# Louise de La Vallière — The Vicomte de Bragelonne character guide > Louise de La Vallière in The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** La Vallière, Mademoiselle de La Vallière, Louise **First appearance:** 0054-51-a-passion ## Snapshot A shy, gentle maid of honor whose first sigh at Blois binds her to the king, setting her between royal passion and a young vicomte's faithful love. ## Who they are Louise arrives at court with a childish flame already kindled for Louis XIV, and her modesty makes her the perfect screen for the flirtations of grander women. She is the only favorite who loves the king for himself, and the only one who will be ashamed of being loved back. Her quiet presence turns the court's games of gallantry into a contest of genuine hearts. ## Relationships ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _romantic_ Louis XIV is passionately in love with Louise, making her his official mistress despite her initial devotion to Raoul. ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _romantic_ Louise was betrothed to Raoul and loves him genuinely, but her heart is torn when she falls for King Louis XIV. ### [Henrietta of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/henrietta_of_england) _social_ Henrietta acts as Louise's rival and sometimes ally at court, using her to further her own romantic games with the king. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _romantic_ Louis XIV is passionately in love with Louise, making her his official mistress despite her initial devotion to Raoul. ### [Henrietta of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/henrietta_of_england) _social_ Henrietta acts as Louise's rival and sometimes ally at court, using her to further her own romantic games with the king. ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _romantic_ Louise was betrothed to Raoul and loves him genuinely, but her heart is torn when she falls for King Louis XIV. ### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louis_xiv) _romantic_ Louis XIV is passionately in love with Louise, making her his official mistress despite her initial devotion to Raoul. ### [Raoul de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/raoul_de_bragelonne) _romantic_ Louise was betrothed to Raoul and loves him genuinely, but her heart is torn when she falls for King Louis XIV. ### [Henrietta of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/henrietta_of_england) _social_ Henrietta acts as Louise's rival and sometimes ally at court, using her to further her own romantic games with the king. ## In the story ### [Introductory Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/introductory-note) The only favorite who loved the king for himself alone; her life is faithfully sketched from her first glimpse of the king at Blois. ### [The Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/1-the-letter) A gentle, fair-haired young woman, she is shyly in love with Raoul and writes him a letter, though she is easily flustered by Montalais's teasing. ### [The Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/3-the-interview) Surprised and overjoyed by Raoul's unexpected visit; her love for him is evident. ### [Father and Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/4-father-and-son) Mentioned as the young lady Raoul encountered at Blois via Mademoiselle de Montalais; subject of Athos's disapproval. ### [What His Majesty King Louis XIV Was at the Age of Twenty-Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/8-what-his-majesty-king-louis-xiv-was-at-the-age-of-twenty-two) A young Blaisoise lady presented to the king; she is timid and graceful, catching Louis's attention despite Madame's mundane introduction. ### [A Passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/51-a-passion) The object of Raoul's passion; Athos questions her constancy and Raoul defends her honor. ### [In Which We at Length See the True Heroine of This History Appear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/78-in-which-we-at-length-see-the-true-heroine-of-this-history-appear) Revealed as the true heroine; she is torn between envy and sorrow, longing for Paris and Raoul. ### [Malicorne and Manicamp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/79-malicorne-and-manicamp) Mentioned as the poor little La Vallière, who is unknowingly being drawn into the intrigues of the court. ### [Manicamp and Malicorne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/80-manicamp-and-malicorne) Mentioned by Malicorne as the friend for whom the second commission is intended. ### [An Account of What the Chevalier de Lorraine Thought of Madame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/88-an-account-of-what-the-chevalier-de-lorraine-thought-of-madame) Louise is mentioned as having left Blois for Paris; Raoul's letters to her were returned unopened. ### [The Surprise of Madame de Montalais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/89-the-surprise-of-madame-de-montalais) Presented as a maid of honor; appears timid and avoids eye contact, causing Raoul confusion. ### [The Consent of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/90-the-consent-of-athos) The object of Raoul's affection; she is a maid of honor to Madame. ### [Part II: Louise de La Vallière](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/part-ii-louise-de-la-valli-re) Central figure of this part, her introduction marks the beginning of her involvement in court affairs. ### [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) Discussed as the prospective bride; the king deems her not rich or pretty enough for Raoul. ### [Monsieur Is Jealous of Guiche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/107-monsieur-is-jealous-of-guiche) Seated in a corner, looking on thoughtfully. ### [The Mediator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/108-the-mediator) Present among the ladies of honor, pale and supported by Montalais as the king passes. ### [What Was Caught After the Butterflies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/113-what-was-caught-after-the-butterflies) Identified by Madame as the suitable decoy; the king comments on her thinness and melancholy. ### [The Nymphs of the Park of Fontainebleau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/115-the-nymphs-of-the-park-of-fontainebleau) Found alone near the lake, she converses with de Guiche and later plans a private walk with her companions. ### [What Was Said Under the Royal Oak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/116-what-was-said-under-the-royal-oak) Reveals her deep admiration