The Ruin of Danglars

The Count of Monte Cristo

Traces the financial and moral collapse of the banker Danglars, from wealth to destitution.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Rise as a BankerRise as a Banker
Rise as a Banker From Clerk to Baron Danglars, once a supercargo on the Pharaon, rises to become a wealthy banker. He is ruthless and cunning, but also greedy. He marries Hermine de Nargonne and they have a daughter, Eugenie. The First Betrayal Danglars was one of the conspirators who framed Dantes. He wrote the anonymous letter that led to Dantes' arrest. His ambition and envy set the stage for his eventual downfall.
Speculation and LossSpeculation and Loss
Speculation and Loss The Telegraph Trick Monte Cristo manipulates a telegraph signal to make Danglars believe that Don Carlos has returned to Spain. Danglars speculates heavily on Spanish bonds and loses a fortune. He is forced to sell his shares at a loss. Financial Ruin Danglars' bank begins to fail. He tries to salvage his fortune by marrying his daughter to a wealthy suitor, Andrea Cavalcanti. But Andrea is exposed as a criminal, and the marriage collapses. Danglars is left with a fraction of his wealth.
Captivity and RansomCaptivity and Ransom
Captivity and Ransom Kidnapped by Bandits Fleeing Paris, Danglars is captured by Luigi Vampa's bandits. They hold him for ransom, but instead of a fixed sum, they charge exorbitant prices for food and water. Danglars is forced to give up his remaining fortune to survive. The Last 50,000 Francs After paying huge sums, Danglars is left with only 50,000 francs. He is released and wanders, his hair turned white. He is a broken man, having lost everything.
Confrontation and ForgivenessConfrontation and Forgiveness
Confrontation and Forgiveness Monte Cristo's Revelation Monte Cristo appears to Danglars and reveals his true identity. Danglars is terrified, but Monte Cristo forgives him and leaves him with 50,000 francs, a small seed for a new start. A Meager Future Danglars is left to reflect on his crimes. He has been punished by losing his wealth and reputation, but he is alive. The novel implies he may have a chance at redemption, but his future is uncertain.
1815 – 1838
1839
September 1839
October 1839