Chapter 11 - The Corsican Ogre

Summary

King Louis XVIII, initially dismissive of warnings, is shaken when Baron Dandré re-enters to report a lack of news on the telegraph, prompting the summoning of Villefort, who confirms Napoleon has landed in France. This revelation triggers a storm of indignation directed at the blind police administration, while Villefort gains the King's favor by confirming the Bonapartist threat and deflecting credit to chance. The King dismisses the ministers to consult with the Minister of War, praising Villefort's acumen but noting his estrangement from his father, Noirtier. Villefort departs for Marseille, only to be surprised at his hotel door by a stranger described precisely as the man who met General Quesnel before his murder. The visitor enters and identifies himself as Villefort's father, shocking the magistrate.

Characters

• Louis XVIII (Sire, the King) — King Louis XVIII reacts with anger and alarm to the news of Napoleon's landing, berating the Minister of Police for his incompetence and praising Villefort for his timely warning. He awards Villefort the cross of the Legion of Honour, orders him to leave for Marseille immediately, and questions him about his relationship with his father, Noirtier, before sending him off.
• Blacas (M. de Blacas, Duc de Blacas) — The Duc de Blacas anxiously warns the King about Bonapartist threats and supports Villefort's report to secure the King's attention. He attempts to soothe the Minister of Police's disgrace and assures the King of the army's loyalty before being dismissed to stay behind.
• Dandré (Minister of Police, the minister, Baron Dandré) — Baron Dandré collapses at the King's feet when revealing Napoleon's landing, enduring the monarch's wrath for his department's blindness. He provides details on General Quesnel's likely murder and a description of the killer, then exchanges a hostile look with Villefort before leaving the Tuileries.
• Villefort (Monsieur de Villefort, the young man) — Villefort presents evidence of a Bonapartist plot to the King, successfully positioning himself against the Minister of Police to gain royal favor and a prestigious award. He feigns humility while secretly celebrating his rise, agrees to travel to Marseille, and is stunned when his father, the suspect in General Quesnel's murder, appears at his door.
• Germain (the valet) — The valet Germain answers the doorbell and describes the mysterious stranger to Villefort. He exits the room when ordered by Villefort to leave him alone with his visitor.
• Noirtier (Father, the stranger, the newcomer) — A man of fifty, with dark features and wearing the Legion of Honour, arrives at Villefort's residence demanding entry. He reveals himself to be Villefort's father, greeting his son with reproach for keeping him waiting at the door.