# King Charles VII — Saint Joan character guide

> King Charles VII in Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

**Role:** 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:** 0043-scene-i

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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 him more exposed. His wavering between gratitude, suspicion, and self-interest gives the play its political spine.

## Relationships

### [Joan of Arc](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters/joan_of_arc)

_psychological_

Joan inspires and pressures the hesitant Dauphin into claiming his throne, acting as a divine motivator and conscience.

### [Peter Cauchon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters/peter_cauchon)

_rivalry_

Charles VII and Cauchon are political enemies, as Cauchon supports the English claim to the French throne.

### [Dunois](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters/dunois)

_professional_

Dunois serves as a loyal but frustrated military commander under the indecisive King Charles VII.

### [Robert de Baudricourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters/robert_de_baudricourt)

_professional_

Charles VII relies on Robert as a local military commander, though their relationship is distant and formal.

## In the story

### [Preface to Saint Joan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/joan-the-original-and-presumptuous)

Mentioned as the king whom Joan patronized and overruled.

### [Contrast with Napoleon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/contrast-with-napoleon)

Implied as one of those glad to be rid of Joan after she crowned him.

### [Was Joan Innocent or Guilty?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/the-conflict-between-genius-and-discipline)

Mentioned as the highest authority figure Joan commanded, illustrating the disruption of normal social hierarchy.

### [Joan as Theocrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/modern-distortions-of-joan-s-history)

Mentioned in the context of the annunciation at Chinon, a factual event in Joan's career.

### [Saint Joan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/saint-joan)

The Dauphin who is persuaded by Joan to claim his throne.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters/king_charles_vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saint_joan_se/characters