# Michael Teleki — The Slaves of the Padishah character guide

> Michael Teleki in The Slaves of the Padishah by Mór Jókai.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Michael, Master Michael, Teleki

**First appearance:** 0001-the-slaves-of-the-padishah

## Snapshot

A Transylvanian statesman and general who sends his daughter Flora to deliver kisses on his behalf when war commands keep him from a kinsman's wedding.

## Who they are

Michael Teleki moves through the noble houses of Transylvania as a man of rank and obligation, his duties pulling him toward the invasion of Hungary even as family ceremonies demand his presence. His courteous substitution of Flora for himself sets off a chain of chivalrous gestures and bold liberties among the guests. His political weight and paternal manoeuvring shape the tangled loyalties of the early chapters.

## In the story

### [I: The Golden Caftan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/i-the-golden-caftan)

The second-born son who becomes the head of the S— family after his brother's death. He transforms his life and estate to match his new wealth and the golden caftan.

### [II: Maidens Three](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/ii-maidens-three)

Hosts the wedding banquet for his daughter Mariska, overseeing every detail with pride and humility.

### [III: Three Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/iii-three-men)

The father of the bride, he takes an affectionate and tearful leave of Tököly, sending greetings to various Transylvanian gentlemen.

### [IV: Affairs of State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/iv-affairs-of-state)

Ill but still managing state affairs, dictating letters and scolding subordinates.

### [XV: The Women's Defence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xv-the-women-s-defence)

Leads the council debate, arguing for the necessity of surrendering Princess Ghyka, but later dictates a defiant letter to Hassan Pasha.

### [Other Times—Other Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxi-other-times-other-men)

The mastermind behind the political maneuvering, using his influence over Prince Apafi to arrest his rivals and consolidate power.

### [The Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxv-the-husband)

Sent Ladislaus Székely to the Porte with rich presents to win favor and to urge Béldi to accept the throne, though Székely takes a more sinister approach.

### [XXVII: The Sword of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxvii-the-sword-of-god)

Endures public humiliation from Magyari's sermon and a Szekler's insults with stoic calm; later defends his actions to Princess Apafi, attributing his enemies' downfalls to fate and his own hand.

### [XXIX: Pleasant Surprises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxix-pleasant-surprises)

Achieves his dream of becoming generalissimo, but is humiliated when Prince Apafi protects him from Tököly's threats.

### [A Man Abandoned by His Guardian-Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxx-a-man-abandoned-by-his-guardian-angel)

Avoids the war with the Turks and secretly aligns with the German commander at Raab, ultimately becoming a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and opening Transylvanian towns to German garrisons.

### [The Last Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxxii-the-last-day)

Dissatisfied with the defensive strategy, offers advice that is ignored, is forced into a card game, and later flees the battle only to be caught and killed by Feriz Beg.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/characters/michael_teleki
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/characters