Chapter 2 - Father and Son

Summary

Edmond Dantès arrives at his father's home to announce his impending promotion to captain, only to discover the emptiness of his father's cupboards and realize he has been living in destitution on the money Edmond left months prior. Overcome with guilt, Dantès gives his father his remaining funds before departing for Les Catalans. Meanwhile, Caderousse informs Danglars of Dantès's arrogance and reveals suspicious signs of a suitor for Mercédès, leading the two men to watch Dantès's arrival from a distance.

Characters

• Dantès / Edmond / Edmond Dantès — Dantès surprises his father with his return and shares news of his expected promotion to captain. He discovers his father has lived on his last funds for three months to pay a neighbor's debt, falls to his knees in anguish, and leaves his remaining money with his father before heading to visit Mercédès.
• Old Dantès (the old man) — The aged father tends to his window flowers when Dantès enters. He conceals his starvation from his son until the empty cupboards are revealed, explains how he spent Dantès's last money to pay a neighbor's debt, and accepts the coins Dantès gives him while trying to maintain a cheerful facade.
• Caderousse (neighbour, the tailor) — Caderousse arrives at the Dantès household claiming to have met Danglars and come to welcome Dantès back. He feigns indifference to Dantès's money, offers sycophantic advice, and reveals to Danglars later that he observed a 'cousin' accompanying Mercédès, prompting their conspiracy to watch Dantès.
• Danglars — Danglars meets Caderousse on the street and interrogates him about Dantès. Upon hearing that Dantès has become arrogant about his promotion, Danglars vows to prevent the appointment and directs Caderousse to observe Dantès's encounter with Mercédès from a distance.