Louis XIV

Also known as: Louis / Louis XIV. / the king / the young king / the young monarch · Family: French monarchy · Role: king of France · First appears: Chapter 1

Louis XIV, king of France, began the story by appearing at the Parliament House after mass, where he confirmed existing edicts and issued new taxes. The measures drew a strong remonstrance from Mathieu Molé, while President Blancmesnil and Broussel protested against the fresh taxes.

In chapter 4, Anne of Austria watched her son and reproved his hatred of Mazarin, whom Louis had hated since childhood; Mancini, Mazarin’s nephew, was hated by him as well. Duke of Orléans, the king’s uncle, was the first prince of the blood, and Duke d’Anjou was Louis’s brother.

By chapter 52, Louis was with Anne of Austria and Duke d’Anjou as D’Artagnan calmed the populace by promising that they would see the sleeping king, then drove the royal party from Paris to rejoin Mazarin. D’Artagnan remained concerned with Louis’s safety, declaring, “if a single man has the audacity, his life shall pay for it.” In chapter 89, Louis returned toward Paris with Anne of Austria and Mazarin, and then invited D’Artagnan and Porthos to dinner as a great honor.