LIST OF CHARACTERS:

The Three Musketeers

D'Artagnan - The central character of the novel, d'Artagnan is a young, impoverished Gascon
nobleman who comes to make his fortune in Paris. He is brave, noble, ambitious, crafty, and
intelligent. Like any Romantic hero, he is driven by love and ruled by chivalry, but occasionally
prone to fall into amoral behavior.
Athos - The most important of the Three Musketeers, Athos is something of a father figure to
d'Artagnan. He is older than his comrades, although still a young man. Athos is distinguished in
every way--intellect, appearance, bravery, swordsmanship--yet he is tortured by a deep
melancholy, the source of which no one knows.
Aramis - A young Musketeer, one of the great Three. Aramis is a handsome young man, quiet
and somewhat foppish. He constantly protests that he is only temporarily in the Musketeers, and
that any day now he will return to the Church to pursue his true calling. Aramis has a mysterious
mistress, Madame de Chevreuse, a high noblewoman, whose existence and identity he tries to
keep from his friends.
Porthos - Porthos, the third of the Three Musketeers, is loud, brash, and self-important. He is
extremely vain, and enjoys outfitting himself handsomely; but for all that, he is a valiant fighter
and a courageous friend. His mistress is Madame Coquenard, the wife of a wealthy attorney.
Lady de Winter - A mysterious, beautiful, dangerous, and ultimately evil Cardinalist agent.
D'Artagnan becomes obsessed with her, but eventually she and the Musketeers become fierce
adversaries. Milady has a secret, and she kills anyone who finds it out--her left shoulder is
branded with the Fleur-de-Lis, a mark put on the worst criminals.
Madame Bonacieux - Wife of Monsieur Bonacieux and lady-in-waiting for Queen Anne.
Madame Bonacieux is loyal to the Queen through and through. D'Artagnan falls in love with her,
and in doing so gets involved in the Queen's secret affairs.
Monsieur Bonacieux - D'Artagnan's landlord, and Madame Bonacieux's husband. He originally
comes to d'Artagnan for help when Madame Bonacieux is kidnapped, but after a private
audience with the Cardinal, turns on his wife and becomes a Cardinalist agent.
Monsieur de Treville - The head of the King's Musketeers. Monsieur de Treville is an honorable
and distinguished gentleman, and close friend to the King. He treats all his Musketeers as his
sons, and is an important figure of support for the young d'Artagnan. He is a rival of Cardinal
Richelieu for favor and influence with the King.
King Louis XIII - King of France. Louis XIII is not much of a ruler, and is dominated by his
advisors, most notably Cardinal Richelieu, the most powerful man in France. He is a petulant and
petty person, and those around him who are most successful are those who have learned to
manipulate his pettiness.
Cardinal Richelieu - The King's most influential advisor, Richelieu is the most powerful and
important man in France. He is furiously self-absorbed, but also an extremely effective leader of
the state. Richelieu works hard to maintain the reputation and power of the king, since this is the
stock on which his own status is based.
Queen Anne - Queen of France. Anne is Spanish, and her loyalties are divided between her
Spanish heritage, her position as Queen of France, and her love for George Villiers, the Duke of
Buckingham. The King does not trust her, or particularly like her, and the Cardinal hates her.
Anne leads an unhappy life in the court.

George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham - Favorite and Minister of War for King Charles I of
England. Buckingham is the perfect English gentleman, handsome, witty, brave, wealthy, and
powerful. He is desperately in love with Anne of Austria, who, more reservedly, returns his
affections. Throughout the novel, Buckingham's only motivation is to see and please Anne.
Lord de Winter - Lady de Winter's brother-in-law. Lord de Winter is a foppish gentlemen, not
given to intrigue or action, but he rises to the occasion when more is demanded of him toward
the end of the novel.
Comte de Rochefort - The Cardinal's private spy, a dangerous man.
Comte de Wardes - A Cardinalist agent; Milady is in love with him.
Kitty - Milady's maid; she falls in love with d'Artagnan.
John Felton - A British Naval Officer, ward of Lord de Winter; a Protestant.
Planchet - D'Artagnan's manservant. A very intelligent, reliable, somewhat brave man.
Grimaud - Athos' manservant. Athos has trained him to communicate in hand-signals, to
minimize speech.
Mousqueton - Porthos's manservant. Like his master, he enjoys the finer things in life.
Bazin - Aramis's manservant. He wants nothing so much as for his master to enter the Church.
Madame de Coquenard - Porthos's mistress, the wife of a wealthy attorney. She dotes on
Porthos, living for his affection. Porthos keeps her identity secret from his friends, telling them his
mistress is a Duchess.
Madame de Chevreuse - Aramis's secret mistress, and a close personal friend of the Queen.
Madame de Chevreuse is banished from Paris because the King, goaded by the Cardinal,
suspects her of aiding the Queen in her personal and political intrigues.

VOCABULARY BANK:
The Three Musketeers
Chapter 1: Three Gifts
1. Livery (n) the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of
rank.
2. Martingale (n) a strap, or set of straps, attached at one end to the noseband or reins of a
horse and at the other end to the girth. It is used to prevent the horse from raising its head
too high.
3. Deference (n) humble submission and respect.
4. Scabbard (n) a sheath for the blade of a sword or dagger, typically made of leather or metal.
5. Languish (v) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble.
Chapter 2: Monsieur de Trevilles Ante-Room
1. Boisterous (adj) noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
2. Embellish (v) make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features.
3. Threadbare (adj) becoming thin and tattered with age.
4. Demure (adj) reserved, modest, and shy.
5. Rapier (n) a thin, light, sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting.
Chapter 3: The Audience

1. Cassock (n) a full-length garment of a single color worn by certain Christian clergy,
members of church choirs, acolytes, and others having some particular office or role in a
church.
2. Sacrosanct (adj) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.
3. Annex (n) a building joined to or associated with a main building, providing additional space
or accommodations.
4. Glower (v) have an angry or sullen look on ones face.
5. Brogue (n) a marked accent, especially Irish or Scottish, when speaking English.
Chapter 4: Shoulder, Shoulder-Belt and Handkerchief
1. Ante-room (n) an antechamber, typically serving as a waiting room.
2. Monogram (n) a motif or two or more letters, typically a persons initials, usually interwoven
or otherwise combined in a decorative design, used as a logo or to identify a personal
possession.
3. Compromise (v) settle a dispute by mutual concession.
4. Tactless (adj) having or showing a lack of adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or
with difficult issues.
5. Hare-brained (adj) rash; ill-judged.
Chapter 5: Musketeers and Guards
1. Convent (n) a Christian community under monastic vows, especially one of nuns.
2. Edicts (n) an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
3. Jaunty (adj) having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.
4. Pistoled (n) any of various gold coins used in Europe in the 17 th and 18th centuries.
5. Recumbent (adj) lying down
Chapter 6: A Court Intrigue
1. Destitute (adj) without the basic necessities of life.
2. Lackey (n) a servant, especially a liveried footman or manservant.
3. Confide (v) tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat
it to others.
4. Scuffle (n) a short, confused fight or struggle at close quarters.
5. Parlay (v) to use (ones money, talent, or other assets) to achieve a desired objective, as
spectacular wealth or success.
Chapter 7: DArtagnan Takes Command
1. Draper (n) a person who sells cloth and dry goods.
2. Pretense (n) a claim, especially a false or ambitious one.
3. Supercilious (adj) behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.
4. Glint (n) a small flash of light, especially as reflected from a shiny surface.
5. Severity (n) the fact or condition of being severe.
Chapter 8: Madame Bonacieux
1. Ensconce (v) establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place.
2. Flagstone (n) a flat stone slab, typically rectangular or square, used for paving.
3. Inarticulate (adj) unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly.
4. Cambric (n) a lightweight, closely woven white linen or cotton fabric.
5. Subdue (v) overcome, quieten, or bring under control.
Chapter 9: The Plot Thickens
1. Peremptory (adj) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely
imperious way.
2. Tryst (n) a private, romantic rendezvous between lovers.
3. Inquisitive (adj) curious or inquiring.

4. Aloof (adj) not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.

5. Indignant (adj) feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair
treatment.
Chapter 10: The Man of Meung
1. Grate (n) the recess of a fireplace or furnace.
2. Blunder (n) a stupid or careless mistake.
3. Immerse (v) involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
4. Buff (adj) being in good physical shape with fine muscle tone.
5. Conspirator (n) a person who takes part in a conspiracy.
Chapter 11: Soldiers and Magistrates
1. Perusal (n) the action of reading or examining something.
2. Privy (adj) sharing in the knowledge of (something secret or private).
3. Staunch (adj) loyal and committed in attitude.
4. Sordid (adj) involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.
5. Implore (v) beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
Chapter 12: The Keeper of the Seals
1. Unscrupulous (adj) having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
2. Rebuke (v) express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or
actions.
3. Overture (n) an introduction to something more substantial.
4. Resentment (n) bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
5. Odious (adj) extremely unpleasant; repulsive.
Chapter 13: The Lover and the Husband
1. Trinket (n) a small ornament or item of jewelry that is of little value.
2. Jeopardize (v) put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is danger of loss,
harm or failure.
3. Doublet (n) a mans short close-fitting padded jacket, commonly worn from the 14 th to the
17th century.
4. Agonize (v) undergo great mental anguish through worrying about something.
5. Chink (n) a narrow opening or crack, typically one that admits light.
Chapter 14: The Journey
1. Fortnight (n) a period of two weeks.
2. Sober (v) make or become more serious, sensible, and solemn.
3. Sot (n) a habitual drunkard.
4. Quagmire (n) a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot.
5. Imperturbable (adj) unable to be upset or excited; calm.
Chapter 15: The Ball
1. Canopy (n) an ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over something, especially a
throne or bed.
2. Rapt (adj) completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing.
3. Rivet (v) attract and completely engross (someone).
4. Plume (v) spread out in a shape resembling a feather.
5. Aperture (n) an opening, hole, or gap.
Chapter 16: The Tryst
1. Lull (v) calm or send to sleep, typically with soothing sounds or movements.
2. Coinage (n) coins collectively.
3. Clamber (v) climb, move, or get in or out of something in an awkward and laborious way,
typically using both hands and feet.

4. Rut (n) a long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles.
5. Yonder (n) the far distance.
Chapter 17: Athos Wife
1. Rekindle (v) relight (a fire).
2. Renounce (v) formally declare ones abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession).
3. Cask (n) a barrel like contain made of wood, metal, or plastic, used for storing liquids,
typically alcoholic drinks.
4. Wretched (adj) (of a person) in a very unhappy or unfortunate state.
5. Somnambulism (n) sleepwalking.
Chapter 18: In Search of Equipment
1. Livre (n) the currency of France from 1781 to 1794.
2. Avarice (n) extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
3. Stoup (n) a basin for holy water, especially on the wall near the door of a Roman Catholic
Church for worshipers to dip their fingers before crossing themselves.
4. Cynical (adj) believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human
sincerity or integrity.
5. Bluster (v) talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect.
Chapter 19: English and French
1. Tractable (adj) easy to control or influence.
2. Sprawl (v) sit, lie or fall with ones arms and legs spread out in an ungainly or awkward way.
3. Enclosure (n) an area that is sealed off with an artificial or natural barrier.
4. Rebuke (v) express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or
actions.
5. Discreet (adj) intentionally unobtrusive.
Chapter 20: Mistress and Maid
1. Deter (v) prevent the occurrence of.
2. Flummox (v) perplex (someone) greatly; bewilder.
3. Undermine (v) damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or
insidiously.
4. Baffle (v) totally bewilder or perplex.
5. Amends (n) reparation or compensation.
Chapter 21: All Cats are Grey at Night
1. Lodging (n) a place in which someone lives or stays temporarily.
2. Sherbet (n) a flavored sweet effervescent powder eaten alone or made into a drink.
3. Cunning (adj) having or showing skill in achieving ones ends by deceit or evasion.
4. Endearment (n) a word or phrase expression love or affection.
5. Bodice (n) the part of a womans dress (excluding sleeves) that is above the waist.
Chapter 22: Plans for Revenge
1. Impervious (adj) unable to be affected by.
2. Fickle (adj) changing frequently, especially as regards ones loyalties, interests, or affection.
3. Fathom (v) understand after much thought.
4. Indignity (n) treatment or circumstances that cause one to feel shame or to lose ones
dignity.
5. Pang (n) a sudden sharp pain or painful emotion.
Chapter 23: The Ring
1. Ludicrous (adj) so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous.
2. Tonic (adj) giving a feeling of vigor or well-being; invigorating.

3. Dovecote (n) a shelter with nest holes for domesticated pigeons.

4. Undefiled (adj) not defiled; pure.
5. Sly (adj) having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.
Chapter 24: A Vision
1. Scrutinize (v) examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
2. Ducal (adj) of, like, or relating to a duke or dukedom.
3. Picturesque (adj) visually attractive, especially in a quaint or pretty style.
4. Ominous (adj) giving the impression that something is bad or unpleasant is going to
happen; threatening; inauspicious.
5. Trepidation (n) a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.
Chapter 25: The Cardinal
1. Lenient (adj) permissive, merciful, or tolerant.
2. Imperious (adj) assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant or domineering.
3. Reveille (n) a signal sounded especially on a bugle or drum to wake personnel in the armed
forces.
4. Imminent (adj) about to happen.
5. Keen (adj) having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm.
Chapter 26: The Siege of La Rochelle
1. Stronghold (n) a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack.
2. Augur (v) portend a good or bad outcome.
3. Acquisition (n) an asset or object bought or obtained, typically by a library or museum.
4. Prostrate (adj) lying stretched out on the ground with ones face downward.
5. Bastion (n) a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to
allow defensive fire in several directions.
Chapter 27: The Red Dovecote Inn
1. Tether (n) a rope or chain with which an animal is tied to restrict its movement.
2. Denounce (v) publicly declare to be wrong or evil.
3. Libertine (n) a person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles or a sense of
responsibility, especially in sexual matters.
4. Thwart (v) prevent (someone) from accomplishing something.
5. Reconnoiter (v) make a military observation of (a region).
Chapter 28: The Bastion of St. Gervais
1. Billet (n) a place, usually a civilians house or other nonmilitary facility, where soldiers are
lodged temporarily.
2. Dragoon (n) a member of any of several cavalry regiments in the British army.
3. Sabre (n) a heavy cavalry sword with a curved blade and a single cutting edge.
4. Frivolous (adj) not having any serious purpose or value.
5. Moat (n) a deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically filled with water and
intended as a defense against attack.
Chapter 29: A Family Affair
1. Bigamist (n) a person who commits bigamy.
2. Picket (n) a soldier or party of soldiers performing a particular duty.
3. Heretic (n) a person believing in or practicing religious heresy.
4. Guile (n) sly or cunning intelligence.
5. Melancholy (n) a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
Chapter 30: Bethune
1. Innuendo (n) an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically suggestive or disparaging one.

2. Deuce (n) used as a euphemism for devil in expressions of annoyance, impatience, or

surprise or for emphasis.
3. Intermediary (n) a person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about
an agreement or reconciliation; a mediator.
4. Prudent (adj) acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
5. Askance (adv) with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval.
Chapter 31: The Female and the Male
1. Pompous (adj) affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important.
2. Chaise (n) a horse-drawn carriage for one or two people, typically one with an open top and
two wheels.
3. Fiend (n) a wicked or cruel person.
4. Gull (v) fool or deceive.
5. Warrant (v) justify or necessitate (a certain course of action).
Chapter 32: A Drop of Wine
1. Outrider (n) a person in a motor vehicle or on horseback who goes in front of or beside a
vehicle as an escort or guard.
2. Solitude (n) the state or situation of being alone.
3. Cloister (n) a covered walk in a convent, monastery, college or cathedral.
4. Livid (adj) furiously angry.
5. Daze (v) make (someone) unable to think or react properly; stupefy; bewilder.
Chapter 33: The Man in the Red Cloak
1. Apathy (n) lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
2. Novice (n) a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.
3. Cavalcade (n) a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles.
4. Emissary (n) a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
5. Gaoler (n) a person in charge of a jail or the prisoners in it.
Chapter 34: The Execution
1. Scimitar (n) a short sword with a curved blade that broadens toward the point, used
originally in Eastern countries.
2. Assail (v) make a concerted or violent attack on.
3. Blackguard (n) a person, particularly a man, who behaves in a dishonorable or contemptible
way.
4. Unearthly (adj) unnatural or mysterious, especially in a disturbing way.
5. Sultry (adj) hot and humid.
Chapter 35: A Messenger from the Cardinal
1. Equerry (n) an officer of the British royal household who attends or assists members of the
royal family.
2. Intrigue (n) the secret planning of something illicit or detrimental to someone.
3. Commission (n) an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people.
4. Formidable (adj) inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful,
intense, or capable.
5. Diabolical (adj) belonging to or so evil as to recall the Devil.

PLOT PER CHAPTER:

The Three Musketeers
Chapter 1: Three Gifts
The reader is introduced to DArtagnan, a tall and lanky Gascon, who was the center of
attention in the market town of Meung. DArtagnan was sent by his father, Monsieur dArtagnan,

to send a letter of application to Monsieur de Treville. Along with it he was given two other gifts, a
horse and fifteen crowns. He received from his mother a prescription for a special ointment that
can heal any kind of wound except heart wounds. And with these gifts and the advice from his
father, DArtagnan set forth to find Monsieur de Treville. As he reaches Meung, he encounters
three men who seem to be ridiculing his horse. DArtagnan gets offended, and proceeds to have
a heated argument with one of the men (later labeled the man of Meung). He challenged the
man to a duel, in which the man declined. DArtagnan rushes to try and run his sword through his
back, but the man dodges in time. The innkeeper and the other two men then subdued the
fuming DArtagnan, giving the man time to escape. DArtagnan gets knocked out, and is brought
inside the inn by the innkeeper. Then, the innkeeper and the man discuss DArtagnans identity.
After discovering the letter to de Treville, the man decides to steal it. When DArtagnan regains
his consciousness, he decides to pursue the man (who is, by now, leaving with a lady on her way
back to England). DArtagnan fails to do so, and loses consciousness again. He then realizes that
the letter is lost, and presumes it was taken by the man. He then leaves the inn, and sets forth to
Paris.
Chapter 2: Monsieur de Trevilles Ante-Room
The reader is introduced to Monsieur de Treville, the leader of the Kings musketeers.
DArtagnan arrives at de Trevilles house in the Rue du Vieux Colombier. He is shocked by the
huge throng of musketeers engaged in different activities like conversations and swordplay. As
he makes his way through de Trevilles house, he overhears people criticizing Cardinal Richelieu
out loud. DArtagnan is shocked by these peoples gall, and presumes that they should be sent to
Bastille. Being unfamiliar with the place, one of de Trevilles household asked DArtagnan
regarding his business. He said he wanted a moments audience with his master. The servant
then promises him to deliver the message to de Treville. After walking awhile, DArtagnan sees
Porthos and Aramis, two musketeers in the middle of a crowd who, at the moment, are admiring
Porthos shoulder-belt. A few moments later, the door to de Trevilles study opens, and
DArtagnan was called inside, causing the crowd to stare at him while he enters the ante-room.
Chapter 3: The Audience
Monsieur de Treville happened to be in a bad mood when DArtagnan entered his study.
They greeted each other, and de Treville called Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Porthos and Aramis
entered the study, and were immediately scorned by de Treville. Monsieur de Treville berated the
two musketeers for being arrested by the Cardinals musketeers for disturbing the peace in an
inn in the Rue Ferou. He then asks where Athos is. The two musketeers first lied about the reason
for Athos absence, but soon admitted that he was wounded in the arrest. Athos appears just in
time, and gets praised by de Treville for his courage. Just as de Treville was holding his hand,
Athos faints, and he calls for a doctor. Once Athos has regained consciousness, de Treville is left
alone with DArtagnan. DArtagnan introduced himself to de Treville. The leader of the
musketeers then promised DArtagnan that he will be part of the musketeers, but he must
undergo training first. He tells de Treville that he lost the letter to a thief. De Treville then writes a
letter to the Director of the Academy. Just as he gave DArtagnan the letter, the young man
flushed and swore that the thief will not escape. Then, he disappeared through the door.
Chapter 4: Shoulder, Shoulder-Belt and Handkerchief
In quick pursuit of the thief, DArtagnan collided with Athos, a musketeer, who was leaving
Monsieur de Trevilles apartments. He accidentally gave the musketeer a hard butt on the
shoulder with this head. This angered Athos. Despite DArtagnans apologies and explanations,
Athos wouldnt let him go. Finally, they decided to settle the issue by way of a duel by midday
near the Carmelite Convent. To add to DArtagnans woes, while continuing his pursuit of the
thief, he encountered another musketeer, this time in the person of Porthos. This lead to another
heated argument and a second duel that they agreed to hold at one oclock behind the

Luxembourg. As if this wasnt enough, DArtagnan met Aramis, the third musketeer, with whom
he had another argument, this time about a handkerchief. A third duel between the two was set
at two oclock in Monsieur de Trevilles house.
Chapter 5: Musketeers and Guards
DArtagnan went to the deserted piece of ground beside the convent alone that is,
without any seconds, as he knew no one in Paris. He found Athos there, still in great pain from his
shoulder wound also without any seconds. He claimed to have asked two of his friends to act as
his seconds, but neither has arrived. They talked while waiting, with DArtagnan offering an
ointment for Athos wound. Athos declined the offer but recognized DArtagnans being a
gentleman for the offer. At this point, Athos seconds arrived, and DArtagnan was surprised to
learn that they were the two gentlemen he was supposed to duel later in the day the two other
musketeers, Porthos and Aramis. When Athos and DArtagnas were about to start their duel,
however, the Cardinals guards arrived and saw their swords unsheathed. Led by Jussac, the five
guards fought with the three musketeers along with DArtagnan but they were no match and
surrendered their swords to them. One of the guards was killed in the process. This incident
made the four young men as inseparable as the Three Musketeers had been before. Upon the
recommendation of de Treville, the King ordered Monsieur desEssarts to enroll dArtagnan as an
ensign in his company of guards.
Chapter 6: A Court Intrigue
A stranger visited DArtagnan to seek his help on the kidnapping of his wife, maid to the
wardrobe of the Queen. The stranger claimed the reason for the abduction was political, as it
concerns the love affair of the Queen and the Duke. The stranger told DArtagnan of his wifes
being a ward of Monsieur de Laporte, the Queens confidential agent. Apparently, the Queens
enemies (the Cardinal in particular) used the Queens name to write to the Duke and ask him to
come to Paris and set a trap for him when he arrives. The strangers wife was kidnapped to get
out the Queens secrets from her. The stranger introduced himself as Bonacieux, who was
DArtagnans landlord. DArtagnan promised to help him. The stranger showed him the letter he
received from the kidnappers telling him not to look for his wife. Bonacieux saw his wifes
kidnapper outside DArtagnans house, and the latter was surprised to learn it was his old
nemesis, the Man from Meung.
Chapter 7: DArtagnan Takes Command
After trying to catch Madame Bonacieuxs kidnapper, dArtagnan returns to his room,
where the rest of the musketeers are waiting. He tells them that he failed to kill or capture the
man from Meung. As he is telling them about his suspicions regarding the connection between
the kidnapping and the Queens affair with the Duke of Buckingham, Aramis remembers
something that happened to him yesterday. At first, it was met with humor, but a few moments
later, dArtagnan understands the relevance of the story. Before their discussion ends, the
draper/landlord appears, claiming that the police are downstairs, sent to arrest him. The landlord
asks help from dArtagnan, but he lets the police get him. Aramis and Athos understands
dArtagnans reason for doing so, but Porthos sees it as a foul thing. DArtagnan then takes
charge of the group, claiming that they are now declaring war against the Cardinal.
Chapter 8: Madame Bonacieux
Monsieur Bonacieuxs house became a place where policemen held their interrogations.
While Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are outlooking for Madame Bonacieux, dArtagnan was left
inside, watching every person who falls into the trap (everyone who enters the house will be
interrogated). A day after Monsieur Bonacieuxs arrest, dArtagnan hears a womans voice in the
interrogation room (which was located below his room). He presumes it is Madame Bonacieux,
and sends Planchet to find the other musketeers. He then jumps from his window to save the
lady. He easily defeats the policemen downstairs and rescues Madame Bonacieux. Before he

saves her, he finds a handkerchief similar to the one he found on Aramis foot. He returns the
handkerchief to the ladys pocket, and then saves her. They discuss the kidnapping and decide to
leave the house. As they leave for Athos house, Madame Bonacieux tells dArtagnan to go to
Monsieur Laporte, who will then go to fetch her. She gives him the password to the Rue de
lEchelle entrance to the Louvre. DArtagnan then goes to find Monsieur Laporte, and succeeds in
giving him the location of Madame Bonacieux.
Chapter 9: The Plot Thickens
DArtagnan saw Madame Bonacieux go to Aramis house and exchanged handkerchiefs
with another woman. He followed the Madame and told her what he saw. Madame Bonacieux
refused to tell him everything but asked him to accompany him if he wishes to help her.
DArtagnan left the Madame upon her request and went home only to find out from Planchet that
Athos was arrested by the police, who mistook Athos for him. DArtagnan made his way to see
Monsieur de Treville to tell him the news but saw a pair (man and woman) who interested him
and followed them instead. The pair, he discovered when he confronted them, was Madame
Bonacieux and the Duke of Buckingham. The Duke asked him to escort them and kill anyone who
spies on them until they reached the Louvre, where DArtagnan left them unharmed. The Duke
was meeting the Queen of France, who loved the Duke also, and who gave the Duke a little
redwood box, containing twelve diamond tags, before the Duke returns to England.
Chapter 10: The Man of Meung
Monsieur Bonacieux was taken to the Cardinal, who interrogated him and tried to get
information about the Queen and the Duke. The Cardinal learned from the draper where the
Queen and the Duke were hiding and instructed Count de Rochefort to check out the addresses.
The draper recognized Rochefort as the man who kidnapped his wife. Rochefort reported to the
Cardinal about the secret meeting of the Queen and the Duke at the Louvre. The Cardinal, having
no further use of Monsieur Bonacieux let go of the draper. Rochefort reported upon his return
that the Duke has already left Paris, and that they will have to catch up with him in London. After
this, the Cardinal sent for his messenger, Vitray, to dispatch a letter to London addressed to
Milady, with instructions to get to the Duke, as close as possible, the next time the Duke attends
a ball, and to cut off two diamonds from the tags the Duke will be wearing.
Chapter 11: Soldiers and Magistrates
In an effort to release Athos from prison, Monsieur de Treville went to see the King. He was
surprised to find the Cardinal there, knowing quite well that the latter has already recounted his
version of the recent events. Nonetheless, he requested the King to order the immediate release
of the musketeer, to the dismay of the Cardinal. The King, after much deliberation, signed the
release order and gave it to Treville, who went his way to do the needful.
Chapter 12: The Keeper of the Seals
After Treville left, the Cardinal talked to the King about the visit of the Duke of Buckingham
to Paris. This angered the King, suspecting his wifes love affair with the Duke. The Cardinal,
however, told the King that the Queen was plotting against him, and that she wrote a letter
about this. The King, upon the suggestion of the Cardinal, called the Keeper of the Seals to get
the letter from the Queen. The Queen, against her will, had no choice but to hand the letter over
to the King. However, it was not a love letter at all, but a large-scale plot against the Cardinal.
The Cardinal then suggested that he hold a ball to make up with his wife, and to wear the
diamond tags the King gave Her Majesty.
Chapter 13: The Lover and the Husband
The Queen, knowing it was the Cardinals desire to trap her by asking the King to make
her wear the diamond tags which she has already given to the Duke decided to send an
urgent letter to the Duke to warn him of Cardinals plot. She gave the letter to Madame

Bonacieux, who thought of assigning the job to her husband. But the draper became a
Cardinalist overnight; thus, had to look for somebody else. Enter DArtagnan, who was more than
willing to do the job for the Madame.
Chapter 14: The Journey
DArtagnan, accompanied by the Three Musketeers, started the long journey to London.
They had to leave Porthos at an inn in Chantilly, who had to fight a stranger, who did not wish to
recognize the King. A mile or so beyond Beavuis they were ambushed by workmen, hurting
Aramis, who decided to stay behind when they reached Crevecoeur. Athos and DArtagnas
continued the journey and reached Amiens, with both the horses and the riders dead tired. They
spent the night at the Golden Lily Inn. The following morning, the owner of the inn refused to
accept their money, saying it was fake. This angered Athos, who had to fight not only the inns
owner but four of his men. He told dArtagnan to go on and leave him behind. DArtagnan
continued his journey, with Planchet. DArtagnan found the Duke in Windsor and gave him the
Queens letter. They hastened to reach the capital.
Chapter 15: The Ball
At the capital, the Duke discovered two of the diamond tags are missing. He deduced that
it was the work of the Cardinal. The Lady of the Winter (who must be working for the Cardinal)
stole the diamonds from the Duke at the Kings ball at Windsor. He asked his jeweler to make
exact copies of the stolen ones and gave it to DArtagnan to deliver it to the Queen in time for
the ball in Paris. At the ball, the Cardinal showed to the King the pair of diamonds that he ordered
to be stolen to embarrass the Queen. However, on the previous night, DArtagnas was able to
deliver the diamond tags to Madame Bonacieux, in time for the ball. It was the Cardinal who was
embarrassed. DArtagnan was given a ring by the Queen for his efforts.
Chapter 16: The Tryst
DArtagnan was pleasantly surprised to find a note in his house from Madame Bonacieux,
asking him to see her at ten oclock in St. Cloud. It was a love letter and it will be his first tryst.
Before going to St. Cloud, DArtagnan went to see Monsieur de Treville and showed him the ring
given to him by the Queen. However, Treville warned DArtagnan to be cautious and, if possible,
get rid of the ring as soon as possible, as he is not sure if it was, indeed, the Queen who gave
him the ring. He also advised DArtagnan to leave Paris to avoid the wrath of the Cardinal, who
will surely try to retaliate. But before doing so, DArtagnan decided to keep his tryst and went to
the place written in the note. He waited for more than two hours, but the Madame did not show
up. Upon his investigations with an old man, who saw what happened, he learned that Madame
Bonacieux was taken by men (led again by his old nemesis) but now knowing where to.
Chapter 17: Athos Wife
DArtagnan went to Monsieur Treville again to tell him what happened, and who advised
him again to leave Paris. Upon returning home, he was told by Planchet that the Cardinals
Captain of Guards, Monsieur de Cavois came looking for him. It seems that the Cardinal would
like to see him, but Planchet told Cavois this will not be possible as DArtagnan left Paris.
DArtagnan and Planchet passed by Porthos and Aramis houses only to find out they wont be
able to join him, as they were both hurting from their last adventure. DArtagnan then went back
to where he left Athos, who was very much alive and drunk. Athos related to DArtagnan the sad
story of his wife, who turned out to be a thief. Athos had to kill her, as she deceived him and put
his life in jeopardy.
Chapter 18: In Search of Equipment
DArtagnan and the Three Musketeers received word from Monsieur Treville that they have
to buy equipment for the campaign against La Rochelle, a coast-town, whose Protestant

population was in constant revolt against the Catholics. Not having enough money to buy the
equipment, the friends thought of ways to solve their dilemma. Porthos thought of using his
charm to borrow money from women. While following him, as he went to church, DArtagnan saw
Milady, one of the Cardinals minions. He saw her arguing with her brother. DArtagnan angered
Miladys brother until the latter agreed to meet him in a duel.
Chapter 19: English and French
Lord de Winter (Miladys brother), along with his seconds dueled with DArtagnan and the
Three Musketeers. As anticipated, the four friends won the match. Lord de Winter invited
DArtagnan to be presented to her sister. Lord de Winter introduced DArtagnan to Milady,
emphasizing the gentlemens having spared his life in the duel. DArtagnans visits to Milady
became more frequent, each time trying to get her to talk about the Cardinal, but in vain.
DArtagnan also came to know Miladys pretty maid, Kitty, who intrigued him, but ignored her, as
his attention was focused on Milady.
Chapter 20: Mistress and Maid
DArtagnans courtship of Milady continued, until one day the mistress maid, Kitty, told
her the truth that Milady does not love her. DArtagnan did not, at first, believe this, suspecting
that the maid wanted him for herself, but when the maid showed him Miladys letter to Comte,
his heart broke. The Comte de Wardes owns the heart of Milady. DArtagnan did not want to give
up. He thought of a plan to lure Milady to fall for her; that is, with the help of Kitty, who agreed to
help her, as she was enamored of the young man. Hiding inside Kittys room, however,
DArtagnan learned, to his surprise, that Milady does not only love her, but hate him as well! The
mistress blames him for not killing her brother in their duel, which would have left her with his
brothers fortune. He also learned that Milady kidnapped Madame Bonacieux. DArtagnan
changed his plans and now wanted to have his revenge on Milady.
Chapter 21: All Cats are Grey at Night
DArtagnan wrote to Milady, pretending he is the Comte de Wardes, and agreeing to see
her at her house. Milady was very delighted and even gave the young man a ring of sapphire. He
showed
it
to
Athos, he thought it looked similar to the one owned by their family (and which she gave to her
ex-wife).
Chapter 22: Plans for revenge
DArtagnan (pretending to be the Comte de Wardes) did not go back to Milady. But when
he received a note from the mistress, addressed to him, asking him to visit her, he agreed. The
mistress told him he wanted to take revenge on the Comte de Wardes. She wanted the young
man to kill him. DArtagnan confessed his pretending to the Comte de Wardes, which angered
the mistress. She was ready to kill the young man and, in the process, she revealed her secret
when they clothes were torn. She was branded with fleur-de-lis on her shoulder (the mark of a
criminal). DArtagnan had to run for him life but escaped Miladys fury.
Chapter 23: The Ring
DArtagnan gave the sapphire to Athos, who vowed to sell it, with the proceeds going to
the two of them fifty-fifty. Kitty appeared at their doorstep, seeking help to get out of Paris.
DArtagnan promised to help her.
Chapter 24: A Vision
DArtagnan received two letters one was unsigned but which he presumed came from
Madame Bonacieux, asking him to go to Chaillot, as he will catch a glimpse of her riding in a
couch, and the other (surprisingly) was from the Cardinal, commanding his presence later that

evening. With his three friends accompanying him, the young man went to Chaillot and, indeed,
see Madame Boncieux, who gestured him to keep quiet. The coach she was riding went past,
without them being able to talk to each other. This strengthened their belief that the lady is
being held captive, but they dont know where.
Chapter 25: The Cardinal
Richelieu, on the other hand, offered DArtagnan to his employ. DArtagnan, very
graciously declined the offer. The Cardinal accepted this but warned the young man of the
dangers in his life for having declined his offer.
Chapter 26: The Siege of La Rochelle
The Cardinal wanted to defeat La Rochelle. Not only to rid France of an enemy but to take
a personal revenge on Buckingham as well. It was Buckingham who supported the Rochellese.
DArtagnan, who was with the company of guards, did not have his three friends with him.
Having made an enemy with Milady, the mistress ordered him killed. A group of bandits tried to
shoot him, but he dodged the bullets and was able to get one of the bandits to talk. Aside from
knowing that Milady is set on having him killed, he also knew that she had Madame Bonacieux
kidnapped, but she escaped. It was the day that he saw her riding the coach. Another attempt on
his life was by means of wine that was sent to him, which was laden with poison. Luckily, he did
not drink the wine, but the bandit he got to confess was poisoned by it.
Chapter 27: The Red Dovecoat Inn
The musketeers accidentally met the Cardinal in an inn called the Red Dovecoat. He asked
them to escort him and, upon eavesdropping, the trio discovered that Richelieu was meeting
Milady, who received orders to kill the Duke of Buckingham. In return, Milady requested that she
be ordered by the Cardinal to kill DArtagnan. Athos confronted Milady with her secret and took
the signed order from the Cardinal.
Chapter 28: The Bastion of St. Gervais
The musketeers related to DArtagnan what transpired at the Red Dovecoat Inn. They
decided to write to Miladys brother to warn her of the mistress wicked plans. They also decided
to send someone to the Queen to advise of the Cardinals plot to assassinate the Duke of
Buckingham.
Chapter 29: A Family Affair
The four friends went on write the necessary letters. Aramis wrote to Miladys brother.
Then he wrote to his cousin, Marie Michon. They assigned Planchet to deliver the letter to de
Winter. It did not took a while for Marie Michon to reply. After that, the four friends were on pins
and needles, anticipating the return of Planchet. They were so happy when Planchet arrived with
a written reply from Miladys brother. De Winter, having been forewarned assigned John Felton to
guard Milady, who put her in de Winters castle, confined to a single room. The Cardinal,
meanwhile, was getting impatient and decided to ride unescorted through the camp and
surrounding districts. He accidentally met the four friends one evening and thought they were
plotting, for he saw them reading a letter. When he confronted the gentlemen about this, the four
friends refused to hand out the letter, which turned out to be a letter from Marie Michon, with
information about Madame Bonacieux being transferred/hidden by the Queen in a Carmelite
Convent.
Chapter 30: Bethune
Milady was able to escape. Using her charm, she was able to convince John Felton that she
was being held against her will by her brother. Felton helped her and then went on his way to
assassinate Buckingham. Meanwhile, Aramis received a letter from Marie Michon, with the

Queens written authority to release Madame Bonacieux from the Convent. DArtagnan, himself,
will get her lady-love out there. At the Golden Harrow Inn, DArtagnan saw Comte de Rochefort.
He tried to go after him but his friends did not allow him. They, however, were able to get a note
left by Felton with the word Armentieres, which is the name of a town. Milady, free once again,
went to the Carmelite Convent and met Madame Bonacieux. Pretending to be an enemy of the
Cardinal, Milady was able to deceive Bonacieux into telling her that DArtagnan will rescue her
anytime. A man arrived but it was not the young man but Comte de Rochefort, the Cardinals
private spy.
Chapter 31: The Female and the Male
The Cardinal wanted a written report from Milady. Rochefort also reported that the Duke of
Buckingham is either dead or dying. Milady told the spy that she was able to befriend Madame
Bonacieux and will take her when she gets out of the convent. She can be used as a hostage.
She gave instructions to Rochefort to report this to the Cardinal. She will hide in a nearby village.
Rochefort can get her back to her after she has reported to the Cardinal.
Chapter 32: A drop of wine
The mistress plan did not work out nicely, as Bonacieux did not want to go to her. Milady
was forced to give her poisoned wine before the mistress escaped. The four friends, along with
the Miladys brother, arrived to see the Bonacieux dying. They were unable to catch Milady.
Chapter 33: The Man in the Red Cloak
Athos took control of taking revenge. Milady was his wife, and he insisted that justice be
meted out to her. He went to see the man in the red cloak and then went after Milady. It did not
take them long to locate her. Athos asked DArtagnan, Lord de Winter, and the man in the red
cloak, who turned out to be the headsman of Lille. Milady past lives and crimes were made
known, to which she did not deny, as she knew she was defeated. A punishment of death was
agreed upon by the gentlemen.
Chapter 34: The Execution
The gentlemen took Milady to the river, where she was executed by the Headsman of Lille.
Her body was thrown to the waters.
Chapter 35: A Messenger from the Cardinal
The four musketeers returned to Paris. Rochefort arrested dArtagnan and took him to the
Cardinal. His friends went with him. The Cardinal read dArtagnan the charges against him. The
young man, in turn, told the Cardinal the crimes Milady, his trusted spy, committed which
included, amongst other things, several attempts to hill him. The Cardinal was shocked and
asked that charges be brought against Milady. DArtagnan then told the Cardinal that they have
rendered justice to her by executing her. The Cardinal did not like this and threatened the young
man of being charged with murder. The young man then showed the Cardinal the pardon he
gave to Milady, which was now in the possession of DArtagnan. When the Cardinal saw this, he
knew he has no other option but to offer the young man with a lieutenants commission. Before
accepting the offer, DArtagnan first asked his three friends if they like the position, but they all
declined. DArtagnan signed the commission and became a lieutenant.

SUMMARY:
The Three Musketeers
D'Artagnan, a noble but poor young man from Gascony (South France), leaves for Paris in 1625
with an invitation from his father to become a Musketeer of the royal guard of Louis XIII. During
his journey, d'Artagnan engages in a duel with an unknown man, gets knocked unconscious, and
loses the letter from his father, which will cause the rejection of his application to the Musketeers

When d'Artagnan arrives in Paris, he spots the man he dueled and begins to pursue him. Along
the way he manages to separately offend three musketeers, challenging each of them to a duel.
When the time comes to face them, the guards of Cardinal Richelieu try to arrest the four
duelers, but the outnumbered quartet manages to beat them. Astounded by the bravery and skill
of the youthful d'Artagnan, the trio of musketeers rapidly befriend him. Their names are Athos,
Porthos, and Aramis, and they turn out to be three of the most distinguished members of the
Royal Guard.
D'Artagnan joins a company of guards less prestigious than the Musketeers, where he'll have to
spend a two-year trial period. He soon finds himself involved in the intrigues of the court.
Cardinal Richelieu wants to start a war between France and England with a clever plot. He knows
the Queen Consort, Anne, is having an affair with the Duke of Buckingham, who has received
from her the diamonds that King Louis XIII presented her as a gift. Richelieu organises an event
to which the Queen will be expected to wear the diamonds, and their absence will uncover her
affair with Buckingham.
Queen Anne's assistant, Constance, is also d'Artagnan's landlord's wife, and d'Artagnan has
fallen in love with her. Through her, he learns of the Queen's troubles, and he decides rally his
three Musketeer friends to help her out. They must travel at desperate speed to England in order
to recover the set of diamonds, facing the Cardinal's men numerous times along the way. They
also have to face the ploys of Milady de Winter, one of Richelieu's main allies, and are able to
succeed only at the last minute.
From that point on, d'Artagnan is subject to multiple assassination attempts by Milady. Constance
hides in a convent, knowing that the Cardinal is after her. The Duke of Buckingham's life is also in
peril, since he's still the main political enemy of Richelieu. d'Artagnan and the Musketeers are
assigned to the siege of La Rochelle, trying at the same time to frustrate the Cardinal's plans.
They only partially succeed, suffering the losses of valued allies, but also causing fatal casualties
on the enemy side. The novel ends in 1628, which was also the end of the siege of La Rochelle.
The four men go their separate ways, except for Aramis and d'Artagnan, who remain together in
the musketeers.