The Three Musketeers Summary: Plot, Characters and Ending
The Three Musketeers follows young d'Artagnan, who comes to Paris in 1625 hoping to join the king's musketeers. He becomes the friend of three of them, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, and together they defend the queen's honor against the schemes of Richelieu, the king's all-powerful chief adviser, and his deadly agent, Milady de Winter.
The motto all for one, one for all comes from this novel.
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| D'Artagnan | Bold young Gascon |
| Athos | Noble, melancholy musketeer |
| Porthos | Vain, good-natured giant |
| Aramis | Elegant, secretive musketeer |
| Richelieu | The king's powerful chief adviser |
| Milady de Winter | Beautiful, ruthless spy |
| Constance Bonacieux | Queen's servant d'Artagnan loves |
| Queen Anne | Queen of France |
| The Duke of Buckingham | English duke who loves the queen |
| Rochefort | Richelieu's agent |
How does d'Artagnan meet the musketeers?
D'Artagnan arrives in Paris on an old yellow horse, carrying a letter of introduction that is stolen by a mysterious stranger, Rochefort. On his first day he manages to arrange duels with three musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. When Richelieu's guards interrupt, he fights beside them, and the four become inseparable.
↑ Back to the topWhat is the affair of the diamond studs?
Queen Anne secretly gave twelve diamond studs, a gift from the king, to the Duke of Buckingham. Richelieu, learning of it, persuades the king to ask her to wear them at a ball. With Constance's help, d'Artagnan races to London. His friends are stopped one by one along the way. Milady steals two studs, but Buckingham has copies made, and d'Artagnan returns them just in time.
↑ Back to the topWho is Milady?
D'Artagnan becomes entangled with Milady, a beautiful spy, and discovers she bears a criminal's brand on her shoulder. Athos realizes she is the wife he once believed he had executed for her crimes. Constance is kidnapped. The friends join the siege of La Rochelle, where Milady tries to have d'Artagnan killed.
↑ Back to the topWhat does Milady do in England?
Richelieu sends Milady to England to stop Buckingham. Imprisoned there by her brother-in-law, she seduces her young guard, Felton, and persuades him to assassinate the duke. She escapes back to France and finds Constance hiding in a quiet refuge, where she poisons her just before d'Artagnan arrives.
↑ Back to the topHow does The Three Musketeers end?
The musketeers capture Milady. In a night trial by a river, they and others she has wronged condemn her, and an executioner beheads her. Back in Paris, Richelieu, impressed by d'Artagnan's courage, gives him a commission as lieutenant of the musketeers. Athos, Porthos and Aramis go their own ways, and d'Artagnan carries on in the service of the king.
↑ Back to the topMore about The Three Musketeers
This summary reveals the whole plot, including the ending.