Raoul

Also known as: A. de Bragelonne / Bragelonne / M. Raoul / M. de Bragelonne / M. le Vicomte de Bragelonne / Master Raoul / Monsieur Raoul / Monsieur de Bragelonne / Raoul de Bragelonne / Raoul, Vicomte de Bragelonne / The Vicomte de Bragelonne / Vicomte de Bragelonne / chevalier / monsieur le chevalier / my little Raoul / the vicomte / the young man / vicomte · Family: French court · Role: cavalier · First appears: Chapter 1

In chapter 1, Raoul and Mademoiselle de la Vallière are old friends of twelve years, and their correspondence carries a courtship. In 1660, while Mademoiselle de la Vallière writes an affectionate letter recalling how often their hearts had beaten close together, Raoul arrives at the Castle of the States, leaving her pale and frightened. Aure de Montalais brings him to her, calling him “a clever lover” who has arrived at the proper moment.

At Blois, Raoul conveys Prince de Conde’s letter to Gaston and announces the king’s expected arrival, then tells Aure de Montalais and Mademoiselle de la Vallière that the king and court will visit Blois. After more than a year apart, Athos sends him back to Prince de Conde following the prince’s restoration to favor; Raoul later reunites with Athos and embraces him. Athos has forbidden him to visit Mademoiselle de la Vallière without permission, while Raoul explains that chance brought them together only after he had completed his mission. He serves with M. de Turenne for the king rather than following Prince de Conde in rebellion, and Grimaud greets him with open arms.

Raoul is named the young friend of D’Artagnan, who leaves money to Athos, Porthos, and Aramis so they can give it to him. He presses Comte de Guiche’s hand, follows Prince de Conde, and remains under Athos’s protection and guardianship. In chapter 51, Athos grants permission for him to marry Mademoiselle de la Vallière, but Raoul refuses to proceed while Athos still opposes the match, saying, “I will wait.” The next day he leads fifty dragoons entrusted to him by Prince de Conde; later he and D’Artagnan drive off incendiaries attacking the house at Image-de-Notre-Dame. Porthos is described as his tutor, whose strength Raoul has inherited alongside Athos’s skill.