Cast of Characters
The Count of Monte Cristo, originally published as a serialized work from 1844 to 1846, is often referred to as the world's greatest novel. Compiled n its original French, it is over 1,000 pages, with comprable length in unabridged translated formats. The story also spans over two decades and features a vast cast of characters, many wiith complex motivations and full backstories of their own. The below of list of individuals includes what may be considered the fourteen "core" characters of the story, as well as four other key figures who play an imporant part in this plot that has captured the imaginations of readers for nearly two centuries.
Dawn of Change1
Note that some of the character descriptions below reveal spoilers for thee work. Though this table may be a helpful reference, readers who prefer to retain the element of surprise may wish to skip this sheet until after their first reading.
Character Name | Description | First Appearance by Chapter |
|---|---|---|
Edmond Dantès | A sailor wrongly imprisoned who transforms into a wealthy avenger | 1 |
Mercédès Herrera | Edmond's love who marries Fernand | 1 |
M. Pierre Morel | The shipowner who helps Edmond's father | 1 |
Baron Danglars | A jealous shipmate of Edmond who later becomes a wealthy banker | 1 |
Fernand Mondego | Edmond's rival who betrays him | 3 |
Julie Herbault | The daughter of M. Morel | 4 |
Gérard de Villefort | An ambitious prosecutoer who condemns Edmond | 6 |
Abbé Faria | A wise priest who educates and befriends Edmond in prison | 16 |
Albert de Morcef | The son of Fernand and Mercédès | 322 |
Luigi Vampa | A notorious smuggler and bandit | 33 |
Maximilien Morrel | The son of M. Morel and loyal friend to Edmond | 41 |
Bertuccio | A smuggler and Edmond's loyal servant | 42 |
Haydée | A Greek princess sold into slavery who becomes Edmond's devoted companion | 47 |
Valentine de Villefort | Villefort's daughter who is in love with Maximilien | 51 |
Benedetto (Andrea Cavalcanti) | Villefort's illegitimate son | 63 |
This list is by no means exhaustive, but may serve as a helpful references to readers. Remember, The Count of Monte Cristo was originally a seriealized work, appearing chapter by chapter over a course of many years. As such, the comings and goings of important figures flexed with not only the whims of Dumas, but the favors of his audience and critics at the time.