Charles II

Also known as: Charles / King Charles II / the king · Family: English monarchy · Role: king of England · First appears: Chapter 1

In chapter 1, Charles II is linked with D’Artagnan through the reflections that led to his restoration, and in chapter 12 Raoul is on a mission entrusted to him by the king. By chapter 37, Charles has received Raoul at Whitehall in a distinguished and friendly manner, assigning him the finest apartments, while Monk introduces him to the best society of the court. Charles also writes to Louis XIV on Raoul’s behalf, asking him to treat the young man kindly and make him like England.

At court, Charles visits Lady Castlemaine, who is reputed to hold his heart in bondage. He has created Mary Grafton a duchess and endowed her according to her rank, though she has rejected his heart. His gallery contains the portrait of his father, Charles I, and the walls still bear marks from the fighting connected with Charles I’s captivity. As Raoul’s employer, Charles insists that “no one has the right to quit the service of the king for that of any woman.”

In chapter 38, Charles courts Lucy Stewart, trying to convince her that she is the only person for whom he cares, and his sister Madame urgently orders him to send Raoul back to France: “For your own sake, for mine, for the honor and safety of every one, send M. de Bragelonne back to France immediately.” Charles gives Raoul permission to leave for Paris, presents him with a diamond intended as a marriage gift, and Raoul embarks for France; Charles also orders his valet Francis to care for an excellent fellow and leave him fifty sovereigns. By chapter 52, Madame has written to Charles, though Raoul does not know of her letter.