Master-servant between d'Artagnan and Planchet

The master-servant relationship between d'Artagnan and Planchet begins as a conventional arrangement of convenience and develops, through a series of perilous adventures, into a bond of deep mutual loyalty and trust. Planchet, a Picard whom Porthos discovered making rings and splashing in the water on the Pont Tournelle, is initially taken on by d'Artagnan after Porthos, who already has a lackey named Mousqueton, passes him along. Planchet's first impressions are shaped by his master's apparent wealth: when he waits at a dinner paid for with a handful of gold, he believes his fortune is made and thanks heaven for placing him in the service of such a Croesus. This illusion is quickly shattered when, that same evening, he makes his master's bed and finds that the apartment consists of only an antechamber and a bedroom, with Planchet himself sleeping in the antechamber on a coverlet taken from d'Artagnan's own bed, which d'Artagnan from then on does without.

Early Trials and the Forging of Loyalty

Planchet's loyalty is tested early. When d'Artagnan's finances dwindle after the forty pistoles from King Louis XIII are consumed, Planchet begins to complain, a behavior that Athos finds nauseous, Porthos indecent, and Aramis ridiculous. Following the advice of his friends, d'Artagnan resolves to thrash Planchet provisionally, which he does with the conscientiousness he brings to everything. After this beating, d'Artagnan forbids Planchet to leave his service without permission, arguing that his fortune is made if he remains. This method proves effective: Planchet is seized with admiration and says no more about leaving. The bond is further cemented during the dangerous journey to England, where Planchet's courage is tested. When d'Artagnan, having just escaped an ambush, asks Planchet if he is afraid, Planchet replies, "As I told you, monsieur, Picards are found out by being used. Besides, I am here in my own country, and that excites me." D'Artagnan acknowledges his bravery, calling him a "brave fellow."

Planchet's Resourcefulness and Courage

Planchet repeatedly demonstrates resourcefulness and courage in critical moments. During the journey to England, when d'Artagnan fights the Comte de Wardes for the cardinal's passport, Planchet springs upon the count's lackey, Lubin, and quickly overpowers him, placing his knee on his breast and declaring, "Go on with your affair, monsieur; I have finished mine." Later, when the two are in Calais and d'Artagnan's horse gives out, Planchet's horse also stops, but they are within a hundred paces of the city and run toward the quay. Planchet also shows his intelligence by inventing a false story to mislead the cardinal's agent, Monsieur de Cavois, telling him that d'Artagnan has gone to Troyes in Champagne, a lie that buys them precious time to escape Paris. D'Artagnan praises him, saying, "Planchet, my friend, you are really a precious fellow."

The Journey to England and the Poisoning Attempt

Planchet's most significant acts of service occur during the journey to London and the subsequent events. He accompanies d'Artagnan to England, where he is entrusted with carrying a letter to Lord de Winter. Before setting out, Planchet is given the letter and threatened by the three Musketeers: Athos promises to rip up his belly, Porthos to skin him alive, and Aramis to roast him at a slow fire. Planchet weeps, but d'Artagnan reassures him, and Planchet swears, "I will succeed or I will consent to be cut in quarters; and if they do cut me in quarters, be assured that not a morsel of me will speak." He successfully delivers the letter and returns with the reply, "Thank you; be easy." Later, when a poisoned bottle of Anjou wine is sent to d'Artagnan, Planchet is the one who, having been sent to prepare the feast, is about to drink a glass of it when he is called away by Fourreau. He later exclaims, "Ah, monsieur, what an escape I have had!" D'Artagnan entrusts him with the care of the corpse of the poisoned man, Brisemont, and orders him to have him interred in holy ground.

A Trusted Confidant and Final Service

Planchet becomes a trusted confidant, privy to d'Artagnan's most secret plans. He is the one who discovers a mysterious letter that has appeared in d'Artagnan's locked room, a letter from Constance Bonacieux arranging a rendezvous. Planchet is suspicious of the letter's supernatural arrival, but d'Artagnan dismisses his fears. Planchet also observes the suspicious behavior of their landlord, Monsieur Bonacieux, noting that his countenance changed color and that he set off at a quick pace in an opposite direction after d'Artagnan left. D'Artagnan acknowledges his astuteness, saying, "It seems you are right, Planchet; all this appears to be a little mysterious." In the end, Planchet's loyalty is rewarded: he obtains from the Comte de Rochefort the rank of sergeant in the Piedmont regiment, a fitting conclusion for a servant who proved himself brave, shrewd, and utterly devoted to his master.