d'Artagnan vs. Comte de Wardes
The Three MusketeersThe rivalry between d'Artagnan and de Wardes, fueled by Milady's manipulation and d'Artagnan's impersonation.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Impersonation
A Dangerous Game
The Letters
Milady, believing d'Artagnan to be the Comte de Wardes, writes him love letters. D'Artagnan, pretending to be de Wardes, responds and arranges a rendezvous. He spends the night with Milady, but she discovers the deception.
The Rivalry Begins
Milady, furious, transfers her hatred to d'Artagnan. She also becomes more determined to win de Wardes, who has been ignoring her. The rivalry between d'Artagnan and de Wardes is born from this deception.
A Duel Avoided
De Wardes, unaware of the impersonation, later challenges d'Artagnan to a duel. However, d'Artagnan kills him at Calais during the journey to England, ending the rivalry before it fully develops.
The Duel at Calais
A Deadly Encounter
The Confrontation
At Calais, d'Artagnan encounters the Comte de Wardes, who has a cardinal's pass to cross to England. D'Artagnan needs the pass to continue his mission. They fight, and d'Artagnan kills de Wardes.
The Aftermath
D'Artagnan takes the pass and continues to England. The death of de Wardes removes one of Milady's allies and eliminates a rival. However, it also deepens Milady's hatred of d'Artagnan.
A Symbolic Victory
The duel represents d'Artagnan's triumph over one of the cardinal's agents. It also shows his willingness to do whatever is necessary to complete his mission.
early in the story
during the journey to England
