D’Artagnan

Also known as: Captain / Comte d’Artagnan / D'Artagnan / Gascon / M. d’Artagnan / Master d’Artagnan / Monsieur D’Artagnan / Monsieur d’Artagnan / Monsieur le Chevalier d’Artagnan / Monsieur le Gascon / Monsieur le lieutenant / d’Artagnan / the Chevalier d’Artagnan / the Gascon / the lieutenant / the musketeer · Family: French military · Role: lieutenant of the musketeers · First appears: Chapter 1

As lieutenant of the musketeers, D’Artagnan is highly esteemed by Tréville for his military abilities. In chapter 1, Mazarin brings him into service and sends him to the Bastile; Rochefort identifies him as the leader of the four men who once saved Anne of Austria, who then orders Mazarin to employ him. D’Artagnan accepts a mission to find Athos, Porthos, and Aramis only on the condition that they agree: “Yes, if my friends agree.” He recruits Porthos, reunites with Athos, and travels with Planchet, while Aramis escapes with them after a mistaken pursuit.

In 1648, D’Artagnan shelters Planchet from arrest, disguising him as Madeleine’s brother despite risking his lieutenancy. His connection with Madeleine, after three years, ends when he furiously refuses her proposal. Returning to Mazarin’s service, he pursues Duc de Beaufort with Porthos, but discovers that Athos and Aramis are on the opposing side. The four former allies cross swords, then restore their friendship and swear to remain united despite their political divisions. D’Artagnan later sends money to Athos and Aramis, rescues Raoul from a mob, becomes his interim guardian, and sends him back to the army.

D’Artagnan serves Anne of Austria and Mazarin during the escape from Paris, accepts responsibility for escorting the royal party, and drives Anne of Austria and Louis XIV safely to Mazarin. Sent to England with Porthos, he first captures Athos and Aramis, then helps them escape and joins their effort to save Charles I. With the four friends, he disguises the king, evades Mordaunt, remains in England to identify the masked executioner, and captures Mordaunt. When Mordaunt’s ship is found to be mined with gunpowder, D’Artagnan escapes with Athos into the sea before returning to France.

After Mazarin arrests D’Artagnan and Porthos, they escape, take Mazarin captive, and use his captivity to negotiate their demands. Mazarin signs their treaty and is returned to Anne of Austria; D’Artagnan receives his commission as captain of the musketeers. He fatally wounds Rochefort, is invited by Louis XIV to dinner, and leaves for the Flanders campaign with Raoul, while Athos, Aramis, and Porthos depart separately. Throughout these events, D’Artagnan remains bound to his former companions, serving Mazarin and Anne of Austria while protecting Louis XIV and Raoul.