D’Artagnan

Also known as: Captain / Captain d’Artagnan / M. d’Artagnan / M. le Chevalier d’Artagnan / Monsieur D’Artagnan / Monsieur d’Artagnan / Monsieur le Chevalier d’Artagnan / d’Artagnan / the Gascon / the captain / the captain of the musketeers / the musketeer · Family: French court · Role: musketeer · First appears: Chapter 1

At chapter 1, Louis XIV grants D’Artagnan leave for private business, while D’Artagnan sets out to investigate Aramis and locate Porthos. He reads Baisemeaux’s letter, follows the trail to Fouquet, and brings Porthos into the matter, ultimately arranging his presentation to Louis XIV. His old friendship with Planchet becomes a partnership, and he also recognizes Aramis at a funeral and identifies the veiled Madame de Chevreuse.

In chapters 7–9, D’Artagnan protects Porthos’s introduction at court, raises Planchet’s standing, and gives money to Celestin. He presents Porthos to Louis XIV as one of France’s bravest gentlemen, then discovers the fortification plot involving Aramis and Porthos and reports it to the king. Aramis offers him rank, titles, and wealth in Fouquet’s service, but D’Artagnan refuses: “But I already belong to the king.” He hates Colbert and Mazarin, though he does not fear them.

From chapters 15 to 28, Louis XIV relies on D’Artagnan to investigate De Guiche’s wounding, and D’Artagnan refuses to denounce De Guiche’s adversary even when ordered to investigate the affair. He protects Mademoiselle de la Vallière during her flight, agrees to conceal it from Louis XIV, and later shows the king the insulting Dutch medal. Louis XIV is also described as having no better guardian than D’Artagnan.

By chapters 50–66, D’Artagnan is Raoul’s friend and has spent much of his life teaching him to use a sword. He remains a friend of Athos, but obeys Louis XIV’s order to arrest him and takes him toward the Bastile, where Aramis and Baisemeaux are found together. D’Artagnan leaves Athos in his place while on duty, prepares a horse for his escape, and informs Louis XIV that M. le Comte de la Fere is imprisoned; after the king orders his release, Athos leaves with D’Artagnan, and they later dine with their friend Baisemeaux.