Short Fiction · Character

Charles de la Feste

A Frenchman in Venice whose delayed marriage and divided affections leave two women and himself dangerously exposed.

supporting

Also known as this M. de la Feste, M. Charles de la Feste, M. de la Feste, M., Charles, Meanwhile poor Charles, Charley

First appearance: a committeeman of the terror

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Charles de la Feste is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Referred to as Baron von Xanten, the mysterious foreign gentleman is found in a state of anguish, possibly with a pistol.

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Charles de la Feste drifts through Venetian canals and hotel corridors with the air of a man who has postponed a decision too long. He is caught between Caroline, to whom he is bound, and Alicia, who has nursed and…

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Character Web

60 connections

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Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Romantic Entanglements and Consequences
Haunting Pasts and Duty
Complex Web of Love and Consequences

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional/psychological peak occurs when both Jim and Rosalys consciously recognize their…

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Relationships

Caroline
family · ambivalent
Caroline and Charles are married, their relationship defined by duty and underlying… How this plays out →
Caroline
family · ambivalent
Caroline and Charles are married, their relationship defined by duty and underlying… How this plays out →
Caroline
family · ambivalent
Caroline and Charles are married, their relationship defined by duty and underlying… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Charles de la Feste appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Referred to as Baron von Xanten, the mysterious foreign gentleman is found in a state of anguish, possibly with a pistol. A letter transforms his mood, and he expresses deep gratitude to Margery.
III
The Baron arrives late, agrees to take Margery to the ball, teaches her to dance, and takes her jacket to have a dress made.
IV
The Baron orchestrates the rendezvous, provides a ball gown, and travels under a false name, displaying both care and duplicity.
XVII
Not present in this chapter.
VI
Charles, Baptista's first husband, is deceased; his funeral takes place at Redrutin, where Baptista secretly attends and drops forget-me-nots on his coffin.
I: She Misses Her Sister
A French-born painter and friend of the Marlets, mentioned in Caroline's letters; the narrator suspects he is courting Caroline.
II: News Interesting and Serious
Caroline's fiancé, a French artist living in Versailles, approved by the mother but unknown to the narrator and father.
III: Her Gloom Lightens a Little
Caroline's betrothed, a painter who postpones his visit to capture aerial effects in Holland; admired by the narrator and her father for his character and appearance.
IV: She Beholds the Attractive Stranger
Caroline's fiancé, a man of genius; he arrives later than expected, shows attentiveness to the narrator, and seems less eager to reunite with Caroline during the wood walk.
V: Her Situation Is a Trying One
Caroline's betrothed who confesses his love for Alicia; he leaves without fulfilling his engagement.
VII: A Surprise Awaits Her
Charles is in Venice, having written reproachfully to Christine. He is conflicted about his feelings for Christine versus his obligation to Caroline, and has stopped replying to letters.
VIII: She Travels in Pursuit
Found in Venice; learns of Caroline's arrival; agrees to propose to Caroline again out of honor, but admits his love is for the narrator.
IX: She Witnesses the End
Charles marries Caroline out of honor, but appears ghostly and resigned; he dies by drowning on the wedding day, possibly by suicide.

Chapter companion notes

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