# Porthos — Twenty Years After character guide > Porthos in Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Monsieur du Vallon, Monsieur Porthos du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds, Du Vallon **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-ghost-of-cardinal-richelieu ## Snapshot Porthos du Vallon, still vain, still loyal, still dreaming of a barony, waits in bed while d'Artagnan reads him letters that promise war or titles. ## Who they are Porthos has grown grander in name—du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds—and no less convinced that his greatness is a burden to lesser men. He frets about traps and titles with the same earnest vanity, hooking on his cloak while d'Artagnan dresses for a queen. His unwavering loyalty and comic self-importance make him the warm, solid heart of the reunited four. ## Relationships ### [Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/athos) _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) _professional_ Mazarin employs Porthos as a soldier and agent, valuing his strength but not his intellect. ### [Mousqueton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mousqueton) _professional_ Mousqueton is Porthos's devoted valet, serving him with comic loyalty and affection. ### [Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/athos) _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) _professional_ Mazarin employs Porthos as a soldier and agent, valuing his strength but not his intellect. ### [Athos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/athos) _friendship_ Athos and Porthos are loyal comrades from the original Musketeers, bound by deep friendship and shared adventures. ### [Mousqueton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mousqueton) _professional_ Mousqueton is Porthos's devoted valet, serving him with comic loyalty and affection. ### [Mazarin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mazarin) _professional_ Mazarin employs Porthos as a soldier and agent, valuing his strength but not his intellect. ### [Mousqueton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/mousqueton) _professional_ Mousqueton is Porthos's devoted valet, serving him with comic loyalty and affection. ## 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 Monsieur du Vallon, formerly called Porthos, another of the three friends to be recruited. ### [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 marry an attorney's wife. D'Artagnan recalls a letter from Porthos dated from the Château du Vallon. ### [The Abbé d’Herblay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/ix-the-abb-d-herblay) Mentioned as having estates and a barony, and as a potential retreat for d'Artagnan. ### [X: Monsieur Porthos du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/x-monsieur-porthos-du-vallon-de-bracieux-de-pierrefonds) Now styled Du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds; not directly seen but described as prosperous and happy. ### [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) Wealthy but unhappy widower living at Bracieux; agrees to join d'Artagnan for the promise of a title. ### [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) Discontented with his condition, desires a barony, and eagerly prepares for a new campaign. ### [The Castle of Bragelonne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xiv-the-castle-of-bragelonne) Mentioned by d'Artagnan as having been visited recently at Pierrefonds. ### [The Timely Arrival of d’Artagnan in Paris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxiv-the-timely-arrival-of-d-artagnan-in-paris) Waiting at the Hôtel de la Chevrette, dressed in a sky-blue waistcoat; agrees to serve Mazarin in hopes of a barony. ### [An Adventure on the High Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxv-an-adventure-on-the-high-road) Accompanies d'Artagnan on the chase, showing endurance and loyalty, though his horse Bayard eventually founders. ### [XXVI: The Rencontre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxvi-the-rencontre) Fights alongside D'Artagnan, defeats several opponents, and mourns the division among the friends. ### [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) Dines with d'Artagnan at the Hôtel de la Chevrette; shares in the compensation and prepares for the rendezvous. ### [XXVIII: The Place Royale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxviii-the-place-royale) Emotionally reaffirms his loyalty, weeping as he embraces Athos. ### [A Dinner in the Old Style](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xxxv-a-dinner-in-the-old-style) Arrives after trying a new horse, unfastens his doublet during dinner, recalls the execution of Milady without remorse. ### [XLII: Another Queen in Want of Help](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xlii-another-queen-in-want-of-help) Sends a purse and letter to Aramis via Bazin. ### [Te Deum for the Victory of Lens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xliv-te-deum-for-the-victory-of-lens) Arrives with torn coat after fighting in the crowd, drinks wine, and follows d'Artagnan to visit the cardinal. ### [The Beggar of St. Eustache](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xlv-the-beggar-of-st-eustache) Introduced to the queen as the Chevalier du Vallon, hoping for a barony. ### [The Riot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xlvii-the-riot) Accompanies d'Artagnan; his coat is cut by a halberd. ### [XLVIII: The Riot Becomes a Revolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xlviii-the-riot-becomes-a-revolution) Accompanies d'Artagnan in the closet, listening and ready to act. ### [The Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/l-the-interview) Shares d'Artagnan's room; dreams of armorial bearings and is promised a barony. ### [The Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/li-the-flight) Accompanies d'Artagnan in the carriage, feigns injury to deceive Planchet's patrol. ### [How d’Artagnan and Porthos Earned by Selling Straw, the One Two Hundred and Nineteen, and the Other Two Hundred and Fifteen Louis d’Or](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/liii-how-d-artagnan-and-porthos-earned-by-selling-straw-the-one-two-hundred-and-nineteen-and-the-other-two-hundred-and-fifteen-louis-d-or) Accompanies d'Artagnan, shares in the straw profits, and is assigned to the English mission. ### [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) Accompanies D'Artagnan to the camp and to Boulogne; is astonished by D'Artagnan's deception; expresses impatience about supper before departure. ### [The Avenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lvi-the-avenger) Captures Aramis; supports d'Artagnan's stratagem. ### [Oliver Cromwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lvii-oliver-cromwell) Mentioned as one of the French prisoners alongside d'Artagnan. ### [LVIII: Jésus Seigneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lviii-j-sus-seigneur) Follows d'Artagnan's orders without question, preparing horses and supporting 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) Initially hungry and eager for dinner, he supports Athos's plan after d'Artagnan's persuasion, showing his simple loyalty. ### [LX: Respect to Fallen Majesty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lx-respect-to-fallen-majesty) Accompanies the group as a guard over the 'prisoners' and expresses hunger and amazement at d'Artagnan's resourcefulness. ### [LXI: D’Artagnan Hits on a Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxi-d-artagnan-hits-on-a-plan) Participates in the card game, losing money, but follows D'Artagnan's cues. ### [London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxii-london) Worries about defeat but agrees to stay; chooses a wine-colored doublet and sea-green breeches; expresses confusion over languages. ### [LXIII: The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxiii-the-trial) Counts the reinforcements, admires the king's attire, and delivers the fatal blow to the butcher under d'Artagnan's direction. ### [LXIV: Whitehall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxiv-whitehall) Guards Aramis during his mission. ### [LXV: The Workmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxv-the-workmen) Assists Athos in boring the hole and is part of the escape plan; later changes into his red doublet. ### [The Man in the Mask](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxvii-the-man-in-the-mask) Arrives late after being delayed by dancing crowds; he throttled a man and evaded a patrol. ### [Cromwell's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxviii-cromwell-s-house) Assists d'Artagnan in cornering Mordaunt, eager for confrontation. ### [Conversational](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxix-conversational) Eager to fight, but steps back when d'Artagnan insists on dueling first; later helps plan the escape. ### [The Skiff Lightning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxx-the-skiff-lightning) Boards the Lightning, attempts to find supper but falls asleep from fatigue. ### [LXXI: Port Wine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxi-port-wine) Heard snoring through the partition, indicating the masters are asleep and unaware of the danger. ### [End of the Port Wine Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxii-end-of-the-port-wine-mystery) Forces Mousqueton and Blaisois into the water and supports them during the swim. ### [LXXIII: Fatality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxiii-fatality) Initially wants to strangle Mordaunt, later expresses joy at Athos's survival. ### [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) Expresses relief after Mordaunt's death, jokes about Mousqueton's fears, and is initially reluctant to abandon Athos and Aramis. ### [The Road to Picardy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxix-the-road-to-picardy) The subject of the search; his giant strength is inferred from the barricading stone. ### [LXXX: The Gratitude of Anne of Austria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxx-the-gratitude-of-anne-of-austria) The other imprisoned friend mentioned by Athos. ### [Cardinal Mazarin as King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxi-cardinal-mazarin-as-king) Porthos is mentioned as one of the two intractable musketeers Mazarin has shut up at Rueil. ### [Precautions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxii-precautions) Also imprisoned at Rueil; initially broke doors with his shoulder but has since grown calm and jokes about captivity. ### [LXXXIII: Strength and Sagacity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxiii-strength-and-sagacity) Imprisoned with d'Artagnan, he sleeps and eats heartily, frustrated by the repeated mutton meals, but trusts d'Artagnan's plan. ### [Strength and Sagacity—Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxiv-strength-and-sagacity-continued) Uses his immense strength to bend the window bar and capture the Swiss guards as instructed by d'Artagnan. ### [LXXXV: The Oubliettes of Cardinal Mazarin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-oubliettes-of-cardinal-mazarin) Accompanies d'Artagnan, uses his strength to break open a door, and stands as a formidable presence during the confrontation. ### [LXXXVI: Conferences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxvi-conferences) Porthos assists in the escape, lifting Athos over the wall and helping to pass Mazarin to d'Artagnan. ### [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) Hosts the group at his château; comments on the degeneracy of horses; demands his estate be made a barony. ### [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) D'Artagnan convinces him to guard Mazarin firmly, appealing to his desire for a barony and fear of hanging. ### [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) Guards the cardinal's side of the carriage, reassuring Mazarin with his strength and presence. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xc-conclusion) Returns to his barony, reveals he killed Bonacieux. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters/porthos - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twenty_years_after_se/characters