for the king, causing her companions to exclaim in surprise; later becomes terrified at the possibility of being overheard. ### [The King's Uneasiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/117-the-king-s-uneasiness) She faints in the woods and is discovered by the king and Saint-Aignan; the king uses her as a pretext to approach Madame. ### [The King's Secret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/118-the-king-s-secret) The ailing young woman who faints into the king's arms, sparking court gossip about the king's affection. ### [Courses de Nuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/119-courses-de-nuit) Mentioned as having made flattering remarks about the king and being reluctant to tell falsehoods, causing Madame's irritation. ### [Aramis's Correspondence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/121-aramis-s-correspondence) Identified as the object of the king's new caprice; Aramis advises Fouquet to court her. ### [The Orderly Clerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/122-the-orderly-clerk) Subject of the king's inquiries and Saint-Aignan's gossip; her background and rumored betrothal are discussed. ### [Fontainebleau at Two O'Clock in the Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/123-fontainebleau-at-two-o-clock-in-the-morning) Subject of Saint-Aignan's scheming; he seeks information about her from de Guiche. ### [How Malicorne Had Been Turned Out of the Hotel of the Beau Paon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/125-how-malicorne-had-been-turned-out-of-the-hotel-of-the-beau-paon) Revealed to be the screen for the king and Madame's affair; her innocent remark about the king was overheard. ### [A Mission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/129-a-mission) Deeply distressed by Raoul's departure; struggles with guilt and emotion. ### [Story of a Dryad and a Naiad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/131-story-of-a-dryad-and-a-naiad) Present among the maids of honor; the king's devouring gaze falls upon her, but Montalais shields her. ### [Conclusion of the Story of a Naiad and of a Dryad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/132-conclusion-of-the-story-of-a-naiad-and-of-a-dryad) La Vallière faints from the king's look and words, overwhelmed by the tension. ### [Royal Psychology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/133-royal-psychology) La Vallière is the unwitting instrument of Madame's scheme; the king's genuine affection for her is now tainted by the suspicion that her feelings were part of the deception. ### [Something That Neither Naiad nor Dryad Foresaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/134-something-that-neither-naiad-nor-dryad-foresaw) Pleads for the king's forgiveness, explains she was threatened, and eventually receives his pardon and declaration of love. ### [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 as being with the king in their first confession of love. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/136-the-storm) Still pale from the previous evening's events, she gets into a carriage with three companions, and the king maneuvers to accompany her. ### [The Shower of Rain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/137-the-shower-of-rain) Humbly refuses the king's offers, citing her modest station and concern for the queen's feelings; shows disinterest in material advancement. ### [Toby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/138-toby) Receives a visit from Fouquet, who seeks the return of a letter she denies having received. ### [The Lottery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/140-the-lottery) Receives the king's gift of the bracelets, causing a stir among the courtiers. ### [Madame and de Guiche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/150-madame-and-de-guiche) Mentioned as the object of the king's attentions and as Bragelonne's affianced. ### [Montalais and Malicorne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/151-montalais-and-malicorne) Mentioned as the object of the king's interest and Raoul's affection; her letters have been intercepted by Montalais. ### [How de Wardes Was Received at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/152-how-de-wardes-was-received-at-court) Mentioned as the subject of de Wardes's insinuations; defended by de Guiche and Saint-Aignan as an angel of virtue and purity. ### [Wherein d’Artagnan Perceives That It Was He Who Was Mistaken, and Manicamp Who Was Right](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/159-wherein-d-artagnan-perceives-that-it-was-he-who-was-mistaken-and-manicamp-who-was-right) Mentioned as the maid of honor who was insulted, sparking the quarrel. ### [Showing the Advantage of Having Two Strings to One’s Bow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/160-showing-the-advantage-of-having-two-strings-to-one-s-bow) Mentioned as the supposed cause of the duel, but revealed to be a pretext. ### [The Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/162-the-journey) The object of the king's affection, she blushes with pleasure and speaks of loving 'for all my life.' ### [Triumfeminate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/163-triumfeminate) The maid of honor at the center of the scandal; discussed by the queens as the cause of the duel and summoned by Anne of Austria. ### [The First Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/164-the-first-quarrel) Overwhelmed and silent, she cannot reveal the truth about the queen and Madame's involvement, leading to the king's accusations. ### [Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/165-despair) Overwhelmed by despair after the king's departure; waits in vain for his return or message; dismissed by Madame; resolves to flee at dawn. ### [166: The Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/166-the-flight) Flees the Palais Royal at night, determined to become a nun at the Carmelites; rescued by d'Artagnan and extracts a promise of secrecy. ### [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) The king's thoughts dwell on her pale, worn features; she is the source of his emotional turmoil. ### [The Ambassadors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/168-the-ambassadors) Has fled the court and is reported to be going to take the veil at the Carmelites of Chaillot; her absence is discovered by the king. ### [Chaillot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/169-chaillot) Louise resists the king's advances, citing her exile and shame, but eventually succumbs to his declarations