Dangerous Liaisons

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

78 pages 2-hour read

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

Dangerous Liaisons

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1782

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

An aristocratic libertine who views seduction as a high-stakes sport. He possesses sharp intelligence and immense charm, using these traits to conquer women and exercise control over their reputations. Unlike others who are satisfied with mere physical pleasure, he requires total emotional submission from his targets to satisfy his ego.

Key Relationships

Former Lover of The Marquise de Merteuil

Manipulative Tutor to Cécile Volanges

Feigned Friend of The Chevalier Danceny

Employer of Azolan

Casual Lover of Émilie

A wealthy, fiercely independent widow who operates as a master strategist within French high society. She resents the double standards applied to women and exacts her revenge by ruthlessly manipulating the social order from behind a flawless public facade. She views human emotions as weaknesses to be exploited for her own entertainment.

Key Relationships

Former Lover of The Vicomte de Valmont

Deceitful Confidante to Cécile Volanges

Supposed Patron of The Chevalier Danceny

Vengeful Ex-Lover of Comte de Gercourt

Trusted Friend of Madame de Volanges

Rival of Prévan

A fifteen-year-old girl recently released from the Ursuline convent to prepare for an arranged marriage. She possesses no practical knowledge of the adult world or romantic relationships. Her innocence and natural curiosity make her an easy mark for older aristocrats looking for amusement.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Madame de Volanges

Romantic Interest of The Chevalier Danceny

Friend of Sophie Carnay

Arranged Bride of Comte de Gercourt

A young Knight and aspiring musician who falls deeply for his student. He possesses a genuine, idealistic view of romance that stands in sharp contrast to the cynical plotting of the older aristocrats. His emotional sincerity blinds him to the ulterior motives of those offering to assist his courtship.

Key Relationships

Passionate Admirer of Cécile Volanges

Manipulated Pawn of The Marquise de Merteuil

Trusting Protégé of The Vicomte de Valmont

Dismissed Instructor to Madame de Volanges

A young married woman celebrated for her strict moral principles and deep religious devotion. She genuinely believes in the rules of proper society and honors her marital vows. Her unwavering goodness presents an irresistible challenge to those who make a sport of breaking down virtuous women.

Key Relationships

Pursued Target of The Vicomte de Valmont

Guest and Friend of Madame de Rosemonde

Correspondent and Friend of Madame de Volanges

Wife of Président de Tourvel

Supporting Characters

An elderly, wealthy widow who commands respect through her quiet dignity. She provides a safe environment for her guests and offers compassionate, non-judgmental advice. Her moral steadfastness serves as a reliable anchor for younger women dealing with matters of the heart.

Key Relationships

Wise Confidante to The Présidente de Tourvel

Trusted Friend of Madame de Volanges

Employer of Monsieur Bertrand

An aristocratic mother focused on securing a highly advantageous marriage for her daughter. She understands the real dangers of high society and tries to warn her friends about predatory men. Despite her good intentions, she fails to see the deception happening within her own home.

Key Relationships

Prospective Mother-in-Law to Comte de Gercourt

Protective Friend of The Présidente de Tourvel

Disapproving Authority to The Chevalier Danceny

A military commander currently stationed away in Corsica. He expects to return and marry a pure, convent-educated bride. He previously offended a powerful former lover, unknowingly setting a destructive scheme into motion.

Key Relationships

Arranged Fiancé of Cécile Volanges

Prospective Son-in-Law to Madame de Volanges

Former Lover of The Marquise de Merteuil

A young girl still living within the sheltered walls of the Ursuline convent. She acts as a sounding board, listening to outside-world updates and offering conventional advice.

Key Relationships

Convent Friend of Cécile Volanges

A handsome, highly successful gentleman known for ruining the reputations of aristocratic women. He makes the tactical error of publicly wagering that he can seduce an untouchable widow.

Key Relationships

Arrogant Rival of The Marquise de Merteuil

A clever and dutiful valet. He executes his master's commands without question, taking on tasks like spying on targets and seducing chambermaids to intercept private letters.

Key Relationships

An actress and high-class courtesan who entertains wealthy men. She provides casual diversion and unknowingly assists in mocking more serious romantic targets.

Key Relationships

Casual Lover of The Vicomte de Valmont

A monk at the convent of Saint-Honoré. He believes he is genuinely helping a notorious sinner find his way back to religious devotion.

Key Relationships

Spiritual Advisor to The Vicomte de Valmont

A man of business managing correspondence and legal matters for an older aristocratic woman. He handles the practical affairs of the estate with professional detachment.

Key Relationships

The husband of the highly virtuous Présidente. He is currently stationed away in Dijon, leaving his young wife to stay at a country estate where she becomes vulnerable to social machinations.

Key Relationships

Absent Husband of The Présidente de Tourvel