Fernand Mondego
What was Fernand’s relationship to Mercedes?
Fernand is Mercedes' husband
What event leads to Edmond's imprisonment?
Danglars writing an anonymous letter to Villefort
Villefort burning the letter Edmond carried
Fernand's jealousy and want to marry Mercedes
What is Villefort's profession?
Procurer du Roi (Prosecutor to the King)
What was Danglars' role in Edmond's betrayal?
He wrote the letter to Villefort proclaiming that Dantes was a Bonapartiste.
Why did Fernand betray Edmond Dantes?
To marry Mercedes
How does Edmond's character change during his time in prison?
It goes from despair, to resignation, and finally to hope
How does Villefort's ambition contribute to the story?
He will assure his ascension in the Royal Court and in reaching higher titles without regards to other people. In the end he falls the furthest since his rise was the highest.
How does Danglars' greed manifest in his character?
His insatiable need for more money and running cons are what moves him financially up the ladder.
How does Fernand's background influence his actions throughout the novel?
He continues to steal, kill and deceive people.
What role does the treasure on the island of Monte Cristo play in Edmond's plans?
Edmond uses the treasure to avenge himself and destroy his tormentors
What secret does Villefort keep, and how does it affect his life?
His past affair and the failed result of killing the child from that affair.
Describe Danglars' fate by the end of the novel.
Greed being one of the deadly sins, is ultimately the reason for his downfall. One too many investments without any research or careful consideration on the news, has Danglars make the fatal expenditure into ruin.
Describe Fernand's transformation by the end of the novel.
Fernand realizes that he will not escape justice and kills himself to atone for his past crimes
Describe how Edmond seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
He carefully investigates and learns each conspirators weakness to use it to his advantage
Describe Villefort's downfall in the novel.
Villefort is reluctant to prosecute or investigate who is poisoning people in his household. It catches up with him when Valentine, his daughter, is poisoned. He turns crazy, since his past secrets are revealed and sully his name and social standing in Parisian society.
How does Edmond use Danglars' weaknesses against him?
Edmond opens up an unlimited line of credit with Danglars bank and then cashes in his note right before Danglars was supposed to pay the hospitals their money.
What ultimately happens to Fernand and why is it significant?
Fernand kills himself and it shows his cowardice in facing the consequences of his actions.
Discuss the theme of justice as it relates to Edmond's actions.
Edmond is playing the prosecutor and judge at the same time. He has taken over the role of God and considers it his duty to play fate-maker in each of the conspirator's life.
Analyze Villefort's moral dilemmas throughout the story.
Villefort struggles with perception and reality and duty or secrecy. Both, perception and secrecy are ultimately the reason he fails to protect his name and standing with the court.
Discuss the theme of envy as represented by Danglars.
Danglars envied Edmond right from the beginning. He was jealous of Dantes being promoted to captain of the ship, and this continued later on with envying others for their fortunes.