of love. ### [170: Madame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/170-madame) The dismissed maid of honor; her flight to a cloister and her character are the central subject of the king's argument with Madame. ### [Mademoiselle de La Vallière’s Pocket-Handkerchief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/171-mademoiselle-de-la-valli-re-s-pocket-handkerchief) La Vallière is the object of the king's affections. She loses the king's verses when the handkerchief trick fails, but later receives the handkerchief back from Malicorne. ### [Which Treats of Gardeners, of Ladders, and Maids of Honor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/172-which-treats-of-gardeners-of-ladders-and-maids-of-honor) The object of the king's affections; she is confined to Madame's cabinet and later seen opening her window. ### [Which Treats of Carpentry Operations, and Furnishes Details Upon the Mode of Constructing Staircases](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/173-which-treats-of-carpentry-operations-and-furnishes-details-upon-the-mode-of-constructing-staircases) Moved to a top-story room with barred windows; receives Malicorne's letter and responds to his inquiries about her floor and bed placement. ### [The Promenade by Torchlight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/174-the-promenade-by-torchlight) Excluded from the promenade by Madame's order; inwardly delighted at the prospect of solitude, unaware of the secret construction in her room. ### [The Apparition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/175-the-apparition) Receives the king secretly; fears discovery and scandal; confesses her love for Louis and her dilemma regarding Raoul. ### [The Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/176-the-portrait) Sits for her portrait, receives a letter from the king, and reluctantly agrees to another meeting. ### [Hampton Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/177-hampton-court) Raoul's beloved in France; she is the subject of the anonymous letters suggesting she is being courted by another, and she has not written to Raoul since his departure. ### [Saint-Aignan Follows Malicorne’s Advice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/179-saint-aignan-follows-malicorne-s-advice) Consumed by passion for the king, she is caught in the trapdoor rendezvous and shrieks when Raoul arrives. ### [183: An Interview with the Queen-Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/183-an-interview-with-the-queen-mother) Mentioned as Mademoiselle de La Vallière, against whom the queen and queen-mother fulminate imprecations. ### [In Which the Author Thinks It Is High Time to Return to the Vicomte de Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/190-in-which-the-author-thinks-it-is-high-time-to-return-to-the-vicomte-de-bragelonne) Mentioned as agitated and the subject of Raoul's concern. ### [Two Jealousies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/192-two-jealousies) Mentioned as the object of the king's love and Raoul's betrothed; her fidelity is questioned by Madame. ### [A Domiciliary Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/193-a-domiciliary-visit) Her room is the site of the trapdoor; she is implicated in the affair with the king. ### [The Change of Residence, the Trapdoor, and the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/195-the-change-of-residence-the-trapdoor-and-the-portrait) Her portrait is the subject of one of the complaints; she is the object of the king's affection. ### [King and Noble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/198-king-and-noble) Central to the conflict as the object of the king's affection and Raoul's betrothed. ### [After the Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/199-after-the-storm) Revealed to love the king, causing Raoul's despair. ### [Heu! Miser!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/200-heu-miser) Appears veiled and sorrow-stricken in Raoul's salon, revealing herself to him. ### [Wounds Within Wounds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/201-wounds-within-wounds) Confesses her love for the king and begs Raoul for forgiveness. ### [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) Saint-Aignan reports her distress upon learning the king has discovered their secret; she is in despair and sorrow. ### [Crown and Tiara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/217-crown-and-tiara) Mentioned as the woman Raoul loves and who betrayed him; Philippe questions whether a man can forgive such treachery. ### [Nectar and Ambrosia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/220-nectar-and-ambrosia) Meets the king in a garden path, where he whispers 'I love you' to her, overheard by d'Artagnan and Fouquet. ### [Colbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/222-colbert) La Vallière passionately defends Fouquet, arguing that arresting him in his own home would dishonor the king. She confronts Colbert and wins the king's admiration. ### [Jealousy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/223-jealousy) Mentioned as the object of the king's affection; the letter implicates her in a supposed betrayal. ### [225: A Night at the Bastille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/225-a-night-at-the-bastille) The king fears she has been abandoned to Madame and that they are separated forever. ### [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) Referenced as the object of Raoul's grief; Athos justifies her betrayal by love for the king. ### [Among Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/241-among-women) The king's favorite, courted by all; D'Artagnan approaches her to speak of Raoul. ### [In M. Colbert’s Carriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/243-in-m-colbert-s-carriage) Briefly mentioned as having little influence and being courted by Fouquet. ### [The Last Canto of the Poem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/267-the-last-canto-of-the-poem) Travels to the graves to pray for forgiveness, confessing her role in Raoul's death and the subsequent death of Athos. ### [The Death of d'Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/the-death-of-d-artagnan) Loses the king's favor as her tears contrast with the court's joy; her star is waning. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/endnotes) Implied reference as the one from whom Madame de Montespan would oust the king's affections. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/louise_de_la_valliere - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters