The Narrator

The Room in the Dragon Volant

Arrives at the Dragon Volant and takes the unusual room, reflecting on the day's events.

I: On the Road

A 23-year-old Englishman traveling to Paris after inheriting a fortune; he is curious, romantic, and audacious.

II: The Innyard of the Belle Étoile

Falls in love at first sight with the Countess; attempts to investigate the mysterious couple; sends his servant St. Clair to gather information.

III: Death and Love Together Mated

Restless and infatuated, he dresses carefully and eavesdrops on the Count and Countess, romanticizing the Countess's plight.

IV: Monsieur Droqville

Mistaken for Mr. Stanhope Beckett, he accidentally reads a confidential letter but earns the Marquis's trust. Later, he is confronted by a menacing officer while admiring the lady's carriage.

Supper at the Belle Étoile

Sits at the table-d'hôte with the Marquis, listens to warnings about Parisian rogues, and later reflects on the Countess.

The Naked Sword

Falls asleep and has a prophetic dream; later intervenes in a confrontation to protect the Countess.

VII: The White Rose

Describes his violent encounter with Colonel Gaillarde, his receipt of the white rose from the Countess, and his subsequent journey to Paris with the Marquis d'Harmonville.

VIII: A Three Minutes’ Visit

Experiences a cataleptic episode, unable to move but fully conscious; later recovers and recounts the intrusion.

IX: Gossip and Counsel

Settles in Paris, follows the Marquis's advice, and inquires about the Count and Countess de St. Alyre.

X: The Black Veil

Secures a card for the ball, quarrels with and reconciles with the Marquis, travels to Versailles, and is guided to the Dragon Volant inn.

XI: The Dragon Volant

Arrives at the Dragon Volant inn under the alias Monsieur Beckett; feels a growing sense of gloom and presentiment of evil.

XII: The Magician

Attends the masked ball, observes the magician, and is introduced to the Count de St. Alyre by the Marquis.

XIII: The Oracle Tells Me Wonders

Consults the oracle, testing it with personal questions; is deeply affected by the accurate revelations about his romance with the Countess.

XIV: Mademoiselle de la Vallière

Engages in conversation with a masked lady and agrees to a midnight tryst.

Strange Story of the Dragon Volant

Attends the masked ball, removes his mask, converses with Tom Whistlewick and Monsieur Carmaignac, and invites them to dinner at the Dragon Volant.

XVI: The Parc of the Château de la Carque

Prepares for the tryst, scales the park wall, and meets the Countess in the grove.

XVII: The Tenant of the Palanquin

Agrees to assist the Count with burial paperwork and later dines with Whistlewick and Carmaignac.

XVIII: The Churchyard

Listens to Carmaignac's stories, then goes to the churchyard for a tryst, where he observes Colonel Gaillarde.

XIX: The Key

Meets the Countess in the park, agrees to her plan of escape, and prepares to use the key she gives him.

XX: A High-Cauld-Cap

Returns to the inn, discovers the secret passage, and is warned by the old woman.

I See Three Men in a Mirror

Makes financial arrangements, visits Paris, and discovers the three men in the mirror.

XXII: Rapture

Sneaks out of the inn, brings a large sum of money, meets the Countess at the château, and explores an adjacent room.

A Cup of Coffee

Discovers the coffin and falls into a mysterious paralysis after drinking coffee and liqueur.

XXIV: Hope

Lying paralyzed, unable to move or speak, witnessing the theft of his money and the conspirators' plans.

XXV: Despair

The narrator is conscious but paralyzed, listening to the conspirators discuss his fate.

XXVI: Catastrophe

Survives the attempted murder and becomes the principal witness; later reflects on the lesson learned.