# Athos — Twenty Years After character guide > Athos in Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Monsieur Athos, Comte de la Fère, Monsieur le Comte de la Fère **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-ghost-of-cardinal-richelieu ## Snapshot The Comte de la Fère, once the musketeer Athos, has traded his sword for a quiet estate and a son he never expected to love so fiercely. ## Who they are Twenty years on, Athos has buried his old name beneath the title of Comte de la Fère and a modest property at Bragelonne, where he raises the orphan Raoul as his own. D'Artagnan's arrival stirs the old comradeship and the old grief—the memory of Milady still shadows his contentment, and he watches Raoul's first love with the alarm of a man who knows what passion can cost. His quiet authority and buried sorrow anchor the reunion of the four friends. ## Relationships ### [Porthos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/porthos) _friendship_ Athos and Porthos are loyal comrades from the original Musketeers, bound by deep friendship and shared adventures. ### [Mazarin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mazarin) _rivalry_ Athos opposes Mazarin's manipulative politics and represents the noble, royalist opposition to the cardinal's scheming. ### [Raoul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/raoul) _family_ Athos is the devoted father of Raoul (his adopted son), guiding him with love and a sense of honor. ### [Charles Stuart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/charles_stuart) _friendship_ Athos is a loyal supporter and friend to King Charles I, risking his life to aid the deposed monarch. ### [Madame de Chevreuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/madame_de_chevreuse) _friendship_ Athos and Madame de Chevreuse share a respectful alliance, often working together in royalist intrigues. ### [Anne of Austria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/anne_of_austria) _professional_ Anne respects Athos as a noble and loyal servant of the crown, but their relationship is formal and distant. ### [Lord de Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/lord_de_winter) _friendship_ Athos and Lord de Winter are allies and friends, united in their loyalty to the Stuart cause and their opposition to Mordaunt. ### [Grimaud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/grimaud) _professional_ Grimaud is Athos's silent, loyal servant, communicating through gestures and obeying without question. ### [Mordaunt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mordaunt) _rivalry_ Athos is a primary target of Mordaunt's vengeful hatred, as Mordaunt seeks to kill him for the death of his mother, Milady. ### [Beaufort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/beaufort) _friendship_ Athos helps the Duke of Beaufort escape from prison, forging a bond of mutual respect and shared royalist goals. ### [Planchet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/planchet) _friendship_ Athos treats Planchet, a former servant of d'Artagnan, with respect and camaraderie, valuing his help in the royalist cause. ### [Mazarin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mazarin) _rivalry_ Athos opposes Mazarin's manipulative politics and represents the noble, royalist opposition to the cardinal's scheming. ## In the story ### [Dead Animosities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/iii-dead-animosities) Mentioned as a former friend of d'Artagnan; d'Artagnan claims not to know his whereabouts. ### [The Gascon and the Italian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/v-the-gascon-and-the-italian) Named by d'Artagnan as the Count de la Fère, formerly known as Athos, one of the three friends to be sought out for the cardinal's service. ### [VI: D'Artagnan in His Fortieth Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/vi-d-artagnan-in-his-fortieth-year) Mentioned as having left D'Artagnan to retire to a property near Blois. D'Artagnan speculates he may have become an idiot from drinking. ### [XI: How d'Artagnan, in Discovering the Retreat of Porthos, Perceives That Wealth Does Not Necessarily Produce Happiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xi-how-d-artagnan-in-discovering-the-retreat-of-porthos-perceives-that-wealth-does-not-necessarily-produce-happiness) Mentioned as living near Blois under the name Bragelonne; said to have adopted a young man. ### [In Which It Is Shown That if Porthos Was Discontented with His Condition, Mousqueton Was Completely Satisfied with His](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xii-in-which-it-is-shown-that-if-porthos-was-discontented-with-his-condition-mousqueton-was-completely-satisfied-with-his) Mentioned in d'Artagnan's plan to visit him at Blois; his maxim about drinking is recalled. ### [Two Angelic Faces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xiii-two-angelic-faces) Found living in a well-kept château, remarkably unchanged and dignified; warmly welcomes d'Artagnan. ### [The Castle of Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xiv-the-castle-of-bragelonne) Hosts d'Artagnan, explains his reformed life and his role as guardian to Raoul. ### [XV: Athos as a Diplomatist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xv-athos-as-a-diplomatist) Shows intelligence and moral strength; is guarded after suspecting d'Artagnan works for Mazarin; speaks against Mazarin and praises Richelieu; discusses Raoul's infatuation with Mademoiselle de la Vallière. ### [Grimaud Begins His Functions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xviii-grimaud-begins-his-functions) Implied as the one who trained Grimaud and orchestrated his mission. ### [One of Marie Michon's Adventures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xx-one-of-marie-michon-s-adventures) Arrives in Paris with Raoul, presents him to the Duchess de Chevreuse, and reveals Raoul's parentage. ### [The Abbé Scarron](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxi-the-abb-scarron) Attends Scarron's salon with Raoul, receives a letter from Madame de Chevreuse, and advises Raoul on conduct. ### [Saint Denis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxii-saint-denis) Prepares Raoul's departure, furbishes his sword, and gives him a bag of louis. Accompanies Raoul to the cathedral, delivers a lesson on royalty, and bids an emotional farewell. ### [XXVI: The Rencontre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxvi-the-rencontre) Reveals himself as an ally of Beaufort, proposes a solemn conference, and shows generosity by providing horses to D'Artagnan and Porthos. ### [The Four Old Friends Prepare to Meet Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxvii-the-four-old-friends-prepare-to-meet-again) Enters Paris with Aramis; argues for going unarmed to the meeting, but reluctantly agrees to Aramis's precautions. ### [XXVIII: The Place Royale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxviii-the-place-royale) Mediates the reconciliation, breaks his sword, and proposes a sacred oath of unity. ### [The Ferry Across the Oise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxix-the-ferry-across-the-oise) Mentioned as Raoul's guardian and the recipient of his letter; Raoul recalls his guidance and affection. ### [XXX: Skirmishing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxx-skirmishing) Mentioned as the Comte de la Fère; Raoul recalls his advice and compares the tutor's erudition to Athos's. ### [XXXI: The Monk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxi-the-monk) Referenced as Raoul's guardian who taught him to face danger. ### [Grimaud Speaks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxiii-grimaud-speaks) Mentioned as Grimaud's master; Grimaud fears for his life due to the monk's revenge. ### [On the Eve of Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxiv-on-the-eve-of-battle) Mentioned as having advised Raoul to saddle his own horse. ### [A Dinner in the Old Style](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxv-a-dinner-in-the-old-style) Hosts the reunion, proposes champagne to break the ice, remains calm and thoughtful, expresses anxiety about the past and future. ### [How, Sometimes, the Unhappy Mistake Chance for Providence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxix-how-sometimes-the-unhappy-mistake-chance-for-providence) Identified as the Comte de la Fère, the guardian of Raoul; sought by de Winter and the queen for aid. ### [Paternal Affection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xli-paternal-affection) Listens to Raoul's battle account with paternal pride; receives Lord de Winter and discusses Mordaunt's threat; declares he is not a Mazarinist. ### [XLII: Another Queen in Want of Help](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xlii-another-queen-in-want-of-help) Prepares for departure, writes to d'Artagnan, and visits Queen Henrietta. ### [In Which It Is Proved That First Impulses Are Oftentimes the Best](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xliii-in-which-it-is-proved-that-first-impulses-are-oftentimes-the-best) Travels to Boulogne with Aramis and de Winter; recognizes the young man's resemblance to Milady and feels uneasy. ### [In Which We Hear Tidings of Aramis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/liv-in-which-we-hear-tidings-of-aramis) Mentioned as being in Constantinople (falsely); a letter from him arrives at the end of the chapter, expressing unhappiness. ### [LV: The Scotchman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lv-the-scotchman) Arrives at the royalist camp with Aramis to warn King Charles I of the betrayal; persuades the king to attempt escape. ### [The Avenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lvi-the-avenger) Knighted by King Charles I; proposes escape plan; captured by d'Artagnan to save his life. ### [LVIII: Jésus Seigneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lviii-j-sus-seigneur) One of the prisoners; convinced by d'Artagnan's change of heart and participates in the escape. ### [In Which It Is Shown That Under the Most Trying Circumstances Noble Natures Never Lose Their Courage, nor Good Stomachs Their Appetites](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lix-in-which-it-is-shown-that-under-the-most-trying-circumstances-noble-natures-never-lose-their-courage-nor-good-stomachs-their-appetites) Insists on staying to save King Charles I, driven by honor and a promise to Queen Henrietta; speaks of noble sacrifice. ### [LX: Respect to Fallen Majesty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lx-respect-to-fallen-majesty) Proposes a toast to the king in disguise and reveals his intention to rescue Charles before reaching London. ### [LXI: D’Artagnan Hits on a Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxi-d-artagnan-hits-on-a-plan) Plays cards with Groslow, maintaining calm while preparing for the rescue. ### [London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxii-london) Insists on staying to witness the king's fate; speaks English fluently, guides the group to the Bedford Tavern, and questions the legitimacy of the 'pure parliament.' ### [LXIII: The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxiii-the-trial) Pale with rage, he publicly denounces the accuser and later participates in executing the butcher who insulted the king. ### [LXIV: Whitehall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxiv-whitehall) Arranges a cedar wherry at Greenwich for escape. ### [LXV: The Workmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxv-the-workmen) Works as a workman on the scaffold, boring a hole in the wall to create a trapdoor for the king's escape; communicates with Aramis and gives final instructions. ### [Remember!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxvi-remember) Hidden beneath the scaffold, hears the king's final words and catches his blood. ### [The Man in the Mask](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxvii-the-man-in-the-mask) Deeply affected by the king's execution; he heard everything from under the scaffold and carries the king's blood on his handkerchief. ### [Cromwell's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxviii-cromwell-s-house) Remains a distant observer during the confrontation, appearing overcome. ### [Conversational](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxix-conversational) Remains silent and motionless; refuses to duel Mordaunt, stating a duel between them is impossible. ### [The Skiff Lightning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxx-the-skiff-lightning) Boards the Lightning with the others, lends Grimaud to d'Artagnan, then falls asleep. ### [End of the Port Wine Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxii-end-of-the-port-wine-mystery) Calmly follows d'Artagnan's lead and cuts the boat's cable. ### [LXXIII: Fatality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxiii-fatality) Pleads for Mordaunt's life, extends his hand to save him, is dragged underwater, and emerges alone after Mordaunt's death. ### [How Mousqueton, After Being Very Nearly Roasted, Had a Narrow Escape of Being Eaten](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxiv-how-mousqueton-after-being-very-nearly-roasted-had-a-narrow-escape-of-being-eaten) Remains pensive and watchful at the helm, guides the boat, and later embraces D'Artagnan with emotion before parting. ### [The Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxv-the-return) Returns to Paris with Aramis, anxious for news of Raoul, and shows characteristic composure and dignity when challenged at the gate. ### [The Ambassadors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxvi-the-ambassadors) Returns from England with Aramis to report to Queen Henrietta; confronts the false ambassadors and arranges a duel. ### [The Three Lieutenants of the Generalissimo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-three-lieutenants-of-the-generalissimo) Accompanies Aramis on political visits, maintains a philosophical and restrained demeanor, refuses to draw his sword unless necessary. ### [The Battle of Charenton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-battle-of-charenton) Athos reluctantly reads the intercepted letter, searches for d'Artagnan, and fights calmly in the battle, showing concern for his son Raoul. ### [The Road to Picardy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxix-the-road-to-picardy) Leads the search for d'Artagnan and Porthos, interpreting clues and proposing to speak directly to the queen. ### [LXXX: The Gratitude of Anne of Austria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxx-the-gratitude-of-anne-of-austria) Obtains an audience with Anne of Austria to demand the release of d'Artagnan and Porthos; is arrested after the audience. ### [Cardinal Mazarin as King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxi-cardinal-mazarin-as-king) Athos is recalled in Anne's thoughts for his fearless deportment and his allusion to Buckingham and Chevreuse, which humiliated her. ### [Precautions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxii-precautions) Arrested and taken to Rueil as a prisoner; lodged in the pavilion of the orangery; maintains calm demeanor and exchanges a signal with Aramis. ### [LXXXIII: Strength and Sagacity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxiii-strength-and-sagacity) Mentioned as a prisoner nearby; Comminges delivers his compliments to d'Artagnan and Porthos. ### [Strength and Sagacity—Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxiv-strength-and-sagacity-continued) Referenced indirectly as the Comte de la Fère, whom d'Artagnan believes cannot be far off in the pavilion. ### [LXXXV: The Oubliettes of Cardinal Mazarin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-oubliettes-of-cardinal-mazarin) Mentioned as the Comte de la Fère, whom Mazarin was about to visit and whose counsel d'Artagnan seeks for setting the ransom. ### [LXXXVI: Conferences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxvi-conferences) Athos is the host of the conference, receiving Mazarin and his friends with courtesy, and later escaping with them over the wall. ### [In Which We Begin to Think That Porthos Will Be at Last a Baron, and d’Artagnan a Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxvii-in-which-we-begin-to-think-that-porthos-will-be-at-last-a-baron-and-d-artagnan-a-captain) Consulting with d'Artagnan and Aramis; remains aloof from personal demands, stating he has nothing to ask for himself. ### [LXXXVIII: Shows How with Threat and Pen More Is Effected Than by the Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxviii-shows-how-with-threat-and-pen-more-is-effected-than-by-the-sword) Gives his word to D'Artagnan that Mazarin will remain captive, which reassures D'Artagnan more than any royal signature. ### [In Which It Is Shown That It Is Sometimes More Difficult for Kings to Return to the Capitals of Their Kingdoms, Than to Make an Exit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxix-in-which-it-is-shown-that-it-is-sometimes-more-difficult-for-kings-to-return-to-the-capitals-of-their-kingdoms-than-to-make-an-exit) Visits Madame de Chevreuse to persuade her to accept the peace, using diplomacy and personal charm. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xc-conclusion) Returns to Bragelonne, leaves Raoul with d'Artagnan. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/athos - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters