# Porthos — The Vicomte de Bragelonne character guide > Porthos in The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** M. Porthos, M. du Vallon, Baron du Vallon **First appearance:** 0004-1-the-letter ## Snapshot The Baron du Vallon, a giant of a musketeer whose immense strength is matched only by his literal, unshakeable sense of honor. ## Who they are Porthos arrives at Saint-Aignan's door to demand satisfaction for an insult to Raoul, and he will not be talked out of it — not by protestations of innocence, not by a servant's inventory of letters received. He settles onto a couch that creaks but does not give way, and when the missing note is found in a keyhole, he takes it as simple proof he was right all along. His loyalty to his friends is absolute and his methods are gloriously direct, making him both comic relief and a genuinely dangerous man. ## Relationships ### [Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/aramis) _friendship_ Aramis manipulates the loyal but simple-minded Porthos into aiding his ambitious schemes, exploiting their old friendship. ### [Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/aramis) _friendship_ Aramis manipulates the loyal but simple-minded Porthos into aiding his ambitious schemes, exploiting their old friendship. ### [Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/aramis) _friendship_ Aramis manipulates the loyal but simple-minded Porthos into aiding his ambitious schemes, exploiting their old friendship. ## In the story ### [Introductory Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/introductory-note) Remains blindly faithful to Aramis and falls victim to his childlike trust in the scheming prelate. ### [Dramatis Personae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/dramatis-personae) Baron du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds, one of the four Musketeers. ### [In Which d’Artagnan Seeks Porthos, and Only Finds Mousqueton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/18-in-which-d-artagnan-seeks-porthos-and-only-finds-mousqueton) Absent from Pierrefonds; left after receiving a cryptic letter from Aramis about 'the Equinox.' ### [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 brave friend he wishes were available for the venture. ### [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. ### [In Which the Reader, No Doubt, Will Be as Astonished as d’Artagnan Was to Meet an Old Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/69-in-which-the-reader-no-doubt-will-be-as-astonished-as-d-artagnan-was-to-meet-an-old-acquaintance) Found disguised as a miller and lifting heavy stones on Belle-Isle; embraces d'Artagnan and is easily satisfied by his friend's explanations. ### [Wherein the Ideas of d’Artagnan, at First Strangely Clouded, Begin to Clear Up a Little](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/70-wherein-the-ideas-of-d-artagnan-at-first-strangely-clouded-begin-to-clear-up-a-little) Proudly shows d'Artagnan the fortifications at Belle-Isle, claiming the design as his own; reveals he is studying topography and is part of M. Fouquet's household. ### [A Procession at Vannes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/71-a-procession-at-vannes) Accompanies d'Artagnan, remains unaware of political undercurrents, and is impressed by Aramis's holiness. ### [The Grandeur of the Bishop of Vannes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/72-the-grandeur-of-the-bishop-of-vannes) Serves as d'Artagnan's guide to Aramis's residence, inadvertently reveals d'Artagnan's visit to Belle-Isle, and falls asleep during the late conversation. ### [In Which Porthos Begins to Be Sorry for Having Come with d’Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/73-in-which-porthos-begins-to-be-sorry-for-having-come-with-d-artagnan) Sent away by Aramis on a mission to deliver a letter to Fouquet, riding hard for Paris. ### [In Which d’Artagnan Makes All Speed, Porthos Snores, and Aramis Counsels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/74-in-which-d-artagnan-makes-all-speed-porthos-snores-and-aramis-counsels) Arrived earlier with Aramis's letter; now sleeps profoundly, snoring with tremendous force, having been bathed and put to bed after his boots were cut off. ### [The New General of the Jesuits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/135-the-new-general-of-the-jesuits) Briefly mentioned by Fouquet, who asks about him. ### [Malaga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/141-malaga) Mentioned as one of the mysteries D'Artagnan seeks to unravel; his whereabouts are unknown. ### [A Letter from M. Baisemeaux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/142-a-letter-from-m-baisemeaux) The intended recipient of Baisemeaux's letter, which D'Artagnan intercepts; Porthos is implicated in the secret dealings at Saint-Mandé. ### [In Which the Reader Will Be Delighted to Find That Porthos Has Lost Nothing of His Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/143-in-which-the-reader-will-be-delighted-to-find-that-porthos-has-lost-nothing-of-his-strength) Staying at Fouquet's house; admits he fortified Belle-Isle for Fouquet, expresses fear of politics, and agrees to go with d'Artagnan. ### [The Rat and the Cheese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/144-the-rat-and-the-cheese) Visits Planchet's shop, consumes large quantities of dried fruits, nuts, and honey; travels to Fontainebleau discussing land and retirement with Planchet. ### [Planchet’s Country-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/145-planchet-s-country-house) Accompanies d'Artagnan; enjoys the meal and wine, becomes jovial, and shows interest in Trüchen. ### [Showing What Could Be Seen from Planchet's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/146-showing-what-could-be-seen-from-planchet-s-house) Sleeps soundly, joins the morning tour, and finds the cemetery view dull, preferring to go to the garden. ### [How Porthos, Trüchen, and Planchet Parted with Each Other on Friendly Terms, Thanks to d’Artagnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/147-how-porthos-tr-chen-and-planchet-parted-with-each-other-on-friendly-terms-thanks-to-d-artagnan) Enjoys Planchet's hospitality, flirts with Trüchen, and is flattered by d'Artagnan's suggestion to give her a ring; later excited about meeting the king. ### [The Presentation of Porthos at Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/148-the-presentation-of-porthos-at-court) Presented to the king by d'Artagnan; visibly overcome but receives an invitation to sup with Louis XIV. ### [Explanations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/149-explanations) Mentioned as having been brought to Fontainebleau by d'Artagnan; his involvement with Aramis and Fouquet is discussed. ### [The King's Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/154-the-king-s-supper) Porthos is the guest of honor at the king's table, displaying a prodigious appetite and describing his method of preparing a whole stuffed lamb, which delights the king. ### [After Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/155-after-supper) Present