Monsieur de Treville
Monsieur de Treville, captain of the King's Musketeers, is a man who has risen from a penniless Gascon gentleman to one of the most influential figures at the court of Louis XIII. His life story mirrors the very path d'Artagnan hopes to follow, and he becomes the young Gascon's most important patron and protector. Treville is not merely a military commander; he is a master of court intrigue, a loyal servant to the king, and a fierce adversary of Cardinal Richelieu, all while maintaining a reputation for personal honor and generosity that sets him apart in a world of shifting allegiances.
Identity and Rise to Power
Treville's origins are humble. As the novel notes, he began life "without a sou in his pocket, but with a fund of audacity, shrewdness, and intelligence which makes the poorest Gascon gentleman often derive more in his hope from the paternal inheritance than the richest Perigordian or Berrichan gentleman derives in reality from his." His father, a faithful servant of Henry IV, left him only a sword and the motto "Fidelis et Fortis" (Faithful and Strong). Treville made such good use of this inheritance that Louis XIII, himself a fine swordsman, was said to declare that if he had a friend about to fight, he would advise him to choose as a second, himself first, and Treville next—or even before himself. This loyalty and skill earned him the captaincy of the Musketeers, a corps that was to Louis XIII what his Ordinaries had been to Henry III and his Scotch Guard to Louis XI. Treville understood the war method of the period, and his soldiers formed a legion of devil-may-care fellows, perfectly undisciplined toward all but himself, who adored him and trembled before him like scholars before their master.
Role as Mentor and Protector to d'Artagnan
From the moment d'Artagnan arrives in Paris, Treville becomes his most crucial ally. When d'Artagnan presents himself, Treville, recognizing the Bearnese accent that recalls his own youth, listens to the young man's story of the lost letter of recommendation and the mysterious stranger at Meung. Treville immediately perceives the potential in the hot-headed Gascon. He arranges for d'Artagnan to be placed as a cadet in the company of Guards of Monsieur Dessessart, his brother-in-law, promising that a Musketeer's commission could follow after a novitiate of two years or a signal service. Treville's support is unwavering; he recommends d'Artagnan to the king, and when d'Artagnan is finally promoted to the Musketeers, it is Treville who announces the news. The captain's paternal care extends to practical advice, warning d'Artagnan to be wary of women and to mistrust everyone, especially his mistress, a warning that proves tragically prescient.
Defender of the Musketeers and Adversary of the Cardinal
Treville is a fierce protector of his men, often clashing with Cardinal Richelieu over their conduct. When Athos is arrested after the fight with the Cardinal's Guards, Treville confronts the king directly, demanding justice. He boldly declares, "I have some pretty things to tell your Majesty concerning these gownsmen," and defends Athos's honor by swearing on the king's father that the Musketeer was with him at the time of the alleged crime. This confrontation forces the cardinal to yield and secures Athos's release. Treville's hotel in the Rue du Vieux-Colombier is a center of anti-cardinalist sentiment, where the Musketeers openly mock the cardinal's policies and his personal life. Treville himself is a master of intrigue, and his network of spies and informants keeps him well-informed of the cardinal's plots. He is one of the few people who can stand up to Richelieu, and his influence is such that the cardinal, despite his power, must treat him with a degree of respect.
The King's Confidant and Courtier
Treville enjoys a unique relationship with King Louis XIII, who trusts him implicitly. The king often seeks Treville's counsel and confides in him about his suspicions regarding the queen and the cardinal. When the king is bored, he complains to Treville, and when he is angry, he vents his frustrations on him. Treville knows how to manage the king's moods, using flattery and firmness in equal measure. He is also a skilled courtier, described as "one of the most gallant frequenters of revels, one of the most insinuating lady's men, one of the softest whisperers of interesting nothings of his day." His "bonnes fortunes" were talked of as those of M. de Bassompierre had been twenty years before. This combination of military prowess, political acumen, and personal charm makes Treville a formidable figure at court.
Narrative Role and Significance
Treville functions as a mentor figure and a deus ex machina for the four friends. He provides them with resources, protection, and opportunities. He is the one who grants them leave to accompany d'Artagnan on his mission to London, and he is the one who secures d'Artagnan's promotion to the Musketeers. His presence in the story provides a stable, authoritative counterpoint to the chaotic adventures of the younger men. He represents the ideal of the loyal, brave, and honorable soldier, a standard against which the actions of the other characters can be measured. His final act in the novel is to facilitate the reunion of the four friends after the execution of Milady, ensuring that d'Artagnan receives the lieutenant's commission that the cardinal had granted him. Treville's unwavering support and wisdom are instrumental in shaping d'Artagnan's destiny and in preserving the unity of the Musketeers.
