Raoul

Also known as: Bragelonne / M. de Bragelonne / the Vicomte de Bragelonne · Family: Bragelonne · Role: son · First appears: Chapter 10

In chapter 10, Raoul is identified as Athos’s son, while his courtship of Louise is described as the love of a boy whose place was taken by Louis XIV. In chapter 25, his grief brings him closer to Athos again: after learning that Louise and Louis XIV sincerely love each other, he repeatedly returns subdued and kisses Athos’s hand. He remains Louis XIV’s rival and enemy, but refuses Aramis’s proposal to resist the king, saying, “No; for my part I prefer having something to reproach the king with;”

At Belle-Isle and Gigelli, Raoul chooses his own course. Athos tells him, “You are free, Raoul; adieu.” Raoul joins Monsieur de Beaufort as a recruit, declares his intention to become a knight of Malta, and is appointed aide-de-camp before leaving France for Africa. He warns Guiche of the plot against Louise, acknowledges Guiche as a friend who loves him, and prepares to depart with Grimaud accompanying him. Though he wishes never to see Louise again, he writes to D’Artagnan that he still loves her; after Louise rejects him and ends their engagement, he leaves for war.

At Sainte-Marguerite, Raoul is with Athos when D’Artagnan recognizes them and saves them from being shot. Athos promises, “I will be your friend, not your father,” and Monsieur de Beaufort embraces Raoul before embarking him for Africa. In chapter 55, Porthos names Raoul his son and the true son of Athos, leaving him his property, obligations toward D’Artagnan and Aramis, and Mousqueton as a servant. During the attack at Gigelli, Raoul serves as Monsieur de Beaufort’s aide-de-camp, is struck by a discharge, and dies from his wounds; the account records, “We raised the vicomte; he was cold and dead.” In chapter 60, Athos and Raoul are found dead in separate coffins.