Louis XIV

Henrietta of England

Henrietta, the king's sister-in-law, engages in a flirtatious and emotionally intense relationship with Louis XIV, marked by courtly intrigue and unfulfilled passion.

D'Artagnan

D'Artagnan serves as the king's loyal captain of the Musketeers, balancing deep respect with occasional frustration at Louis's evolving authority.

Louise de La Vallière

Louis XIV is passionately in love with Louise, making her his official mistress despite her initial devotion to Raoul.

Nicolas Fouquet

Louis XIV views Fouquet, his powerful finance minister, as a dangerous rival and ultimately orchestrates his downfall.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Colbert serves as Louis XIV's cunning and efficient minister, enabling the king's centralization of power while undermining Fouquet.

Raoul de Bragelonne

Louis XIV becomes Raoul's rival for Louise's love, causing deep tension and ultimately tragedy for Raoul.

Aramis

Aramis secretly plots to replace Louis XIV with his twin brother, making the king his ultimate adversary.

Athos

Athos serves Louis XIV as a noble and honorable advisor, though he is often troubled by the king's moral choices.

Jules Mazarin

Mazarin, the dying cardinal and former regent, advises Louis XIV with cynical pragmatism, shaping the young king's political education.

D'Artagnan

D'Artagnan serves as the king's loyal captain of the Musketeers, balancing deep respect with occasional frustration at Louis's evolving authority.

Henrietta of England

Henrietta, the king's sister-in-law, engages in a flirtatious and emotionally intense relationship with Louis XIV, marked by courtly intrigue and unfulfilled passion.

Aramis

Aramis secretly plots to replace Louis XIV with his twin brother, making the king his ultimate adversary.

Introductory Note

His intense egotism is fostered by flattery; he is bashful and timid before La Vallière, and his assumption of power marks the beginning of a brilliant court epoch.

Dramatis Personae

King of France, central figure of the court.

The Messenger

Mentioned as the king whose visit is announced; not physically present in the chapter.

Parry

Louis XIV is seen passing through Blois in a grand procession, celebrated by the crowd, contrasting with Charles II's plight.

What His Majesty King Louis XIV Was at the Age of Twenty-Two

The young king, aged twenty-two, is short but noble, observant of court dynamics, and feels overshadowed by Mazarin. He is bored by the provincial reception and asserts his authority by leaving early.

In Which the Unknown of the Hostelry of Les Medici Loses His Incognito

The young king, initially unaware of Charles's presence, listens to his plight and promises to intercede with Mazarin.

The Arithmetic of M. de Mazarin

The young king visits Mazarin to plead for financial aid for his brother Charles II, but is humiliated by the cardinal's refusal and demonstration of France's debts.

Mazarin's Policy

The young king attempts to persuade Mazarin to aid Charles II, but is outmaneuvered and left pensive.

The King and the Lieutenant

The young king, hesitant yet determined, arranges a clandestine early morning ride, revealing his romantic intentions and growing independence.

Marie de Mancini

The young king, torn between love and duty, meets Marie de Mancini at dawn but cannot defy political pressures.

In Which the King and the Lieutenant Each Give Proofs of Memory

The king, after parting from his mistress, returns to the castle and listens to his lieutenant's bitter recitation of grievances, responding with a promise of justice.

The Proscribed

Writes a letter to Mazarin renouncing his love for Marie de Mancini and agreeing to the political marriage with the Infanta Maria Theresa, showing his submission to the cardinal's will.

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 as pretending to weep over Mademoiselle de Mancini's hand, highlighting the court's frivolity.

D’Artagnan Travels for the House of Planchet and Company

His refusal of protection is noted as having cooled support for Charles II.

Monck Reveals Himself

Mentioned indirectly as the king who allied with Athos, though not present in the chapter.

How d'Artagnan Drew, as a Fairy Would Have Done, a Country-Seat from a Deal Box

Referenced as the king whose jests about Monck's pride prompted d'Artagnan's anxiety.

Mazarin's Gaming Party

Plays cards with the queens, listens to de Guiche's tale, and is prompted by Mazarin to dismiss the assembly before the secret meeting.

An Affair of State

Receives the letter from Athos and blushes, showing his youth and inexperience.

The Recital

Listens intently to Athos's recital, asking for details and expressing admiration for the brave actions described.

The Donation

The young king is the intended recipient of Mazarin's donation; Colbert predicts he will refuse it due to his pride and desire to build his own legacy.

How Anne of Austria Gave One Piece of Advice to Louis XIV, and How M. Fouquet Gave Him Another

The young king, frustrated by his lack of real power, receives conflicting advice from his mother and Fouquet regarding Mazarin's bequest.

Agony

The young king performs his first royal act by tearing up the donation, rejecting the forty millions, and asserting his independence.

The First Appearance of Colbert

The young king, anxious for liberty, receives news of Mazarin's death and confronts the reality of his empty coffers, beginning to assert his authority.

The First Day of the Royalty of Louis XIV

Asserts his authority by dismissing ministers and taking control of governance; secretly secures thirteen million livres with Colbert's help; begins to suspect Fouquet's conspiracy after reading Charles II's letter.

D’Artagnan’s Lesson

Criticized by D'Artagnan as a sighing, weak king with a 'heartache'.

The King

Assertively commands d'Artagnan, signs death warrants for financiers, and demonstrates a shift toward independent rule.

The Journey

Referred to as d'Artagnan's 'sun' and the king he now serves, though his authority is not yet recognized in Brittany.

In Which Monsieur Fouquet Acts

Works with Colbert, signs death warrants, and is persuaded to demand a million from Fouquet, but is surprised by Fouquet's generous counteroffer.

In Which d’Artagnan at Last Places His Hand Upon His Captain’s Commission

Promotes Raoul to his service; grants d'Artagnan his commission; learns of his uncle Gaston's death.

Part II: Louise de La Vallière

The king, whose attention may be drawn to Louise, influencing court dynamics.

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

Receives Athos and denies the marriage request, citing La Vallière's lack of beauty, fortune, and rank, and preferring to wait.

Sword-Thrusts in the Water

Seated at the card table with the queen-mother and young queen, a focal point of the court's attention.

The King's Card-Table

The king is distracted by Madame's charm, blushes and sighs in her presence, and later demands four million francs from Fouquet for a fête at Fontainebleau.

The Two Friends

Referenced as the king who has withdrawn favor from Fouquet and is demanding four million from him.

Madame de Bellière's Plate

Implicated as an accomplice in the plot, betraying the duplicity of his father and Mazarin.

105: Threefold Love

The king, young and gallant, visits Madame daily and invents amusements, though still reserved in expressing his feelings.

Monsieur Is Jealous of Guiche

Visits the queen-mother and laughs at his brother's jealousy over Guiche.

The Mediator

Acts as mediator between Madame and Monsieur, flirts with Madame, and proposes an alliance.

The Advisers

Agitated by his growing attraction to Madame, he defends her to Monsieur and later publicly banishes de Guiche.

Fontainebleau

The king devotes himself to pleasures with Madame, ignoring the queen and Monsieur.

The Bath

The king is the center of attention, engaging in flirtatious behavior with Madame and later being confronted by his mother.

The Butterfly-Chase

Arranges a butterfly hunt to meet Madame privately; discusses Monsieur's jealousy and the queen's suspicions.

What Was Caught After the Butterflies

The king conspires with Madame Henrietta to feign affection for La Vallière as a cover for their true feelings.

The Ballet of the Seasons

Dances as Spring in the ballet, displaying his grace and authority; he is flattered by de Guiche's return and manages court tensions with calculated smiles.

The Nymphs of the Park of Fontainebleau

The king enjoys his triumph and thinks of himself before Madame.

The King's Uneasiness

The king feigns uneasiness about La Vallière to mask his true feelings for Madame Henrietta; he orchestrates a public display of concern.

The King's Secret

Feigns concern for La Vallière while secretly pursuing his own romantic interests; catches La Vallière as she faints.

The Orderly Clerk

The king reflects on his feelings for Louise de La Vallière and listens to Saint-Aignan's gossip, then later receives Fouquet and is influenced by his tactful criticism of Colbert.

Fontainebleau at Two O'Clock in the Morning

Mentioned as having just received Fouquet; Saint-Aignan acts on his behalf.

How Malicorne Had Been Turned Out of the Hotel of the Beau Paon

Mentioned as being in love with both Madame and La Vallière, and as overhearing La Vallière's remark.

The State Secret

Mentioned in the context of the Spanish cardinal's secret regarding the king's plans to claim the Spanish inheritance.

A Mission

Orders Raoul to carry letters to King Charles II of England.

Story of a Dryad and a Naiad

Present at the reception; he prompts Saint-Aignan to tell the story and is visibly embarrassed by the allegorical references.

Conclusion of the Story of a Naiad and of a Dryad

The king is annoyed by Madame's story, defends it weakly, and leaves early, showing his discomfort.

Royal Psychology

The king is deeply wounded and bewildered, experiencing a crisis of pride and heart as he realizes he has been deceived by Madame's scheme involving La Vallière.

Something That Neither Naiad nor Dryad Foresaw

Confronts Louise de La Vallière, initially refuses to believe her, but eventually forgives her and declares his love and protection.

The New General of the Jesuits

Mentioned as the current king whom Aramis plans to replace; also noted as being with La Vallière.

The Storm

Determined to proceed with the promenade despite the gloomy weather, he summons Fouquet and invites himself to the fête at Vaux, while his thoughts are consumed by Louise de La Vallière.

The Shower of Rain

Expresses deep admiration for Louise de La Vallière, offers to advance her family, and shelters her from the rain and storm.

Madame's Four Chances

The king is mentioned as having reduced visits to his mother and being preoccupied, but he is not directly present in the chapter.

The Lottery

Wins the lottery and publicly gives the bracelets to Louise de La Vallière, defying courtly expectations.

Malaga

Appears briefly when D'Artagnan requests leave; the king is absorbed in festivities and grants the leave.

In Which the Reader Will Be Delighted to Find That Porthos Has Lost Nothing of His Strength

Mentioned as the king who was told about Belle-Isle and the engineer, and who expressed a desire to meet Porthos.

How Porthos, Trüchen, and Planchet Parted with Each Other on Friendly Terms, Thanks to d’Artagnan

Mentioned as expecting Porthos for an evening audience, though not physically present.

The Presentation of Porthos at Court

Grants audience, admires the former musketeers, and promises Aramis a cardinal's hat; invites Porthos to supper.

Madame and de Guiche

Implied to be showing marked attention to La Vallière, causing jealousy and suspicion.

Montalais and Malicorne

Attempted to see La Vallière but found her door locked; mentioned as a jealous and powerful figure in the intrigues.

The King's Supper

The king presides over the supper, eating heartily and engaging Porthos in conversation about food, showing favor and curiosity.

After Supper

The king receives verses from La Vallière, questions Saint-Aignan about de Guiche's wound, and dispatches d'Artagnan and his physician to investigate.

Showing in What Way d’Artagnan Discharged the Mission with Which the King Had Entrusted Him

Receives d'Artagnan's report with growing admiration; expresses anger at the duel but is impressed by d'Artagnan's reasoning and observation.

The Encounter

The king interrogates Manicamp with skepticism, revealing his suspicion that the hunting accident was actually a duel.

The Physician

The king interrogates Manicamp about the duel, showing both anger and a desire to find a way to repair the situation.

Wherein d’Artagnan Perceives That It Was He Who Was Mistaken, and Manicamp Who Was Right

Interrogates Manicamp, shows favor, and orchestrates a cover-up of the duel.

The Journey

Restless and lovesick, he escapes the queen's carriage to ride beside Louise de La Vallière, engaging in a tender conversation.

Triumfeminate

Attends council upon arrival in Paris; not directly present in the scene but referenced as the subject of the queens' discussion.

The First Quarrel

The king confronts La Vallière, growing increasingly jealous and angry over her silence, suspecting she still loves Raoul de Bragelonne.

Despair

Referenced as having left La Vallière; his failure to keep his oath is the central cause of her despair.

166: The Flight

Mentioned as being ignorant of La Vallière's flight; d'Artagnan notes the king is still asleep at the Palais Royal.

Showing How Louis, on His Part, Had Passed the Time from Ten to Half-Past Twelve at Night

The king is agitated from his quarrel with La Vallière and attempts to control his emotions while discussing state affairs with Colbert.

The Ambassadors

Rises early, seeks La Vallière, confronts the Dutch ambassador over the medal, becomes enraged, and upon hearing of La Vallière's flight, abruptly ends the audience and prepares to go after her.

Chaillot

The king passionately pleads with Louise, vowing to protect her and defy his family to keep her at court.

170: Madame

Confronts Madame about Louise de La Vallière's dismissal, defends Louise passionately, weeps from rage and humiliation, and ultimately feels betrayed by Madame's condescension.

Mademoiselle de La Vallière’s Pocket-Handkerchief

The king is in love with La Vallière and devises a handkerchief trick to pass her a note, but is thwarted by Madame. He later discovers Malicorne's theft and is amused.

Which Treats of Gardeners, of Ladders, and Maids of Honor

Frustrated by Madame's restrictions, he attempts to use a ladder to reach La Vallière but is forced to flee when guards appear.

Which Treats of Carpentry Operations, and Furnishes Details Upon the Mode of Constructing Staircases

The king is the intended beneficiary of the secret staircase, enabling him to meet La Vallière.

The Promenade by Torchlight

Impatient and feverish with love for La Vallière; agrees to the torchlight promenade to Saint-Germain as a diversion, following Saint-Aignan's advice.

The Apparition

Visits Louise via a hidden staircase; proposes using Saint-Aignan's rooms for meetings; agrees to Saint-Aignan's presence.

The Portrait

Arranges a portrait sitting for Louise, expresses insatiable love, and is dissatisfied despite the rendezvous.

Hampton Court

Mentioned as the sovereign who sent Raoul to England; Raoul has received no order to return from him.

Saint-Aignan Follows Malicorne’s Advice

Deeply in love with Louise, he exchanges a first kiss with her and is discovered by Raoul.

Part III: The Man in the Iron Mask

King Louis XIV is involved in the secret imprisonment of Philippe, maintaining his own rule.

183: An Interview with the Queen-Mother

Mentioned as the king whose conduct is causing grief; his birth is recalled, and he is the twin brother of the hidden prince.

In Which the Author Thinks It Is High Time to Return to the Vicomte de Bragelonne

Implicated in the walk with Louise and the source of Raoul's jealousy.

Two Jealousies

Referred to as having wept and implored Madame; his love for La Vallière is the central revelation.

A Domiciliary Visit

Referenced as the king involved in the love affair with La Vallière, and as Raoul's master.

The Change of Residence, the Trapdoor, and the Portrait

Referenced as the king who accompanied the court to Saint-Germain and is in love with La Vallière.

Rivals in Politics

Accepts Fouquet's invitation to Vaux, shows surprise at the sale of the office, and is caught between the two rivals.

Rivals in Love

The king is confronted with the revelation that his secret love for Louise de La Vallière has been discovered by Raoul de Bragelonne. He shifts from amusement to anger, asserting his royal authority and forbidding Saint-Aignan from dueling.

King and Noble

Defends his love for Louise de La Vallière and is enraged by Athos's accusations.

After the Storm

Confirmed by Athos to love Louise de La Vallière.

What Raoul Had Guessed

Furious with Athos, orders his arrest; shows hesitation and annoyance at signing the arrest warrant.

What Took Place at the Louvre During the Supper at the Bastille

The king is confronted by d'Artagnan, struggles with jealousy and remorse over Louise de La Vallière, and ultimately relents by writing an order to free Athos.

The Prisoner

The reigning king, whose portrait is compared to the prisoner's reflection.

Who Messire Jean Percerin Was

Mentioned as the current king who employs Percerin and for whom five costumes are being designed.

The Patterns

Mentioned as the intended recipient of the surprise portrait, with his dresses being the focus of the scheme.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The king is approaching Melun with his long train of carriages and cavaliers; his portrait by Lebrun is displayed in the palace.

The Wine of Melun

Impatient to reach Vaux and see La Vallière; frustrated by delays at Melun orchestrated by Colbert.

Nectar and Ambrosia

The king is both impressed and humiliated by Fouquet's wealth and hospitality; he grows morose after supper and secretly meets La Vallière, then asks for Colbert.

A Gascon, and a Gascon and a Half

Listens to Colbert's accusations against Fouquet, showing signs of being influenced by the intendant's manipulation.

Colbert

The king is cold, reserved, and taciturn during the fêtes, nursing a deep resentment against Fouquet. He seeks La Vallière's approval before ordering the arrest.

Jealousy

Consumed by jealousy after reading the letter, he orders Fouquet's arrest despite being his guest.

High Treason

The king experiences intense emotional turmoil after reading Fouquet's letter, falls into a dreamlike state, and is secretly transported to the Bastille as part of Aramis's plot.

225: A Night at the Bastille

Imprisoned in the Bastille, he experiences a crisis of identity and rage, breaking furniture and shouting for the governor.

The Shadow of M. Fouquet

Orders Fouquet's arrest, though not directly present in the chapter.

The Morning

Heard speaking from the alcove, confirming Aramis's authority; his bed and handkerchief bear traces of his ordeal.

The King's Friend

The king who hated Fouquet has been taken to the Bastille and replaced by his twin brother.

The King's Gratitude

Found in a tattered, bloodied state after his imprisonment; oscillates between gratitude and vengeful pride toward Fouquet.

The False King

The real king appears at the secret stairs, pale and frowning, confronting his usurper.

Captive and Jailers

Referenced as the king who commands the prisoner's secrecy and is involved in the secret of the royal house.

Promises

Sends a dispatch recalling d'Artagnan to Paris, ending his mission at Sainte-Marguerite.

Among Women

Gives orders to D'Artagnan regarding the journey to Nantes and the placement of musketeers; is preoccupied with La Vallière.

Friendly Advice

The king arrives unexpectedly early at Nantes, taking control of the city and setting the stage for Fouquet's arrest.

How the King, Louis XIV, Played His Little Part

Plays a deceptive role, feigning concern for Fouquet's health while secretly planning his arrest; orders d'Artagnan to follow and arrest Fouquet.

In Which the Squirrel Falls—In Which the Adder Flies

Listens to d'Artagnan's account, becomes agitated, and asserts his authority by ordering the seizure of Belle-Île.

Explanations by Aramis

Mentioned as the king who now considers Aramis his sole enemy and has ordered the siege of Belle-Isle.

Result of the Ideas of the King, and the Ideas of d’Artagnan

His ideas and orders, executed through Colbert, anticipate and neutralize d'Artagnan's plans.

The Round of M. de Gesvres

The king refuses to see d'Artagnan, accepts his resignation, and orders his round-up, demonstrating his growing authority and distance from his former captain.

King Louis XIV

Assertively defends his authority, reprimands d'Artagnan for disobedience, and offers a path to reconciliation.

The Friends of M. Fouquet

Receives d'Artagnan, shows clemency toward Aramis, and grants permission for Fouquet's friends to aid Madame Fouquet.

Epilogue

The king negotiates a political alliance with Henrietta, promising to recall de Guiche and remove the Chevalier de Lorraine from her household in exchange for her help securing an alliance with England.

The Death of d'Artagnan

The king, pleased with d'Artagnan's successes, orders his promotion and enjoys the favor of Madame de Montespan.