Milady's Manipulative Relationships

Milady's pattern of using seduction and deception to control others, from de Wardes to Felton.

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The Affair with de Wardes

A Calculated Seduction The Letters Milady writes passionate letters to the Comte de Wardes, believing he is her lover. She is unaware that d'Artagnan is intercepting them and impersonating de Wardes. Her passion is genuine, but it is based on a false identity. The Deception Revealed When she discovers that d'Artagnan tricked her, she is furious. Her love turns to hatred, and she vows revenge. This incident shows her capacity for intense emotion and her inability to forgive betrayal. A Pattern of Manipulation Milady's relationship with de Wardes is typical of her interactions with men. She uses her beauty and charm to manipulate them, but she is also vulnerable to her own passions. Her emotions are a weapon and a weakness.

The Seduction of Felton

A Puritan's Fall The False Story Milady tells Felton a fabricated tale of how Buckingham seduced and branded her. She plays on his religious hatred and his sense of justice. Felton, moved by her story, falls in love with her. The Manipulation Milady uses Felton's love to engineer her escape. She promises him her gratitude and affection, but she has no intention of keeping her word. Once free, she abandons him to his fate. The Cost Felton assassinates Buckingham and is captured. He will be executed for his crime. Milady's manipulation destroys him, but she feels no remorse. Her relationships are always transactional, leaving a trail of broken lives.

early in the story

during her captivity