The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Character

Gourville

Fouquet's shrewd steward and confidant, whose sly wit and cool head serve a master already spending money he does not have.

supporting

Also known as Monsieur Gourville, M. de Gourville, M. Gourville

First appearance: 54 the houses of m fouquet

As a supporting figure in The Vicomte de Bragelonne, Gourville is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Fouquet's confidant who brings urgent news of the secret chamber of justice and the sentence against Lyodot and D'Eymeris.

In the storyThe Abbé FouquetOpen this moment free

Gourville moves through Fouquet's household as adviser, errand-runner, and the one man permitted to laugh at a superintendent's dangerous extravagance. He needles Fouquet with dry irony about the abbé's paid ruffians and the king's gold, yet never wavers in service, weighing every risk before his master takes it. In the opening arc of the novel, his caution and clear sight make him the reader's barometer for how close Fouquet stands to ruin.

See Gourville in The Abbé Fouquet Book page

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Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Gourville sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Fouquet's inner circle
Central political and personal players
Minor courtiers, servants, and historical figures

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Raoul reaches his emotional and psychological nadir, fully interna…

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In the story

Gourville appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Abbé Fouquet
Fouquet's confidant who brings urgent news of the secret chamber of justice and the sentence against Lyodot and D'Eymeris.
M. de La Fontaine’s Wine
Gourville accompanies Fouquet, shows him the gibbets, and advises him to return to Saint-Mandé to count his money rather than confront the king.
The Gallery of Saint-Mandé
Assists in organizing the plot and carries the money for the bribe.
Epicureans
Advises Fouquet not to go to the prison himself, urging caution.
Plan of Battle
Fouquet's confidant, present at the planning and tasked with counting out a hundred thousand livres for the operation.
How M. d’Eymeris’s Diamond Passed Into the Hands of M. d’Artagnan
Intermediary between Fouquet and D'Artagnan; informs Fouquet of D'Artagnan's identity and role in the day's events.
The Skin of the Bear
Mentioned as having suggested that parliament members subscribe to buy Fouquet's post to save the honor of the body.
How Jean de La Fontaine Came to Write His First Tale
Fouquet's treasurer, organizes the collection of funds from the friends.
La Fontaine in the Character of a Negotiator
A member of the circle who comments on the financial aspects of the deal and accompanies La Fontaine to fetch Vanel.
Madame de Bellière’s Plate and Diamonds
Stations himself at the entrance to watch for Madame de Bellière's arrival.
M. de Mazarin's Receipt
Announces Vanel's arrival to Fouquet.
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Shows Fouquet the preparations for the fireworks.
The Last Supper
Brings news of musketeers mounting, gathers contributions from friends, and drives Fouquet's carriage.
The Two Lighters
Fouquet's loyal adviser who accompanies him on the lighter, advises caution, and arranges escape routes.
Friendly Advice
Fouquet's friend and aide, who brings the news that the king has arrived eight hours early, dashing any hope of escape.
How the King, Louis XIV, Played His Little Part
Sends a warning note to Fouquet, advising him not to enter his house and informing him of a white horse waiting for escape.
The White Horse and the Black Horse
Mentioned as having possibly duped d'Artagnan by helping Fouquet escape.
The Friends of M. Fouquet
Part of the delegation, weeps before the king.

Chapter companion notes

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See Gourville in 54 the houses of m fouquet

See Gourville in The Abbé Fouquet