The Mysteries of Udolpho · Character

Count De Villefort

A nobleman who befriends Emily and hosts her at his chateau.

minor

Also known as De Villefort, the Count De Villefort, Count de Villefort

First appearance: xxxiii

Count De Villefort shows up with force in Chapter XXXV. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Inherits Château-le-Blanc and resolves to spend autumn there, overriding his wife's protests.

In the storyChapter XXXVOpen this moment free

Count De Villefort first appears in 0034 xxxiii.

In Chapter XXXV: Inherits Château-le-Blanc and resolves to spend autumn there, overriding his wife's protests.

Later, in XXXVI: Leads the family excursion and responds to the distress signals from the vessel.

See Count De Villefort in Chapter XXXV Book page

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Valancourt, ov…

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In the story

Count De Villefort appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XXXV
Inherits Château-le-Blanc and resolves to spend autumn there, overriding his wife's protests.
XXXVI
Leads the family excursion and responds to the distress signals from the vessel.
Chapter XXXVII
Hosts Emily at Château-le-Blanc, shows kindness, and learns of Du Pont's affection.
Chapter XXXVIII
Offers Emily advice and assistance regarding her estates; reveals Valancourt's misconduct to Emily; acts protectively toward her.
Chapter XXXIX
Arranges the meeting, advises Emily against trusting Valancourt's repentance, and is seen as an obstacle by Valancourt.
Chapter XL
Urges Emily to remain firm in her resolution, fearing Valancourt's entreaties will weaken her fortitude.
XLI
Acts as Emily's enlightened friend and protector, trying to soften her grief through companionship and distraction.
Chapter XLIV
Leads the party to the north apartments, discusses supernatural topics with guests, and later hears mysterious music and a voice at midnight.
Chapter XLV
Finds Emily in the woods, attempts to enter the north chambers, advises Emily on her grief, and encourages M. Du Pont's suit.
XLVI
Determined to watch in the north apartments to solve the mystery of Ludovico's disappearance.
XLVII
Returns home disturbed and plans to change residence; his bravery in spending a night in the haunted apartment is discussed by the nuns.
Chapter L
Leads his family and St. Foix through the Pyrenees, showing concern for safety and growing suspicion of the fort's inhabitants.
LII
The Count sends a letter to Emily detailing their adventure and inviting her to Château-le-Blanc.
LIII
Anxious to reach home after the Pyrenean adventure; he again pleads Du Pont's suit to Emily, despite her repeated rejections.
LIV
Realizes his error in believing the scandals about Valancourt and writes to invite him to Château-le-Blanc.
LVI
The Count clears Valancourt's name, welcomes him, and entrusts Emily's future happiness to him.

Chapter companion notes

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See Count De Villefort in xxxiii

See Count De Villefort in Chapter XXXV