Saint Joan · Character

King Charles VII

The Dauphin whose shaky claim to the throne is rescued by a girl's military genius, and who must decide how much of himself to risk on her.

major

Also known as Charles, King Charles the Seventh, Charles Turning, Charles Intimidated, Charles Triumphant, Charlie, Charles Tempted, Charles Rising, Charles Reassured, Charles the Wise, Charles the Coward, Charles Kneeling, Charles Archbishop, Charles Poor old Joan, Charles Anxiously, Charles the Victorious, Charles Scrambling, the Dauphin, The Dauphin, Dauphin

First appearance: scene i

As a major figure in Saint Joan, King Charles VII is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dauphin crowned with Joan's help; Shaw notes his ingratitude and political maneuvering after Joan's capture.

In the storyPreface to Saint JoanOpen this moment free

See King Charles VII in Preface to Saint Joan Book page

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Charles lives under a cloud of illegitimacy rumors and English victories, more comfortable hedging than ruling. Joan offers him Rheims and a crown, but every step toward coronation also makes her more indispensable and…

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The fuller portrait of King Charles VII sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See King Charles VII in scene i

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Joan's Adversaries and Judges
Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Shaw directly…

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Relationships

Joan of Arc
psychological · ambivalent
Joan inspires and pressures the hesitant Dauphin into claiming his throne, acting as a… How this plays out →
Peter Cauchon
rivalry · negative
Dunois
professional · ambivalent
Robert de Baudricourt
professional · ambivalent

Joan of Arc
Joan inspires and pressures the hesitant Dauphin into claiming his throne, acting as a divine motivator and conscience.
Peter Cauchon
Charles VII and Cauchon are political enemies, as Cauchon supports the English claim to the French throne.
Dunois
Dunois serves as a loyal but frustrated military commander under the indecisive King Charles VII.
Robert de Baudricourt
Charles VII relies on Robert as a local military commander, though their relationship is distant and formal.

Relationship notes

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

See King Charles VII in scene i

In the story

King Charles VII appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Preface to Saint Joan
Dauphin crowned with Joan's help; Shaw notes his ingratitude and political maneuvering after Joan's capture.
Joan the Original and Presumptuous
Mentioned as the king whom Joan patronized and overruled.
Contrast with Napoleon
Implied as one of those glad to be rid of Joan after she crowned him.
Was Joan Innocent or Guilty?
His coronation's validity was confirmed by Joan's rehabilitation trial, which was politically motivated.
Joan's Manliness and Militarism
Referenced as the Dauphin whom Joan urged to send military leaders to relieve Orleans, though she insisted on leading the assault herself.
Joan Not Tried as a Political Offender
Charles the Victorious is noted as having his credit bound up with Joan's, and he supported the rehabilitation trial for political reasons.
The Conflict Between Genius and Discipline
Mentioned as the highest authority figure Joan commanded, illustrating the disruption of normal social hierarchy.
Joan as Theocrat
Referred to as an immature prince whose ear is stolen by Joan, highlighting his vulnerability to her influence.
Unbroken Success Essential in Theocracy
Charles timidly and foolishly tries to square the Duke of Burgundy instead of following Joan's plan, contributing to her isolation.
Modern Distortions of Joan’s History
Mentioned in the context of the annunciation at Chinon, a factual event in Joan's career.
Saint Joan
The Dauphin who is persuaded by Joan to claim his throne.

Chapter companion notes

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

See King Charles VII in scene i

See King Charles VII in Preface to Saint Joan