The Summaries Page
Edmond Dantes is a sailor on the merchant vessel Pharanon, quite an energetic fellow who has gained a good deal in life. He is soon to be promoted to captain of said ship, marry his sweetheart, and profit greatly by the means of his employer, Monsieur Morrel. He has, however, also acquired the envy and jealousy of several men, who believe he is not worthy for what he has. Over the course of events, he is thrown into the prison of the Chateau d’If upon charges of conspiracy against the throne, and with Napoleon. After a heartrending escape, he becomes the conservative, plotting, revenge-bent count that is the namesake of the book. Ultimately, however, he realizes he has stepped too far in his vengeance, and realizes himself a victim of the very force that lead to his sorrow.
In The Three Musketeers, we find the gallivanting, honor-bound, and ever so slightly conceited Gascon, D’Artagnan. Hailing from a family of ancient and long-past nobility, the young lad of eighteen wishes to make his name known throughout all of France; in addition to joining the Musketeers, that is. The Musketeers, who are the personal soldiery of the King, are known throughout the land for their prowess in combat and unfaltering loyalty in the ruler of France. With a quick wit and a temper to match, he has something of a high opinion of his honor, and takes offense more than he should, which draws him into a deadly conspiracy.
Over the course of the tale, he learns both the pains of loss and the joys of triumph, and eventually comes to terms with himself for who he is. This, however, is quite contrary to the events that one will find in the tale of Monte Cristo.