at the supper; the king addresses him with pleasure and he retires bowing. ### [194: Porthos's Plan of Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/194-porthos-s-plan-of-action) Porthos is visited by Raoul and agrees to help arrange a duel, explaining his method of settling affairs of honor. ### [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) Delivers a challenge to Saint-Aignan on behalf of Raoul de Bragelonne, accusing him of three offenses. ### [After the Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/199-after-the-storm) Mentioned as having arranged the meeting with Saint-Aignan and waiting at the Minimes. ### [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) Waits for Saint-Aignan, then learns of Athos's supposed arrest and joins the pursuit; later convinced by d'Artagnan not to fight. ### [How Mouston Had Become Fatter Without Giving Porthos Notice Thereof, and of the Troubles Which Consequently Befell That Worthy Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/209-how-mouston-had-become-fatter-without-giving-porthos-notice-thereof-and-of-the-troubles-which-consequently-befell-that-worthy-gentleman) Found in a melancholy state, distressed that none of his many suits fit him due to Mouston's unannounced weight gain; explains his scheme to have Mouston measured instead of himself. ### [Who Messire Jean Percerin Was](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/210-who-messire-jean-percerin-was) Accompanies d'Artagnan to Percerin's, expresses concern about being refused service, and clears a path through the crowd. ### [The Patterns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/211-the-patterns) Accompanies d'Artagnan to Percerin's shop, demanding a dress for the fête and reacting with indignation at the tailor's initial refusal. ### [Where, Probably, Molière Obtained His First Idea of the Bourgeois Gentilhomme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/212-where-probably-moli-re-obtained-his-first-idea-of-the-bourgeois-gentilhomme) Radiant after having his measure taken by Molière without being touched; recounts the process with enthusiasm. ### [Crown and Tiara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/217-crown-and-tiara) Briefly mentioned as 'the Hercules of France,' with his interests deemed safe. ### [The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/218-the-ch-teau-de-vaux-le-vicomte) Mentioned as lodging next to Aramis and dressing at the moment. ### [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) Mentioned as asleep during d'Artagnan's lament about the state of their friendship. ### [Colbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/222-colbert) Porthos recognizes 'M. Coquelin de Volière' as an actor in the comedy Les Fâcheux. ### [High Treason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/224-high-treason) Porthos assists Aramis in the plot, guarding the prisoner with a musket and accompanying the carriage back to Vaux. ### [The Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/227-the-morning) Discussed by Aramis and Philippe; Aramis jokes that making him a duke would kill him from joy. ### [The King's Gratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/230-the-king-s-gratitude) Named as the herculean accomplice in the conspiracy; Fouquet seeks his pardon. ### [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) Follows Aramis eagerly, hoping for a duchy; misunderstands the mission as a secret royal proposal. ### [The Last Adieux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/233-the-last-adieux) Announces he has been made a duke by brevet; unaware of the danger of his involvement in Aramis's conspiracy; departs with Aramis. ### [Friendly Advice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/245-friendly-advice) Mentioned alongside Aramis as being at Belle-Isle, part of D'Artagnan's suggestion for Fouquet's escape. ### [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) Mentioned as a friend of d'Artagnan who may be endangered by the Belle-Île mission. ### [249: Belle-Île-en-Mer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/249-belle-le-en-mer) Expresses confusion and frustration over the missing boats and isolation; reveals he sent the last two boats away; prepares the defenses under Aramis's orders. ### [Explanations by Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/250-explanations-by-aramis) Remains loyal but confused, questions the need for armed defense, and ultimately refuses to abandon Aramis despite d'Artagnan's offer. ### [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. ### [The Ancestors of Porthos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/252-the-ancestors-of-porthos) Reveals his superstitious fear of dying like his ancestors; despite leg weakness, he charges into battle and captures an enemy officer. ### [The Son of Biscarrat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/253-the-son-of-biscarrat) Shares wine with Biscarrat, recalls their old duel, and prepares for battle, but follows Aramis's lead in the escape plan. ### [The Grotto of Locmaria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/254-the-grotto-of-locmaria) Accompanies Aramis, rests at the grotto entrance, and prepares to fight. ### [The Grotto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/255-the-grotto) Holds his musket and prevents Yves from killing Biscarrat, showing restraint. ### [256: An Homeric Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/256-an-homeric-song) Executes the ambush with an iron bar, killing ten soldiers including Biscarrat, demonstrating heroic strength and fatalism. ### [The Death of a Titan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/257-the-death-of-a-titan) Lifts and lights the powder barrel, then is crushed by falling rocks in the cave-in, dying heroically. ### [The Epitaph of Porthos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/258-the-epitaph-of-porthos) Deceased; his strength and sacrifice are mourned and eulogized by Aramis. ### [The Round of M. de Gesvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/259-the-round-of-m-de-gesvres) Worried about by d'Artagnan, who fears he may be taken or killed during the siege of Belle-Isle. ### [The Friends of M. Fouquet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/261-the-friends-of-m-fouquet) Reported dead, buried under the rocks of Locmaria at Belle-Isle. ### [Porthos's Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/262-porthos-s-will) Deceased; his will is read, reflecting his generosity, wisdom, and loyalty to friends. ### [The Old Age of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/263-the-old-age-of-athos) Reported dead in Aramis's letter; his death is foreshadowed in Athos's dream. ### [The Vision of Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/264-the-vision-of-athos) Mentioned as deceased; Athos wishes to visit his tomb. ### [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 alongside Athos. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters/porthos - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/characters