Chapter 1 - Marseille – Arrival

Summary

On February 24, 1815, the three-master Pharaon arrives in Marseille under the command of first mate Edmond Dantès following the death of Captain Leclère. Shipowner Monsieur Morrel boards the vessel via a small boat and discusses the cargo and Dantès's handling of the captain's duties. Despite supercargo Danglars' attempts to criticize Dantès for stopping at Elba, Morrel acknowledges Dantès's capability and indicates his willingness to appoint him captain, though the final decision requires his partner's approval. After handling customs and port authority, Dantès departs for land to visit his father and his fiancée Mercédès, leaving Morrel and a resentful Danglars behind.

Characters

• Dantès / Edmond / Edmond Dantès (the young sailor, the young man, first mate) — Dantès supervises the mooring of the Pharaon with nautical precision, replacing the deceased captain's authority. He informs Morrel of his duties, including delivering a packet to Marshal Bertrand on Elba, and receives a secret promise of promotion to captain from the shipowner before leaving for his personal engagements.
• Monsieur Morrel / Morrel / Policar Morrel (Monsieur, the shipowner, the owner, the man in the boat) — Morrel arrives at the Pharaon in a small boat to inquire about the cargo and observe Dantès's handling of the vessel. He discusses Dantès's potential promotion to captain in private, while acknowledging he lacks the authority to decide alone due to his partner, and urges Dantès to tend to his personal matters before returning.
• Danglars / Monsieur Danglars (supercargo, the other) — Danglars emerges from his cabin to challenge Dantès before Morrel, accusing him of neglecting his duty by stopping at Elba. He attempts to undermine Dantès's credibility by hinting at a secret letter, then withdraws as Dantès departs.