This first chapter moves quickly. We see that our hero is a country boy, unaccustomed to the sophisticated ways outside of his little town; he is also from a section of France which is famous for its brave and daring young men. Throughout the novel, d’Artagnan’s birthplace will be referred to as a place famous for producing men of exceptional courage, military valor, and quick tempers. D’Artagnan possesses all of these qualities—especially the latter. In fact, in the opening chapters of this novel, we see that d’Artagnan is so impetuous that he quickly embroils himself in a series of duels with three of the king’s best swordsmen.
D’Artagnan’s encounter with the as-yet-unnamed Count de Rochefort introduces us to the man who will become d’Artagnan’s mysterious nemesis (enemy). However, until the end of the novel, Rochefort will be referred to only as “the man from Meung.” At the end of the novel, when ordered to do so by Cardinal Richelieu, Rochefort and d’Artagnan will put aside their differences and become allies and friends.
The puzzling appearance here of “Milady” will become even more important to the plot than d’Artagnan’s chance encounter with Rochefort; Milady will play a major, pivotal role later in the novel. The ultimate importance of both of these mysterious characters suggests that Dumas had the plot of his novel well outlined before he began writing it.
