# Antoinette Mauban — The Prisoner of Zenda character guide > Antoinette Mauban in The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Antoinette de Mauban, de Mauban, Antoinette, the fair Antoinette, Mme. de Mauban **First appearance:** 0009-x-a-great-chance-for-a-villain ## Snapshot A Frenchwoman who followed the Duke of Strelsau to Ruritania for love, only to find herself a pawn in his ruthless schemes and a rival to Princess Flavia. ## Who they are Antoinette de Mauban arrives in Ruritania bound to Duke Michael by shame and stubborn hope, but his cool head takes all and gives nothing. Jealous of Flavia yet unwilling to be a decoy for murder, she sends warning letters that quietly serve the king's cause. Her divided loyalties make her a volatile force in the struggle for the throne. ## Relationships ### [Rupert Hentzau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/rupert_hentzau) _psychological_ Antoinette is both repelled and fascinated by Rupert's charm and ruthlessness, caught in a web of manipulation and desire. ### [Black Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/black_michael) _romantic_ Antoinette is Michael's mistress, but her feelings are conflicted as she becomes disillusioned by his cruelty and ambition. ### [Black Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/black_michael) _romantic_ Antoinette is Michael's mistress, but her feelings are conflicted as she becomes disillusioned by his cruelty and ambition. ### [Rupert Hentzau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/rupert_hentzau) _psychological_ Antoinette is both repelled and fascinated by Rupert's charm and ruthlessness, caught in a web of manipulation and desire. ### [Rupert Hentzau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/rupert_hentzau) _psychological_ Antoinette is both repelled and fascinated by Rupert's charm and ruthlessness, caught in a web of manipulation and desire. ## In the story ### [II: Concerning the Colour of Men's Hair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/ii-concerning-the-colour-of-men-s-hair) Travels on the same train as Rassendyll to Strelsau; associated with Black Michael. ### [The Adventures of an Understudy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/v-the-adventures-of-an-understudy) Watches from a balcony during the procession, recognizes Rassendyll but does not expose him. ### [A New Use for a Tea-Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/ix-a-new-use-for-a-tea-table) Writes the letter under Michael's orders but warns Rassendyll of the trap, revealing her jealousy and desire to prevent Michael's marriage to Flavia. ### [X: A Great Chance for a Villain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/x-a-great-chance-for-a-villain) Mentioned in the police report as having left by train for Dresden, with a stop at Zenda. ### [Hunting a Very Big Boar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xi-hunting-a-very-big-boar) Sends an anonymous warning letter to Flavia, advising her not to accept Michael's invitation. ### [XV: I Talk with a Tempter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xv-i-talk-with-a-tempter) Sends a desperate note to Rassendyll begging for rescue from the castle. ### [XVI: A Desperate Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xvi-a-desperate-plan) Tends to the sick king in his cell and is locked in her room at night; Rassendyll sends her a note with instructions. ### [Young Rupert's Midnight Diversions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xvii-young-rupert-s-midnight-diversions) Resists Rupert's advances, threatens to throw herself out the window, and is caught in the power struggle between Rupert and Michael. ### [XIX: Face to Face in the Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xix-face-to-face-in-the-forest) Appears on the bridge in a distraught state, fires a revolver at Rupert Hentzau but misses. ### [The Prisoner and the King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xx-the-prisoner-and-the-king) Her account explains the events at Zenda; she was torn between loyalty to Michael and helping the king. ### [XXI: If Love Were All!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xxi-if-love-were-all) Watches by Black Michael's coffin; mentioned in passing. ### [XXII: Present, Past—and Future?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/xxii-present-past-and-future) Returns to Paris in seclusion; Rassendyll corresponds with her and she vows secrecy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/antoinette_mauban - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters