# Athos — The Vicomte de Bragelonne character guide > Athos in The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Comte de la Fère, Monsieur le Comte, M. de la Fère **First appearance:** 0004-1-the-letter ## Snapshot The Comte de la Fère, a musketeer turned austere nobleman, whose loyalty to principle costs him years with the son he loves. ## Who they are Athos has raised Raoul with an inflexible code — refusing Condé's dazzling offers, steering his son through the shifting loyalties of the Fronde so that the young man earns ten victories and no shame. The result is a father and son separated for a year, sustained only by letters, and a household where a gardener's indignant 'Humph!' gives way to wild delight at Raoul's return. His rigid integrity shapes Raoul's character and quietly anchors the novel's moral center. ## Relationships ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _family_ Athos is Raoul's devoted father, guiding him with wisdom and sorrowful concern for his son's future. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Athos serves Louis XIV as a noble and honorable advisor, though he is often troubled by the king's moral choices. ### [D'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/d_artagnan) _friendship_ Athos and D'Artagnan share a deep, lifelong brotherly bond forged in the Musketeers, marked by mutual respect and loyalty. ### [D'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/d_artagnan) _friendship_ Athos and D'Artagnan share a deep, lifelong brotherly bond forged in the Musketeers, marked by mutual respect and loyalty. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Athos serves Louis XIV as a noble and honorable advisor, though he is often troubled by the king's moral choices. ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _family_ Athos is Raoul's devoted father, guiding him with wisdom and sorrowful concern for his son's future. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Athos serves Louis XIV as a noble and honorable advisor, though he is often troubled by the king's moral choices. ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _family_ Athos is Raoul's devoted father, guiding him with wisdom and sorrowful concern for his son's future. ### [D'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/d_artagnan) _friendship_ Athos and D'Artagnan share a deep, lifelong brotherly bond forged in the Musketeers, marked by mutual respect and loyalty. ## In the story ### [Introductory Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/introductory-note) His magnificent outburst of righteous anger against the king is described as the last expiring gleam of the spirit of the Musketeers; he lives only in his love for Bragelonne and dies in his death. ### [Dramatis Personae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/dramatis-personae) Comte de la Fère, one of the four Musketeers. ### [The Vicomte de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/the-vicomte-de-bragelonne) Raoul's father, the Comte de la Fère, awaiting his son's return. ### [Part I: The Vicomte de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/part-i-the-vicomte-de-bragelonne) Referenced as the father of Raoul, the Comte de la Fère, though not present in the chapter. ### [Father and Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/4-father-and-son) The Comte de la Fère; stern yet loving father; interrogates Raoul about Louise but ultimately welcomes him with warmth. ### [In Which Something Will Be Said of Cropoli—Of Cropoli and of a Great Unknown Painter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/5-in-which-something-will-be-said-of-cropoli-of-cropoli-and-of-a-great-unknown-painter) Mentioned visiting new buildings and horses with Raoul at the start of the chapter. ### [Remember!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/16-remember) Reveals the secret of the buried million and recounts the final moments of Charles I. ### [In Which Aramis Is Sought, and Only Bazin Is Found](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/17-in-which-aramis-is-sought-and-only-bazin-is-found) Mentioned as having left his château two hours before d'Artagnan's arrival; his destination is uncertain. ### [Of the Society Which Was Formed in the Rue des Lombards, at the Sign of the Pilon d’Or, to Carry Out the Idea of M. d’Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/20-of-the-society-which-was-formed-in-the-rue-des-lombards-at-the-sign-of-the-pilon-d-or-to-carry-out-the-idea-of-m-d-artagnan) Mentioned by d'Artagnan as a dear friend he wishes he could rely on for the mission. ### [In Which d’Artagnan Prepares to Travel for the House of Planchet and Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/21-in-which-d-artagnan-prepares-to-travel-for-the-house-of-planchet-and-company) Mentioned in d'Artagnan's will as a recipient of 5,000 livres. ### [The Treasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/24-the-treasure) Presents himself as the Comte de la Fère, a knight of the Garter and the Holy Ghost, and reveals the secret of the buried treasure to Monck. ### [The Marsh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/25-the-marsh) Guides Monck through the marsh and abbey, revealing hidden gold barrels; demonstrates loyalty and strategic subtlety. ### [Heart and Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/26-heart-and-mind) Pleads eloquently for Charles II, revealing the gold is the king's, and offers himself unarmed to Monck. ### [The Next Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/27-the-next-day) Athos is interrogated by Monck's officers but remains steadfast, refusing to reveal the truth about Monck's disappearance while upholding his honor. ### [In Which d’Artagnan Begins to Fear He Has Placed His Money and That of Planchet in the Sinking Fund](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/29-in-which-d-artagnan-begins-to-fear-he-has-placed-his-money-and-that-of-planchet-in-the-sinking-fund) Mentioned as having set out for Newcastle to negotiate with Monck. ### [The Shares of Planchet and Company Rise Again to Par](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/30-the-shares-of-planchet-and-company-rise-again-to-par) Defends his house against Monck's soldiers, reveals he was waiting for Monck, and is entrusted with a letter for King Charles II. ### [Monck Reveals Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/31-monck-reveals-himself) Mentioned as the bearer of Monck's message to King Charles II, having traveled to England and coordinated with Monck. ### [Athos and d’Artagnan Meet Once More at the Hostelry of the Corne du Cerf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/32-athos-and-d-artagnan-meet-once-more-at-the-hostelry-of-the-corne-du-cerf) Remains disinterested and philosophical, explaining his loyalty to Charles I's memory and his lack of concern for reward. ### [The Audience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/33-the-audience) Receives the Order of the Golden Fleece from Charles II, who calls him a second father. ### [Of the Embarrassment of Riches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/34-of-the-embarrassment-of-riches) Visits d'Artagnan, explains his own approach to money (spending only what he has), and reminds d'Artagnan of his debt to Planchet. ### [How d'Artagnan Drew, as a Fairy Would Have Done, a Country-Seat from a Deal Box](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/36-how-d-artagnan-drew-as-a-fairy-would-have-done-a-country-seat-from-a-deal-box) Mentioned as a friend whose loyalty d'Artagnan doubts in delicate political matters. ### [How d’Artagnan Regulated the “Assets” of the Company Before He Established Its “Liabilities”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/37-how-d-artagnan-regulated-the-assets-of-the-company-before-he-established-its-liabilities) Dines with d'Artagnan, remains discreet about his own mission, and observes d'Artagnan's preoccupation with his new fortune. ### [In Which It Is Seen That the French Grocer Had Already Been Established in the Seventeenth Century](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/38-in-which-it-is-seen-that-the-french-grocer-had-already-been-established-in-the-seventeenth-century) Travels with d'Artagnan to Paris, offers advice on wealth, and plans to return to La Fère. ### [An Affair of State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/40-an-affair-of-state) Serves as ambassador for Charles II, presenting the letter to the king despite Mazarin's attempts to intercept it. ### [The Recital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/41-the-recital) Recounts the story of Charles II's restoration and reveals himself as the gentleman who kept the secret of the million and participated in the capture of Monck. ### [In Which Mazarin Becomes Prodigal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/42-in-which-mazarin-becomes-prodigal) Observes Mazarin's gift to the Duc d'Anjou and converses with the Prince de Condé, showing his reserved grace and insight into court affairs. ### [A Passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/51-a-passion) Returns from England and confronts Raoul about his love for Louise de La Vallière, ultimately offering his consent but being refused. ### [D’Artagnan’s Lesson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/52-d-artagnan-s-lesson) Mentioned as Raoul's father and a man of justice; sends a letter summoning D'Artagnan to the king. ### [The Cabaret of the Image-de-Notre-Dame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/61-the-cabaret-of-the-image-de-notre-dame) Bids farewell to d'Artagnan, offering discreet support and advice. ### [The Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/66-the-journey) Mentioned in d'Artagnan's recollection as one from whom he learned philosophical morsels of Seneca and Cicero. ### [In Which d’Artagnan at Last Places His Hand Upon His Captain’s Commission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/76-in-which-d-artagnan-at-last-places-his-hand-upon-his-captain-s-commission) Mentioned as Raoul's father and d'Artagnan's friend; his role in Charles II's restoration is noted. ### [The Consent of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/90-the-consent-of-athos) Grants his consent to Raoul's marriage after initial reluctance; decides to travel to Paris to speak with the king and confront De Wardes. ### [King Louis XIV Does Not Think Mademoiselle de La Vallière Either Rich Enough or Pretty Enough for a Gentleman of the Rank of the Vicomte de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/93-king-louis-xiv-does-not-think-mademoiselle-de-la-valli-re-either-rich-enough-or-pretty-enough-for-a-gentleman-of-the-rank-of-the-vicomte-de-bragelonne) Solicits an audience with the king to request consent for Raoul's marriage to Mademoiselle de La Vallière, but is refused. ### [Sword-Thrusts in the Water (Concluded)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/95-sword-thrusts-in-the-water-concluded) Waits in d'Artagnan's apartment, reveals the identity of the woman as Milady, linking her to Buckingham's father's murder. ### [Baisemeaux de Montlezun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/96-baisemeaux-de-montlezun) Discusses Raoul's potential duel with de Wardes and expresses his desire to leave Paris and return to Blois. ### [The First Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/164-the-first-quarrel) Mentioned as having solicited La Vallière's hand for Raoul; his portrait is in La Vallière's room, fueling the king's suspicion. ### [194: Porthos's Plan of Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/194-porthos-s-plan-of-action) Mentioned as one of Porthos's friends and Raoul's father. ### [King and Noble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/198-king-and-noble) Confronts the king, breaks his sword, and renounces his loyalty. ### [After the Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/199-after-the-storm) Confronts the king and confirms the truth to Raoul; remains calm and composed. ### [Heu! Miser!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/200-heu-miser) Mentioned as having pitied Raoul and as a source of his understanding of honor. ### [What Raoul Had Guessed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/202-what-raoul-had-guessed) Calmly accepts arrest, refuses to flee, and insists on going to the Bastille to teach the king a lesson. ### [Three Guests Astonished to Find Themselves at Supper Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/203-three-guests-astonished-to-find-themselves-at-supper-together) Brought to the Bastille by d'Artagnan; remains silent and observant during supper, studying Aramis and following d'Artagnan's advice to be discreet. ### [What Took Place at the Louvre During the Supper at the Bastille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/204-what-took-place-at-the-louvre-during-the-supper-at-the-bastille) Imprisoned in the Bastille; d'Artagnan defends him before the king and secures his release. ### [Political Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/205-political-rivals) Calmly accepts his arrest and subsequent release, choosing to retire to his château rather than remain at court. ### [In Which Porthos Is Convinced Without Having Understood Anything](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/206-in-which-porthos-is-convinced-without-having-understood-anything) Freed from the Bastille, he is discovered in the carriage with d'Artagnan and decides to return to Blois immediately. ### [The King's Gratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/230-the-king-s-gratitude) Mentioned as an honorable man; the king warns against connecting him to the conspiracy. ### [In Which Porthos Thinks He Is Pursuing a Duchy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/232-in-which-porthos-thinks-he-is-pursuing-a-duchy) At home with Raoul, offering consolation and defending Louise's actions; receives Aramis and Porthos. ### [The Last Adieux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/233-the-last-adieux) Listens to Aramis's confession; refuses to join the conspiracy; gives absolution and horses; feels a premonition that he has seen his friends for the last time. ### [Monsieur de Beaufort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/234-monsieur-de-beaufort) Hosts the Duc de Beaufort and is deeply distressed by Raoul's wish to leave for Africa and his declaration to become a knight of Malta. ### [235: Preparations for Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/235-preparations-for-departure) Prepares Raoul's appointments for departure and travels with him to Paris. ### [The Inventory of Planchet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/236-the-inventory-of-planchet) Visits Planchet to inquire about d'Artagnan; examines the map and deduces d'Artagnan's route to Cannes. ### [The Inventory of M. de Beaufort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/237-the-inventory-of-m-de-beaufort) Visits M. de Beaufort with Raoul to arrange departure; observes the duke's lavish distribution of goods; advises Raoul on duty and honor. ### [The Silver Dish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/238-the-silver-dish) Travels with Raoul, investigates the fisherman's story, and visits Sainte-Marguerite's. ### [Captive and Jailers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/239-captive-and-jailers) Confronts d'Artagnan about the secret prisoner, insists on respect for fallen majesty, and expresses fear for Raoul's fate. ### [Promises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/240-promises) Accompanies Raoul to the embarkation, gives him money and heartfelt advice, and struggles with the impending separation. ### [Among Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/241-among-women) Mentioned as having been drawn into the state secret regarding Philippe. ### [Result of the Ideas of the King, and the Ideas of d’Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/251-result-of-the-ideas-of-the-king-and-the-ideas-of-d-artagnan) Implicitly among the friends at Belle-Isle that d'Artagnan tries to protect. ### [Porthos's Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/262-porthos-s-will) Not mentioned in the will, but d'Artagnan reflects that Porthos trusted Raoul would share with his father. ### [The Old Age of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/263-the-old-age-of-athos) Suffers from profound grief and physical decline after Raoul's departure; waits for death or news of his son. ### [The Vision of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/264-the-vision-of-athos) Suffers from fever and weakness, experiences a vivid vision of the battle in Africa and his son Raoul's ghost. ### [The Angel of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/265-the-angel-of-death) Dies peacefully after learning of Raoul's death, smiling and resigned. ### [The Bulletin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/266-the-bulletin) Already deceased; the letter from Beaufort was intended for him but reaches only the dead. ### [The Last Canto of the Poem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/267-the-last-canto-of-the-poem) Lies in his coffin, having died of grief after Raoul's death; buried in the chapel enclosure. ### [The Death of d'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/the-death-of-d-artagnan) Mentioned in d'Artagnan's dying words: 'Athos—Porthos, farewell till we meet again! Aramis, adieu forever!' ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/athos - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters