Colbert

Also known as: M. Colbert · Family: French court · Role: minister · First appears: Chapter 3

Colbert is a minister at the French court. By chapter 3, Percerin cannot produce a creditable fit for him, and by chapter 10 Colbert is described as Fouquet’s mortal enemy. In chapter 12, he serves Louis XIV and works against Fouquet, while his rivalry with D’Artagnan is bound up with his hatred of the financier. When Louis XIV summons him at Vaux in chapter 13, Colbert accuses Fouquet of appropriating thirteen million livres; the king delays his decision, saying, “By to-morrow morning I shall have made up my mind.”

By chapter 15, Louis XIV orders Colbert to tell D’Artagnan to arrest Fouquet. Colbert also presents a dropped letter as Louise’s, which the king picks up. His opposition to Aramis continues through chapters 14 and 36: after Madame de Chevreuse reveals the danger surrounding Aramis, Colbert joins her in an alliance, decides to besiege Belle-Isle, and plans an inescapable retreat for him. He then pursues Fouquet by lighter to the Loire, where his armed men search the shore; when the lighters reach Nantes, he publicly salutes Fouquet with profound respect.

In chapter 41, Louis XIV regards Colbert as a servant who could become great if raised to the foremost rank, and has him reconciled with D’Artagnan. Colbert later advises sparing Aramis, and by chapter 60 Aramis asks him to preserve their friendship and believe in his attachment. Colbert also receives reports on Forant, Destouches, and M. d’Imfreville, recognizing their usefulness and abilities.