Character guide

The Narrator

major

Also known as Unknown, myself, me, mine, I., yours

The unnamed first-person narrator who becomes entangled in the mysteries of the Dragon Volant.

Count de St. Alyre

major

Also known as the Count de St. Alyre, Count de St. Alyre, The old Count de St. Alyre, The Count, the Count St. Alyre

An elderly, mysterious nobleman residing at the Dragon Volant inn.

Countess de St. Alyre

major

Also known as Countess, Beautiful Countess, the Countess de St. Alyre, the Countess, Countess d’Aulnois

The beautiful and enigmatic wife of the Count, central to the narrator's fascination.

Colonel Gaillarde

supporting

Also known as Gaillarde, the gasconading Colonel Gaillarde, the Colonel

A boastful and talkative French colonel who befriends the narrator.

Monsieur Carmaignac

supporting

Also known as Carmaignac, the incorrigible Carmaignac

A cynical and witty Parisian official who warns the narrator.

Planard

supporting

Also known as Doctor Planard, the scoundrel Planard

A doctor involved in the Count's household and dubious schemes.

Richard

minor

Also known as Dear Richard

A friend to whom the narrator writes letters recounting his adventures.

Tom Whistlewick

minor

Also known as Tom, Whistlewick, the agreeable Tom Whistlewick

A cheerful English acquaintance of the narrator traveling in France.

Gabriel Gaillarde

minor

Also known as This Gabriel Gaillarde, Gabriel

The son of Colonel Gaillarde, a young man with a mysterious past.

St. Clair

minor

A character referenced in stories about the Dragon Volant's history.

Count Château Blassemare

minor

Also known as the Count Château Blassemare

A nobleman mentioned in connection with the Dragon Volant's past.

Monsieur Droqville

minor

Also known as Monsieur the Mar⁠—to Monsieur Droqville

A mysterious figure who visits the Belle Étoile and interacts with the Count.

Monsieur Beckett

minor

Also known as Beckett, Mr. Beckett, Mr. Stanhope Beckett

An Englishman staying at the Dragon Volant with a secret agenda.

Mademoiselle de la Vallière

minor

Also known as XIV Mademoiselle de la Vallière, Mademoiselle

A historical figure referenced in a chapter title and discussion.

Marquis d'Harmonville

minor

Also known as Monsieur le Marquis, the Marquis d’Harmonville

A nobleman who appears late in the story with crucial information.

Pierre de St. Amand

minor

Also known as Monsieur de St. Amand, St. Amand, Monsieur Pierre de St. Amand, Pierre de la Roche St. Amand, Pierre

A character from a story-within-the-story about the Dragon Volant.

Eugenie

minor

Also known as Dearest Eugenie, The fair Eugenie

A woman mentioned in the narrator's romantic fantasies.

Doctor Hesselius

minor

Also known as Doctor Martin Hesselius

A metaphysical doctor who frames the story as a case study.