# The Plot That Failed explained — The Return of Tarzan > Chapter companion for The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs. ## What happens Tarzan's growing friendship with Countess Olga de Coude is observed with malice by her brother Nikolas Rokoff, who plots with Paulvitch to trap Tarzan in a compromising situation. They trick Tarzan into visiting the countess late at night, leading to a confrontation with Count de Coude. Tarzan, provoked by a blow, nearly kills de Coude but is restrained by Olga. After the incident, Tarzan confronts Rokoff and Paulvitch, forcing them to write a confession and promise to suppress the scandal, threatening further violence if they do not comply. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Betrayal Rokoff and Paulvitch deceive Tarzan with a false message from the countess, betraying his trust and attempting to ruin his reputation. ### Honor and Chivalry Tarzan's restraint in not killing Rokoff despite provocation, and his concern for Olga's honor, reflect a code of honor and chivalry. ### Survival and Physical Prowess Tarzan's primal reaction to being struck—a near-lethal rage reminiscent of his ape upbringing—contrasts with his civilized restraint, highlighting his dual nature. ## Character check-ins ### Tarzan Visits Countess de Coude regularly, is lured into a trap by Rokoff, nearly kills Count de Coude in a fit of rage, then forces Rokoff and Paulvitch to confess and suppress the scandal. ### Countess Olga de Coude Develops a close friendship with Tarzan, is distressed by the confrontation between Tarzan and her husband, and helps tend to de Coude after the attack. ### Count Raoul de Coude Husband of Olga, arrives home to find Tarzan with his wife, strikes Tarzan, and is nearly killed before being revived. ### Nikolas Rokoff Brother of Countess de Coude, plots with Paulvitch to trap Tarzan, is confronted and forced to write a confession and promise silence. ### Alexis Paulvitch Accomplice of Rokoff, helps execute the plot by telephoning Tarzan with a false message, is subdued by Tarzan during the confrontation. ### Lieutenant D'Arnot Mentioned as Tarzan's friend who sometimes accompanies him to the De Coude home; his apartments are used as the contact point for the false message. ## Key lines > For a month Tarzan was a regular and very welcome devotee at the shrine of the beautiful Countess de Coude. Tarzan visited the Countess de Coude frequently and was warmly received. _Establishes the close friendship between Tarzan and Olga._ > I have seen the apes of my tribe do the same thing. I have never told you my story, Olga. It would have been better had you known it—this might not have happened. Tarzan explains that his violent reaction came from his upbringing among apes, and regrets not sharing his past with Olga. _Reveals Tarzan's internal conflict between his jungle instincts and civilized behavior._ > Before I leave you two alive in this room you will have done two things. The first will be to write a full confession of your connection with tonight’s plot—and sign it. The second will be to promise me upon pain of death that you will permit no word of this affair to get into the newspapers. Tarzan threatens Rokoff and Paulvitch, demanding a written confession and a promise to keep the scandal out of the press. _Shows Tarzan taking control of the situation to protect Olga's reputation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/v-the-plot-that-failed - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters