Manicamp

Also known as: M. Manicamp / M. de Manicamp / Monsieur Manicamp / Monsieur de Manicamp · Family: French court · Role: courtier · First appears: Chapter 12

Manicamp, a courtier of the French court, is associated in chapter 12 with Mademoiselle de la Vallière, described as “Virtue and purity itself,” while he joins De Guiche’s friends in rejecting De Wardes after his insinuations. At Rochin in chapter 13, Manicamp and De Wardes believe De Guiche dead until he is found alive; Manicamp then throws away his pistol and runs to his friend, while threatening De Wardes with violence.

At Fontainebleau, Manicamp brings the wounded De Guiche to a doctor before Louis XIV summons him. He admits that he lied to protect his friend from the death penalty for dueling, explains that the duel concerned a lady of the household of the king’s brother, and surrenders his sword as punishment. Ordered to recount the hunting adventure publicly, he later tells Louis XIV that De Guiche was wounded by a wild boar, while Madame learns that the quarrel was fought on her account. Saint-Aignan calls Manicamp brave but warns that serving his friends too well may destroy them; D’Artagnan remains ready to intervene as the king’s anger rises.

In chapter 20, Manicamp follows Montalais, and in chapter 23 his firm regard for De Guiche is linked to the ruin of his unfortunate foe, De Wardes. Later he follows Louis XIV and D’Artagnan, and walks with Malicorne behind the king.