# Jean-Baptiste Colbert — The Vicomte de Bragelonne character guide > Jean-Baptiste Colbert in The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Colbert, M. Colbert, Monsieur Colbert **First appearance:** 0047-44-colbert ## Snapshot The austere, calculating minister who works in the shadows to poison the king's mind against Fouquet and inherit the kingdom's finances. ## Who they are Colbert stands at Vaux among the splendors of his rival's fête, cold and watchful while everyone else is dazzled, waiting at the corner of an avenue for a sign from the king. Where Fouquet charms and spends, Colbert calculates and endures, and his patient administration of the king's resentment is as deliberate as any poison. His quiet ascendancy gives the novel its engine of political menace. ## Relationships ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Colbert serves as Louis XIV's cunning and efficient minister, enabling the king's centralization of power while undermining Fouquet. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Colbert serves as Louis XIV's cunning and efficient minister, enabling the king's centralization of power while undermining Fouquet. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _professional_ Colbert serves as Louis XIV's cunning and efficient minister, enabling the king's centralization of power while undermining Fouquet. ## In the story ### [Introductory Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/introductory-note) Rises to high office over the disgraced Fouquet; historic justice is said to be on his side, representing official honesty and fiscal competence. ### [Colbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/44-colbert) Portrayed in depth: his physical appearance, lowly birth, early career as a clerk, and his shrewd, tenacious, and morally rigid character. He demonstrates his indispensability to Mazarin by revealing his exact knowledge of the cardinal's hidden wealth. ### [Confession of a Man of Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/45-confession-of-a-man-of-wealth) Mazarin calls for Colbert in his distress after the confessor leaves. ### [The Donation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/46-the-donation) The calculating advisor who manipulates Mazarin into making the donation, foreseeing that Louis XIV's pride will cause him to refuse it. ### [Agony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/48-agony) Mazarin's attendant and secretary, who predicted the king would return the donation, and is recommended by Mazarin to Louis as a wise and honest man. ### [The First Appearance of Colbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/49-the-first-appearance-of-colbert) Colbert presents himself as the late cardinal's faithful servant, reveals a hidden fortune of thirteen million livres, and exposes Fouquet's financial mismanagement, positioning himself as a key advisor. ### [The First Day of the Royalty of Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/50-the-first-day-of-the-royalty-of-louis-xiv) Arranges the transfer of the cardinal's treasure to the king; advises Louis on financial reforms and requests a chamber of justice; seeks control of English correspondence to undermine Fouquet. ### [The King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/53-the-king) Reports on the financiers' case, recommends confiscation and death, and is rebuked by the king for using the word 'difficulty.' ### [The Houses of M. Fouquet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/54-the-houses-of-m-fouquet) Mentioned as the newly appointed intendant who hates Fouquet and is scheming against his allies Lyodot and d'Eymeris. ### [The Abbé Fouquet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/55-the-abb-fouquet) Mentioned as the bold councilor behind the secret chamber of justice and the sentence against Fouquet's friends. ### [A Quarter of an Hour’s Delay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/59-a-quarter-of-an-hour-s-delay) Fouquet's rival, to whom Marguerite Vanel reports, leading to the prisoners' transfer. ### [Plan of Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/60-plan-of-battle) Mentioned as the name the rioters will cry to disguise their true purpose. ### [On the Notable Difference d’Artagnan Finds Between Monsieur the Intendant and Monsieur the Superintendent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/64-on-the-notable-difference-d-artagnan-finds-between-monsieur-the-intendant-and-monsieur-the-superintendent) Receives D'Artagnan with hostility; interrogates him about the riot and Menneville; criticizes Fouquet for overpaying D'Artagnan. ### [Philosophy of the Heart and Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/65-philosophy-of-the-heart-and-mind) D'Artagnan laughs at him and reflects on his political opposition to Fouquet. ### [In Which Monsieur Fouquet Acts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/75-in-which-monsieur-fouquet-acts) Advises the king to ruin Fouquet, accuses him of treason, and is humiliated when Fouquet reveals the money in Colbert's coffers. ### [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 having reported favorably on d'Artagnan and Raoul to the king. ### [The King's Card-Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/97-the-king-s-card-table) Colbert whispers counsel to the king, prompting the demand for money from Fouquet, and smiles triumphantly at the superintendent's difficulty. ### [The Two Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/101-the-two-friends) Mentioned as the rising power who hates Fouquet and is orchestrating his financial and political destruction. ### [Madame de Bellière's Plate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/102-madame-de-belli-re-s-plate) Revealed as the mastermind behind the plot against Fouquet, using Marguerite Vanel as his instrument. ### [Fontainebleau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/110-fontainebleau) Colbert manages the enormous expenses of the fêtes with sleepless economy, horrified at the mythological costs. ### [What Was Caught After the Butterflies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/113-what-was-caught-after-the-butterflies) Mentioned in passing regarding the lamps at the evening festivities. ### [The Ballet of the Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/114-the-ballet-of-the-seasons) Confronts the king about financial matters, expressing concern over costs; Louis dismisses him and signs an order for three million francs from the private treasury. ### [Aramis's Correspondence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/121-aramis-s-correspondence) Approaches Fouquet with a challenge to host a fête at Vaux, aiming to ruin him financially. ### [The Orderly Clerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/122-the-orderly-clerk) Praised by Fouquet as an 'orderly clerk,' but the praise subtly undermines his reputation for magnificence. ### [The New General of the Jesuits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/135-the-new-general-of-the-jesuits) Mentioned by Fouquet as holding the king's weakness and passions in his grasp. