Character guide

Viscount de Valmont

major

Also known as Valmont, M. de Valmont, Viscount Valmont, the Viscount de Valmont

A libertine nobleman who seduces women for sport and plots with Merteuil.

Marchioness de Merteuil

major

Also known as Madame Merteuil, Madame de Merteuil, de Merteuil

A cunning aristocrat who manipulates others for revenge and amusement.

Cecilia Volanges

major

Also known as Cecilia, the little Volanges, Mademoiselle de Volanges

A naive young girl sent to a convent, later pursued by Danceny and Valmont.

Madame de Tourvel

major

Also known as the Presidente Tourvel, Presidente de Tourvel, Madame Tourvel

A devout married woman who becomes Valmont's primary target of seduction.

Chevalier Danceny

supporting

Also known as Danceny, M. Danceny, the Chevalier Danceny

A young music teacher who falls in love with Cecilia Volanges.

Madame de Volanges

supporting

Also known as Volanges, Madame Volanges

Cecilia's protective mother who distrusts Valmont and Merteuil.

Madame de Rosemonde

supporting

Also known as Madame Rosemonde, old Rosemonde

Valmont's elderly aunt who offers refuge and wisdom.

Sophia Carnay

minor

Also known as Sophy, Sophia Carnay

Cecilia's friend at the convent, recipient of her letters.

Count Gercourt

minor

Also known as Gercourt, Count de Gercourt, M. de Gercourt

Cecilia's intended husband, a military man and former lover of Merteuil.

Prevan

minor

Also known as M. de Prevan, the incredulous Prevan, Monsieur de Prevan

A rival libertine who attempts to seduce Merteuil.

Father Anselmus

minor

A priest who corresponds with Valmont about spiritual matters.

M. Bertrand

minor

Also known as Bertrand

Valmont's loyal steward who manages his affairs.

Emily

minor

Also known as the tender Emily

A courtesan involved with Valmont.

Chevalier de Belleroche

minor

Also known as Belleroche

A young lover of Merteuil mentioned in her correspondence.

Julie

minor

Also known as Mademoiselle Julie, Julia

A maid or servant in the Volanges household.

Victoire

minor

A servant in the Merteuil household.

Josephine

minor

A servant mentioned in passing.

M. de Tourvel

minor

Also known as Mr. de Tourvel

The absent husband of Madame de Tourvel, a magistrate.

Countess de B⸺

minor

A society woman mentioned in letters.

Marechale de ⸻

minor

Also known as Madame la Marechale, the good Marechale

An elderly aristocratic woman in Parisian society.

Vressac

minor

A minor acquaintance of Valmont.

Philip

minor

A servant or minor character.

La Fleure

minor

A servant at Valmont's estate.