The Man In The Iron Mask

D’Artagnan is the only one of the Musketeers who remains in the king’s service, and he epitomizes their most admirable qualities. He is fiercely loyal to his friends, and that loyalty is tested many times during the novel’s main plot. His decisions in such circumstances frequently see him get reprimanded by King Louis XIV. D’Artagnan carries out his orders to the fullest extent possible, and he is very clever at finding ways to follow the king’s instructions without hurting his friends or sacrificing his own beliefs. When King Louis orders him to arrest Aramis and Porthos at Belle-Isle, he tells D’Artagnan that their deaths could see him awarded his marshal’s baton. D’Artagnan refuses to harm his friends, as no military honor would be worth taking their lives or damaging their friendship. D’Artagnan is loyal, brave, and kind, especially to Raoul and Fouquet. However, that seems to be as far as his kindness extends. He is quite rude to La Valliere on more than one occasion, even calling her a murderer at Athos and Raoul’s funerals. He cares so deeply for Athos and Raoul’s sufferings that he foists all the blame onto La Valliere, who already blames herself enough. It would seem that his fierce protectiveness of his friends may, in this case, blind him to the reality of others’ feelings on the same matter.

Of the original four Musketeers, Porthos sees the least action in this novel. His tremendous physical strength is his defining characteristic, but his gentle personality balances his intimidating appearance. Porthos is often relegated to comedic relief in this novel, but his death scene is perhaps the novel’s most emotionally poignant moment. In some ways, Porthos is the opposite side of the coin compared to Aramis. Porthos is kind-hearted, sociable, a little vain, and not the brightest of minds; Aramis, on the other hand, is greedy, cunning, and highly intelligent. However, Aramis uses his gifts to help himself, while Porthos determinedly uses his gift (strength) to help others. Unfortunately, his resolve to help Aramis, even after learning he betrayed him, leads to his death.

Philippe, the titular man in the iron mask, is imprisoned for most of the novel’s action. The reader spends no more than a few chapters with him during the whole book. It is, therefore, quite difficult to learn much about him as a person, but from what is available to the reader, one may infer that he is conflicted about what it means to be a good man. Philippe was essentially in solitary confinement for almost his entire life simply due to the timing of his birth. While he could be bitter and angry, he seems resigned to accept the reality of his situation, and he tries to make the best of it. When Aramis comes to free him, Philippe asks if Aramis will be like a father to him, expressing a deep longing for family. Ultimately, Philippe wants more than anything to feel like he belongs in the world, and that desire for a place and a purpose allows Aramis to manipulate him as a pawn in his schemes.

Athos’s role in the novel is that of a devoted father. He is the only one of the original Musketeers to have a family, and it is clear that he lives and breathes for his son Raoul. Although the reader does not see it in this novel, Athos is out of royal favor because of his reaction to the king’s relationship with La Valliere. She broke her engagement to Athos’s son Raoul, and the king took her as his mistress, which the novel’s introduction explains led to Athos verbally berating the king for his role in La Valliere and Raoul’s failed relationship. This altercation indicates that Athos can be as independently minded as D’Artagnan, which poses an obstacle to King Louis XIV’s plans for absolute power. Athos is a protective and fiercely devoted father, and he is so closely bonded to his son that they appear to be able to communicate in his dreams. When Raoul dies, Athos passes away immediately after the news is confirmed, further demonstrating his devotion and the strength of their bond; he literally cannot live without his son.

Monsieur Fouquet, the surintendant of finances, is one of the most honorable men in the novel because he saves King Louis XIV when it is in his best interest not to do so. Philippe, posing as Louis, already pardoned Fouquet, but upon learning that Philippe is an impostor and Aramis is to blame, Fouquet immediately rides for the Bastille to free the king and restore order. Despite the allegations of missing funds, which Colbert could never fully prove, Fouquet’s arrest hinges on King Louis XIV feeling insulted that Fouquet threw a better party than he could. In actuality, the charges against him were exaggerated to remove Fouquet from his position. Colbert and King Louis XIV felt that Fouquet was in their way, and his removal would guarantee that their ideas for progress in France would come to fruition—and for the most part, they were right.

The young king of France begins the novel in ignorance and bliss. He cares little for politics or his military, and he is so out of touch that he does not even know when meals are served in his prisons. His kidnapping prompts a notable change of heart and mind. Louis emerges from this experience wiser and emotionally hardened. Being faced with the genuine possibility that his brother could take the throne, Louis works hard to establish himself as an absolute power, a king no one can challenge on a throne no one can take away. He transforms from a childish boy, caring for little else but his mistress and his parties, into a formidable ruler, determined to exercise his strong will over others.