Raoul de Bragelonne in Twenty Years After

Who is Raoul de Bragelonne?

Raoul de Bragelonne is introduced as the orphaned ward raised by Athos (the Comte de la Fère). He is brave, courteous, and idealistic, coming of age by serving in military campaigns and navigating Parisian society. Early chapters show him departing Bragelonne for his first campaign, receiving martial instruction and his father-figure’s sword, and riding off with pride and anxiety (Saint Denis). In the field he proves courageous: he rescues a drowning rider at the Oise ferry, fights at skirmishes with De Guiche, and serves under the Prince de Condé at Lens and the battle preparations (Ferry across the Oise; Skirmishing; On the Eve of Battle). In Paris he participates in crowd actions (Te Deum and Broussel's Arrest), is questioned about political alignments, and appears in salons (the Abbé Scarron) where he accepts favors and attention from high society. Raoul is repeatedly the object of Athos’s paternal care and worry; his presence links the old musketeers to a younger generation and pulls them into the political and military turmoil of the Fronde and the English affair.

In the book: Raoul de Bragelonne is introduced as Athos’s cherished ward—effectively his son—raised in honor and humility, who steps into the world of the Musketeers during a time of civil unrest. Brave, courteous, and idealistic, he serves as the bridge between the original companions and a younger generation, allowing the story to explore themes of loyalty, mentorship, and coming of age without eclipsing the older heroes.

Personality

Brave

He leaps into the Oise to rescue a drowning rider and horse and later fights at skirmishes and pitched battles (The Ferry across the Oise; Skirmishing).

Devoted

He writes tender, anxious letters to Athos and accepts Athos’s counsel and paternal protection before leaving for campaign (The Ferry across the Oise; Saint Denis).

Idealistic

He enters dangerous service with enthusiasm for honor and action, eager to emulate his mentors and to win distinction (Saint Denis; On the Eve of Battle).

Courteous

He behaves with polished manners in salons, kneels before Henrietta Maria to deliver the Marshal’s dispatch, and receives favors gratefully (The Abbé Scarron; Hope, discovery and a pledge).

Impetuous

He disregards his tutor’s caution and charges into a wood, where he is wounded and pinned beneath his horse during a skirmish (Skirmishing).

Character arc

Raoul begins as a carefully raised, protected youth—Athos’s ward instructed in honor and humility—who yearns to prove himself. At Bragelonne he receives Athos’s moral counsel and practical lessons (Saint Denis), then departs to join military life, carrying both paternal blessing and anxiety. Early service tests him: he saves a drowning rider and forms a close friendship with the Count de Guiche (The Ferry across the Oise), demonstrating courage but also naivety when he rushes into skirmishing against his tutor’s orders and is wounded (Skirmishing). His battlefield role matures as he serves with the prince near Lens and participates in the larger political-military struggles of the Fronde, earning notice and responsibility (On the Eve of Battle; A Dinner in the Old Style). In Paris he is drawn into civic unrest—fighting in the crowd during Broussel’s arrest—and into courtly circles (Te Deum and Broussel’s Arrest; The Abbé Scarron). Throughout, Raoul retains filial loyalty to Athos and grows from sheltered youth into an accomplished, if still idealistic, young officer who bridges the musketeers’ generation and the new political-military world without abandoning the lessons of his guardian.

Relationships

• Athos His guardian and father-figure who raises, instructs, and worries over him; Raoul seeks Athos’s counsel and carries his charge into battle (Saint Denis; Paternal Affection).
• d'Artagnan A family friend and mentor figure who alternately teases, tests, and offers temporary guardianship and political pressure (Wealth does not necessarily produce Happiness; Te Deum and Broussel's Arrest).
• Porthos One of the elder musketeers and a comrade whose hospitality and later financial aid help Raoul’s circle; Porthos appears with D’Artagnan at moments when Raoul moves between private and public life (Wealth does not necessarily produce Happiness).
• Aramis An older musketeer and political operative whom Raoul meets in salons and whose intrigues form part of the adult world Raoul is entering (The Abbé Scarron; Tidings of Aramis).
• Grimaud Servant and scout for Athos whose swift warnings and movements affect Raoul’s safety and who conveys urgent news about danger to Athos and Raoul (The Rencontre; Grimaud Speaks).
• Madame de Chevreuse A courtly patron who receives Raoul in society, kisses him, and takes an interest in guiding his fortunes (The Abbé Scarron; Paternal Affection).

Quotes by Raoul de Bragelonne

“You are there, sir?” he said, respectfully.”

Chapter 22Raoul awakens and greets Athos, opening a tender exchange that shows his reverence and affection.

“I will wear it, I swear to you, as a grateful man should do.”

Chapter 22Raoul receives Athos's father's sword and vows to honor the gift, sealing his loyalty and passage into adult duty.

“Sir,—After a four hours’ march I stop to write to you, for I miss you every moment, and I am always on the point of turning my head as if to reply when you speak to me.”

Chapter 29Raoul composes a tender, anxious letter to Athos, revealing his dependence and longing after their separation.

“"At them!" cried Raoul. "At them!" echoed De Guiche.”

Chapter 30Both young nobles shout the cry to attack, showing their impulsive eagerness to engage despite the tutor's orders to retreat.

“"I should have been a dead man—thrice dead."”

Chapter 30Raoul expresses shock and gratitude after De Guiche saves him from being struck by the musket butt and possibly killed while he lay trapped beneath his horse.

“The Comte de la Fère lodges in the Rue Guénégaud, Hotel du Grand Roi Charlemagne.”

Chapter 39Raoul reveals Athos's (the Comte de la Fère's) current residence, providing the exact lead De Winter and the queen need.

Why Raoul de Bragelonne matters

Raoul embodies the theme of generational transition: he is the bridge between the veteran musketeers and a new age of political conflict. His filial bond with Athos dramatizes mentorship, honor, and the transmission of values; his idealism and impulsiveness expose the risks of youthful virtue in a corrupt, factional world. Through Raoul the novel examines loyalty—private (to Athos) and public (to crown or faction)—and the cost of coming of age amid civil strife. He also highlights how personal relationships anchor larger political events, showing that wars and intrigues are shaped by the loyalties and errors of individuals.

Chapters with Raoul de Bragelonne

• Chapter 11
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 21
• Chapter 22
• Chapter 26
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 30
• Chapter 33
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 35
• Chapter 39
• Chapter 41
• Chapter 42
• Chapter 44
• Chapter 49
• Chapter 51
• Chapter 54
• Chapter 56
• Chapter 75
• Chapter 77
• Chapter 78
• Chapter 89
• Chapter 90

More Twenty Years After characters

• PorthosMajor character
• AthosMajor character
• AramisMajor character
• Cardinal MazarinAntagonist
• GrimaudMajor character
• MordauntAntagonist
• MousquetonMinor character
• PlanchetMajor character