes Joan's letter to the King; narrates the chapter's events.

### [VI: Joan Convinces the King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vi-joan-convinces-the-king)

Narrates the events; observes Joan's triumph and the court's reaction.

### [Our Paladin in His Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vii-our-paladin-in-his-glory)

The narrator, who along with Noël, secretly attends the Paladin's storytelling sessions at the inn, noting the charm and sincerity of the Paladin's lies.

### [She Is Made General-in-Chief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/ix-she-is-made-general-in-chief)

Narrator who reflects on Joan's astonishing ascent and recalls her earlier life in Domremy.

### [The Maid's Sword and Banner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/x-the-maid-s-sword-and-banner)

Narrates the chapter; appointed first page and secretary in Joan's household.

### [The War March Is Begun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xi-the-war-march-is-begun)

Narrator; reflects on Joan's judgment and the Paladin's promotion.

### [Joan Puts Heart in Her Army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xii-joan-puts-heart-in-her-army)

Narrates the events, observing the camp's transformation and La Hire's conversion with wonder.

### [Checked by the Folly of the Wise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xiii-checked-by-the-folly-of-the-wise)

Narrates the chapter, describing the army's march and Joan's interactions with the generals.

### [My Exquisite Poem Goes to Smash](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xv-my-exquisite-poem-goes-to-smash)

Narrator and author of the poem 'The Rose of Orleans'; jealous of the Paladin's success with Catherine Boucher.

### [The Finding of the Dwarf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xvi-the-finding-of-the-dwarf)

Narrates the chapter, describing his own fear during the march past the English bastilles and his admiration for Joan's composure.

### [Sweet Fruit of Bitter Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xvii-sweet-fruit-of-bitter-truth)

Narrator and member of Joan's personal staff; admits to being frightened by a donkey's bray.

### [Joan's First Battlefield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xviii-joan-s-first-battlefield)

Narrates the chapter, witnesses Joan's actions, and hears the first utterance of 'Maid of Orleans'.

### [We Burst in Upon Ghosts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xix-we-burst-in-upon-ghosts)

Narrates the chapter, expressing fear and discomfort during the haunting.

### [Joan Makes Cowards Brave Victors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xx-joan-makes-cowards-brave-victors)

Narrates the events, describing Joan's actions and the reactions of the council and the army.

### [She Gently Reproves Her Dear Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxi-she-gently-reproves-her-dear-friend)

Records the dates when Joan first spoke of her wound, and observes the scene with Catherine.

### [XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxiii-joan-inspires-the-tawdry-king)

Narrator and page; critical of the King's frivolity and the courtiers, but acknowledges Charles's better moments in this chapter.

### [XXIV: Tinsel Trappings of Nobility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxiv-tinsel-trappings-of-nobility)

Louis narrates the chapter, reflecting on the town's excitement and the Paladin's concerns about precedence.

### [At Last—Forward!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxv-at-last-forward)

Narrator present throughout; rode with the personal staff of Joan of Arc and recalls the scene of her departure and the entry into Orleans.

### [XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxvi-the-last-doubts-scattered)

Narrator present at the council and the farewell supper, reflecting on the contrasts of war and youth.

### [How Joan Took Jargeau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxvii-how-joan-took-jargeau)

Narrates the events, describing the battle and Joan's actions.

### [Joan Foretells Her Doom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxviii-joan-foretells-her-doom)

Witnesses Joan's prophecy and lies to Catherine about it being a dream, then fabricates a story about the Fairy Tree to distract Joan.

### [Fierce Talbot Reconsiders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxix-fierce-talbot-reconsiders)

Narrates the chapter, burdened by the secret of Joan's impending death.

### [XXX: The Red Field of Patay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxx-the-red-field-of-patay)

Narrator and witness to the battle, describes Joan's actions and the scene of mercy.

### [The Joyous News Flies Fast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxii-the-joyous-news-flies-fast)

Narrator describing the joyous spread of news and the celebration in Orleans.

### [The Jests of the Burgundians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-jests-of-the-burgundians)

Narrates the chapter, recalling the events at Troyes and the incident with the Burgundian soldiers.

### [XXXV: The Heir of France Is Crowned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxv-the-heir-of-france-is-crowned)

Narrates the events, describes the coronation and the holy flask, and reflects on the significance of the tax exemption.

### [Joan Hears News from Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxvi-joan-hears-news-from-home)

Narrates the chapter, reflecting on Joan's divine status and the distance between her and her humble companions.

### [Again to Arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxvii-again-to-arms)

Narrator; reflects on the humanity of peasants after observing Jacques d'Arc's remorse; reads the King's message to Joan.

### [The King Cries “Forward!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-king-cries-forward)

Narrator and page/secretary who follows Joan to the council.

### [We Win, but the King Balks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxix-we-win-but-the-king-balks)

Serves as Joan's scribe, taking dictation for the summons, and later delivers Joan's message to her father and the Paladin.

### [XLI: The Maid Will March No More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xli-the-maid-will-march-no-more)

Narrator, wounded and unable to ride without help; watches the battle from the walls and later learns details from eyewitnesses.

### [Book III: Trial and Martyrdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/book-iii-trial-and-martyrdom)

Narrator and witness to Joan's trial and martyrdom.

### [The Maid in Chains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/i-the-maid-in-chains)

Narrator who reflects on the shameful history and the failure of France to ransom Joan.

### [Joan Sold to the English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/ii-joan-sold-to-the-english)

Narrator recovering from wounds; grieves Joan's sale and journeys to Rouen.

### [III: Weaving the Net About Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iii-weaving-the-net-about-her)

Narrator and clerk to Manchon, recounts the events leading to the trial.

### [All Ready to Condemn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iv-all-ready-to-condemn)

Narrator and secretary to Manchon; deeply distressed by the impending trial, recalls Joan's past glory.

### [Fifty Experts Against a Novice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/v-fifty-experts-against-a-novice)

Narrates the trial, observing Joan's composure and the court's hostility, and feels deep grief for her plight.

### [The Maid Baffles Her Persecutors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vi-the-maid-baffles-her-persecutors)

The narrator; observes the proceedings with anguish and admiration, providing commentary on Joan's strength and the injustice of the trial.

### [Craft That Was in Vain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/vii-craft-that-was-in-vain)

Narrator and witness, describes the tension and his own fear during the proceedings.

### [Joan Tells of Her Visions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/viii-joan-tells-of-her-visions)

Louis de Conte narrates the chapter, reflecting on Joan's testimony and the court's relentless efforts to trap her.

### [Her Sure Deliverance Foretold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/ix-her-sure-deliverance-foretold)

Narrates the chapter, reflecting on Joan's prophecy and his own misinterpretation of her deliverance as a rescue.

### [X: The Inquisitors at Their Wits’ End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/x-the-inquisitors-at-their-wits-end)

The narrator, observing the stormy session and reflecting on the court's frustration.

### [The Court Reorganized for Assassination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xi-the-court-reorganized-for-assassination)

The narrator, who observes the trial and reports on Joan's condition and the court's maneuvers.

### [Joan's Masterstroke Diverted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xii-joan-s-masterstroke-diverted)

Narrator and witness to the trial; reflects on Joan's words and his own hopes for a rescue.

### [XIII: The Third Trial Fails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xiii-the-third-trial-fails)

Narrates the events, expressing outrage at the trial's unfairness and admiration for Joan's spirit.

### [Joan Struggles with Her Twelve Lies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xiv-joan-struggles-with-her-twelve-lies)

Narrates the chapter, records events, and expresses his anguish at Joan's suffering and his awe at her steadfastness.

### [Undaunted by Threat of Burning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xv-undaunted-by-threat-of-burning)

Narrates the scene, observing Joan's restored spirit and the reactions of the court.

### [XVI: Joan Stands Defiant Before the Rack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xvi-joan-stands-defiant-before-the-rack)

The narrator, present as a scribe, witnesses Joan's defiance and the judges' debate, later learning why torture was not applied.

### [Supreme in Direst Peril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xvii-supreme-in-direst-peril)

Narrator who spends the ten-day wait walking with Noël, burdened by care and contrasting his freedom with Joan's suffering.

### [Condemned Yet Unafraid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xviii-condemned-yet-unafraid)

Narrator who observes the proceedings with sorrow, recalling Joan's past heroism on the same date a year earlier.

### [Our Last Hopes of Rescue Fail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xix-our-last-hopes-of-rescue-fail)

Narrator; hopes for a rescue but is ultimately disappointed.

### [Respited Only for Torture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxi-respited-only-for-torture)

Narrates the chapter, expressing youthful hope and joy at Joan's apparent reprieve.

### [Joan Gives the Fatal Answer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxii-joan-gives-the-fatal-answer)

Narrates the chapter; initially hopeful of rescue, then devastated by the news of Joan's relapse and fatal answer.

### [XXIII: The Time Is at Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxiii-the-time-is-at-hand)

Writes Joan's final letter, breaks the stylus after use, and struggles with grief and hope for a rescue.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/conclusion)

Narrator; returns to Domremy after martyrdom, then fights until France is free; survives to old age; testifies at the Rehabilitation.

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

Joan's page and secretary; his testimony in the Rehabilitation proceedings is cited as an eyewitness source.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/characters/louis_de_conte
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/characters