The Story of Benedetto (Andrea Cavalcanti)

The Count of Monte Cristo

Follows the criminal career of Benedetto, the illegitimate son of Villefort, from galley slave to false prince.

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Birth and AbandonmentBirth and Abandonment
Birth and Abandonment A Buried Secret Benedetto is the illegitimate son of Gerard de Villefort and Hermine Danglars. Villefort buried him alive after birth, but he was rescued by Bertuccio, who was seeking revenge on Villefort. Bertuccio raised him, but the boy turned to crime. Early Crimes Benedetto becomes a criminal, serving time in the galleys for forgery. He meets Caderousse there, and they later escape together. He adopts the name Andrea Cavalcanti and is introduced to Parisian society by Monte Cristo.
False Prince in ParisFalse Prince in Paris
False Prince in Paris A Life of Deception Andrea is presented as the son of a wealthy Italian nobleman. He is accepted into high society and becomes engaged to Eugenie Danglars. He spends lavishly, but his past is a secret. The Murder of Caderousse Caderousse, who knows Andrea's secret, begins to blackmail him. Andrea kills Caderousse during a robbery attempt at Monte Cristo's house. The crime leads to his arrest.
Trial and ExposureTrial and Exposure
Trial and Exposure The Courtroom Revelation During his trial, Andrea reveals that he is the son of Villefort. This public exposure destroys Villefort's career and reputation. Andrea is sentenced to life in the galleys. The End of a Criminal Andrea's story ends with his imprisonment. He has been a pawn in Monte Cristo's revenge, but also a free agent in his own destruction.
September 1817
1839
September 1839