Monk

Also known as: Duke of Albemarle / General Monk / M. Monk / duke / the Duke of Albemarle / the general / the prisoner / the viceroy · Family: English politics · Role: claimant to the English crown · First appears: Chapter 9

In chapter 9, Monk is presented as a rival of Lambert, one of the two eager players in the struggle. By chapter 16, he occupies the castle of Newcastle while Charles II learns that it contains hidden treasure. D’Artagnan and Planchet then plot to seize him and use him in restoring Charles II, while Monk maintains relations with the Rump Parliament; in chapter 23 he openly supports its liberty, making himself the declared enemy of Lambert, who persecutes it. Monk pacifies Scotland, raises an army, and establishes an asylum there, while his forces confront Lambert near Newcastle.

In 1635, Athos agrees to help recover money he had hidden beneath Newcastle before the battle of 1648, and Monk agrees to assist him and accompany him personally. After the concealed barrels are found, Monk neither accepts nor rejects Charles II’s cause, instead reserving his decision; he orders the money moved, plans to occupy the river hamlet with two hundred muskets, and keeps Athos nearby under guard. He also directs Digby in handling prisoners and visitors, but later arrests him for attacking Athos without authorization.

In chapters 28–30, D’Artagnan captures Monk and delivers him to Charles II in a chest at Scheveningen. Monk refuses to recognize Charles II as king, but the king frees him and sends him back to England; soon afterward, Lambert’s army deserts to Monk. Monk expels the military party from London, demands that the Rump Parliament dissolve, and then declares that he will meet the legitimate king. At Dover he summons Charles II, and at St. James’s relinquishes his republican command as Charles II assumes control of the army, creates him Duke of Albemarle, makes him commander of the land and sea forces, and appoints him viceroy of Ireland and Scotland. Monk pardons D’Artagnan while threatening execution for revealing the expedition, and later becomes Charles II’s friend and restores him to the throne; Fouquet nevertheless counts Monk among the enemies against whom Belle-Isle was fortified.