d'Artagnan and Constance: A Tragic Love

The romantic relationship between d'Artagnan and Constance Bonacieux, from their first meeting to her tragic death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Meeting and Rescue

A Chance Encounter The Rescue D'Artagnan rescues Constance from the mousetrap set by the cardinal's agents. She is grateful and intrigued by the young Gascon. They begin a friendship that quickly deepens into love. A Shared Secret Constance confides in d'Artagnan that she works for the queen. She asks him to deliver a message to Laporte. D'Artagnan agrees, and they become allies in the queen's service. A Promise of Love Constance gives d'Artagnan a rendezvous at St. Cloud, but she is abducted before they can meet. Their love is thwarted by the political intrigues that surround them.

The Letter and the Hope

A Message from the Convent The Letter D'Artagnan receives a letter from Constance, smuggled through Mme. de Chevreuse. It tells him she is at the Carmelite convent in Bethune and that he must come for her. He is overjoyed and immediately plans to rescue her. The Journey D'Artagnan and his friends set out for Bethune, but they are delayed by the king's escort and by Milady's machinations. D'Artagnan is anxious, fearing that something will go wrong. The Arrival When they finally reach the convent, they find Constance alive but in the company of Milady. Before d'Artagnan can save her, Milady poisons her. Constance dies in his arms.

Death and Grief

A Heartbreaking Loss The Poisoning Constance drinks the poisoned wine offered by Milady. She dies moments after d'Artagnan arrives. Her last words are a declaration of love. D'Artagnan's Grief D'Artagnan is inconsolable. He falls into a swoon beside her body. Athos comforts him, saying, "Women weep for the dead; men avenge them." This grief fuels his determination to hunt down Milady. A Love Remembered Constance's death is the emotional climax of the novel. Her love for d'Artagnan and her loyalty to the queen make her a martyr. D'Artagnan never fully recovers from her loss, but he finds purpose in vengeance.

early in the story

during the siege of La Rochelle

near the end of the story