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/136-the-storm) Observed smiling with sinister delight after receiving a pocketbook from a secretary, he is present during the king's work session. ### [The Presentation of Porthos at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/148-the-presentation-of-porthos-at-court) Overhears the king's promise to Aramis and leaves the salon abruptly, stung by the favor shown. ### [Explanations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/149-explanations) Mentioned as a rival of Fouquet; d'Artagnan expresses disdain for him. ### [166: The Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/166-the-flight) Mentioned as having been in long conference with the king the previous evening. ### [Showing How Louis, on His Part, Had Passed the Time from Ten to Half-Past Twelve at Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/167-showing-how-louis-on-his-part-had-passed-the-time-from-ten-to-half-past-twelve-at-night) Colbert maneuvers to undermine Fouquet and subtly informs the king of a rumored romantic affair involving a maid of honor. ### [The Ambassadors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/168-the-ambassadors) Present during the audience; remains impassive and silent, controlling the timing of the king's outburst with a look. ### [170: Madame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/170-madame) Follows the ambassadors out of the king's presence to explain matters to them, showing his role in diplomacy. ### [Wherein May Be Seen That a Bargain Which Cannot Be Made with One Person, Can Be Carried Out with Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/181-wherein-may-be-seen-that-a-bargain-which-cannot-be-made-with-one-person-can-be-carried-out-with-another) Purchases the incriminating letters and arranges for Chevreuse's disguised entry to the queen. ### [The Skin of the Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/182-the-skin-of-the-bear) Plots to acquire Fouquet's post of procureur-général, using Vanel as a front and leveraging Mazarin's letters. ### [Two Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/184-two-friends) Briefly mentioned as an alternative payee for the queen's order, but she chooses Fouquet instead. ### [M. de Mazarin's Receipt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/188-m-de-mazarin-s-receipt) Implied as the recipient of the stolen receipt and Madame de Chevreuse's letters; Vanel's new ally. ### [Monsieur Colbert's Rough Draft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/189-monsieur-colbert-s-rough-draft) Not present in the scene, but his handwriting on the rough draft of the deed is discovered, exposing his plot against Fouquet. ### [Rivals in Politics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/196-rivals-in-politics) Lurks as a jealous shadow, is humiliated by Fouquet's revelation, but resolves to use the king's favor to plot Fouquet's ruin. ### [Rivals in Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/197-rivals-in-love) Colbert is present in the king's cabinet, but his scowling face displeases the king, who is relieved by Saint-Aignan's arrival. ### [Who Messire Jean Percerin Was](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/210-who-messire-jean-percerin-was) Mentioned as someone Percerin could never fit properly, despite his skill. ### [Crown and Tiara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/217-crown-and-tiara) Described as an ugly, dark-browed man, intelligent, and the mortal enemy of Fouquet. ### [The Wine of Melun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/219-the-wine-of-melun) Orchestrates the delay at Melun to annoy Fouquet; rebuffed by d'Artagnan and the king. ### [Nectar and Ambrosia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/220-nectar-and-ambrosia) Summoned by the king at the end of the chapter, indicating Louis's turn toward distrust of Fouquet. ### [A Gascon, and a Gascon and a Half](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/221-a-gascon-and-a-gascon-and-a-half) Presents evidence of Fouquet's alleged misappropriation of thirteen million livres, skillfully turning the king against the superintendent. ### [Colbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/222-colbert) Colbert orchestrates the king's anger against Fouquet, produces a mysterious letter to manipulate the situation, and ultimately feels abandoned by the king but remains determined. ### [Jealousy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/223-jealousy) Observes the king's anger with satisfaction, having orchestrated the revelation of the letter. ### [225: A Night at the Bastille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/225-a-night-at-the-bastille) Mentioned as having been right about Fouquet's treachery. ### [Among Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/241-among-women) Reported to be radiant, suggesting his rising influence. ### [In M. Colbert’s Carriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/243-in-m-colbert-s-carriage) Negotiates with the duchesse, agreeing to pursue Aramis and secure his imprisonment. ### [The Two Lighters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/244-the-two-lighters) Pursues Fouquet in a faster lighter with twelve rowers, but stops when Fouquet stops, watching from a distance. ### [Friendly Advice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/245-friendly-advice) Mentioned by Fouquet as the architect of his persecution, including the seizure of his lighters and the plot against him. ### [In Which the Squirrel Falls—In Which the Adder Flies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/248-in-which-the-squirrel-falls-in-which-the-adder-flies) Humiliated by the king after d'Artagnan's report; his rivalry with d'Artagnan is evident. ### [Explanations by Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/250-explanations-by-aramis) Referenced as the source of the officer's orders to monitor d'Artagnan and enforce the blockade against Belle-Isle. ### [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) The architect of the detailed orders that strip d'Artagnan of command and ensure the siege proceeds. ### [The Round of M. de Gesvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/259-the-round-of-m-de-gesvres) Mentioned as working with the king at the castle, reinforcing his role as the king's trusted minister. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/epilogue) Colbert reveals his ambitious plans for building a French navy, including purchasing supplies from the Dutch and constructing new ships, and discusses the possibility of war with the United Provinces. ### [The Death of d'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/the-death-of-d-artagnan) Sends d'Artagnan the letter of promotion and a personal coffer, fulfilling the king's promise. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/jean_baptiste_colbert - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters