Who Is Louis Xiv Selfish
KING LOUIS XIV
Magnificent in bearing and manner, he is every inch a king. Though not tall at 5'7", he carries himself with great majesty. He is susceptible to flattery and believes all that the flatterers say of him. He is at all times a gentleman, just, moderate, and predisposed to kindness towards others. He is a consummate lady's man and has never passed a woman, no matter her rank, without tipping his hat. In turn, the women are taken by his comely and virile appearance and courtly manner. it has been said that were he not king this would have still been the case. He loves glory above all else and splendor and "profusion in all things." He is spoiled and at times demanding but generous to those he believes have earned his esteem. …show more content…
He is profuse in what he likes, while obdurate in his dislikes. Should he find a member of his court guilty of some infraction, he is not quick to forgive. And, should the appeal of a woman fade, he has no qualms in leaving her without explanation. Louis XIV is acutely aware of his movements. A gesture, a smile, a nod of his head is deliberate. He has a prodigious memory and can easily remember the courtiers that have been at court and those who have failed to show. As king, he demands an explanation for each absence, one that will meet with his satisfaction, as all are required to attend him at court. Passionate about the arts, Lois XIV lives at Versailles surrounded by tableaux that depict his many victories at war. All show him as the hero of France whether allegorically or captured as he lived, in all of his grandeur. Louis XIV is forty-seven years of age.
MADAME DE MAINTENON
Francoise d'Aubigne, the Marquise de Maintenon, who had previously been "dame d'artour" to the Dauphine, became the secret wife of King Louis XIV of France in 1683. It is Madame de Maintenon who maintains order within the walls of the Palace of Versailles. She believes that she is responsible for the salvation of the king's soul and of the general censorship of the behavior of the nobility in court. Madame de Maintenon has seen that the "objectionable parts" of the artwork on display in the palace were painted over with vines or drapes, thus hidden from view. Madame de Maintenon is a witty woman and shines in the company of others. She is extremely poised and possesses a vast knowledge of the world. With beautiful manners she is at once respectful and gentle. However, many in the court believe her to be cunning and calculating. Some have accused her in private of using religion as a means to gain the king's favor, placing doubt on the genuineness of her devotion to Catholicism. While most of the court knows or suspects, that Madame de Maintainon is the king's wife, the king has not made the marriage public. Madame de Maintenon must, therefore, forego a Queen's status and must defer publicly to those of higher rank. Louis XIV spends considerable time in his wife's apartments.There, he reads his dispatches, dictates letters to his secretary, and receives his ministers. Madame holds great sway over the king and he in turn places much value on her opinion, calling her, "Votre Solidite." Though Madame de Maintenon is no longer a young woman, being fifty years of age, she and the king are well matched and enjoy a quiet and peaceful relationship.
MICHEL LE TELLIER
The Marquis de Barbezieux is Louis XIV's Chancellor of France.
Le Tellier is the French king's most trusted advisor, it was Tellier who helped to establish Absolutism during Louis XIV's reign, which in turn, led to France becoming the most dominate nation in all of Europe. Brilliant and wise, Le Tellier, at eighty-two years of age, is in the twilight of his life and career. He harbors a general loathing for the Protestants and influences Louis XVI to continue with their persecution. Tellier is anxious to have the Edict of Nantes revoked and be done with the Huguenot "problem,' once and for all. Tellier remains an imposing figure, with thin lips, a prominent nose, and ever alert eyes. A wealthy man, Le Tellier is fastidious. He wears his gray hair long to his shoulders and keeps his mustache and goatee manicured, and dons elegant robes as befits his status as a great minister to Europe's greatest monarch. At the age of eighty-two, Tellier would like to live long enough to see the revocation of the Edict of …show more content…
Nantes.
FRANCOIS DE HARLAY DE CHAMPVALLON
Francois de Harlay is the Archbishop of Paris. He is often in the company of Pere la Chaise while discussing the affairs of the Church in the king's presence. Harlay is one of three witnesses to the king's marriage to Madame de Maintenon, though the Marquise is not friendly towards the Archbishop. Madame de Maintenon believes, that it is Harlay who convinced the king that her marriage must remain a secret and in consequence of his actions, she harbors great animosity towards him. Harlay does not hold Madame de Maintenon in high regard, as she was born a Huguenot, but sacrifices all for her own advancement. Harlay is loathe to criticize her as he fears displeasing the king. Harlay was an instigator in the spreading of anti-Protestant sentiment in France and supported Huguenot persecution under the reign of Louis XIV. Harlay , at sixty years of age, only wishes to see, France united under one religion and does his best to press Louis XIV into abolishing the religious freedom of the Huguenots, by any and all means.
FRANCOIS-MICHEL LE TELLIER, MARQUIS DE LOUVOIS
The Marquis de Louvois is France's Minister of War. He is the son of Michel Tellier and greatly esteemed by Louis XIV. Much to the king's delight, Louvois has successfully made the army of France the most powerful in Europe. Louvois , his father, and his brother hold the highest authority in their magistracy and his younger brother holds equal sway within the clergy. Louvois, aware that the king has grown concerned about his salvation and desires that there should be one religion in France, takes it upon himself to become involved in the task of converting the Huguenots. He does so, because he is aware that Louis XIV is committed to these conversions and Louvois seeks to add to his already considerable influence. When asked, Louvois assures the king that the conversions go well and presents to Louis XIV long lists of those who have been converted that have been published in every Gazette. Louvois is a man of great appetite, both for food and wine as well as wealth and power. Louvois, is the youngest of the ministers and at forty-four years of age, he is at the height of his influence with the king.
ALEXANDRE BONTEMPS
Alexandre Bontemps is the premier Valet de Chambre du Roi, and as such he wielded tremendous power at court.
Courtiers both respected and feared him because of the considerable influence he wielded with the king. Louis XIV trusts Bontemps above all others and Bontemps' devotion to his king knows no bounds. Bontemps was present for the secret marriage of Louis XIV to Madame de Maintenon. It was said that the secrets of the kingdom pass through the hands of Bontemps, though the loyal valet never asked for anything from his king. However, he was not above asking the king or his ministers for a favor on behalf of another. Bontemp enlists the Swiss Guard to spy on the courtiers's behavior and to report back to him what they find. In this way Lois XIV is kept apprised of the goings on at Versailles. Bontemps is twelve years the king's senior and is now a man of fifty-six years, though he has not considered for a moment leaving the service of his
king.
PERE DE LA CHAISE
Pere la Chaise is King Lois XIV's personal confessor, nominated with the help of Francois de Harlay. Pere la Chaise is responsible for "The administration of the ecclesiastical patronage of the crown." La Chaise was well chosen, for he is an honorable man and has endeavored along with Madame de Maintenon to convince the king to abandon his relationship with the Marquise de Montespan. There are no lengths that Pere de la Chaise will not go to in order to save the king's soul. He has been known to feign illness at Easter rather than to be forced to offer Louis XIV absolution from his sins. Pere de la Chaise was also present during the marriage of Louis XIV to Madame de Maintenon and has maintained the secrecy of the nuptials. Initially, as Madame de Maintainon gained in influence so did the cleric. But, lately there has been seen a coolness between the king's new wife and the king's confessor. It is wondered, if by keeping the marriage secret, Per de la Chaise has felt a cold shoulder from Madame de Maintenon. At sixty-one it is hard to imagine that this man of the cloth, responsible for the keeping of a king's soul pays much heed.
NANON BALBIEN
Nanon Balbien has been the maid to Madame de Maintenon for twenty years. Thought of as a kind of "fairy godmother," Nanon is the darling of much of the court. Like her benefactress, Nanon possesses elegant manners and a pious nature. She is in the habit of dressing her hair in the identical style of Madame de Maintenon and wears gowns that are, some say, eerily similar to those of her mistress. Still, she is charming and a good conversationalist in her own right. Louis XIV's ministers are exceedingly respectful towards Nanon, always recognizing her with a bow.
Magnificent in bearing and manner, he is every inch a king. Though not tall at 5'7", he carries himself with great majesty. He is susceptible to flattery and believes all that the flatterers say of him. He is at all times a gentleman, just, moderate, and predisposed to kindness towards others. He is a consummate lady's man and has never passed a woman, no matter her rank, without tipping his hat. In turn, the women are taken by his comely and virile appearance and courtly manner. it has been said that were he not king this would have still been the case. He loves glory above all else and splendor and "profusion in all things." He is spoiled and at times demanding but generous to those he believes have earned his esteem. …show more content…
He is profuse in what he likes, while obdurate in his dislikes. Should he find a member of his court guilty of some infraction, he is not quick to forgive. And, should the appeal of a woman fade, he has no qualms in leaving her without explanation. Louis XIV is acutely aware of his movements. A gesture, a smile, a nod of his head is deliberate. He has a prodigious memory and can easily remember the courtiers that have been at court and those who have failed to show. As king, he demands an explanation for each absence, one that will meet with his satisfaction, as all are required to attend him at court. Passionate about the arts, Lois XIV lives at Versailles surrounded by tableaux that depict his many victories at war. All show him as the hero of France whether allegorically or captured as he lived, in all of his grandeur. Louis XIV is forty-seven years of age.
MADAME DE MAINTENON
Francoise d'Aubigne, the Marquise de Maintenon, who had previously been "dame d'artour" to the Dauphine, became the secret wife of King Louis XIV of France in 1683. It is Madame de Maintenon who maintains order within the walls of the Palace of Versailles. She believes that she is responsible for the salvation of the king's soul and of the general censorship of the behavior of the nobility in court. Madame de Maintenon has seen that the "objectionable parts" of the artwork on display in the palace were painted over with vines or drapes, thus hidden from view. Madame de Maintenon is a witty woman and shines in the company of others. She is extremely poised and possesses a vast knowledge of the world. With beautiful manners she is at once respectful and gentle. However, many in the court believe her to be cunning and calculating. Some have accused her in private of using religion as a means to gain the king's favor, placing doubt on the genuineness of her devotion to Catholicism. While most of the court knows or suspects, that Madame de Maintainon is the king's wife, the king has not made the marriage public. Madame de Maintenon must, therefore, forego a Queen's status and must defer publicly to those of higher rank. Louis XIV spends considerable time in his wife's apartments.There, he reads his dispatches, dictates letters to his secretary, and receives his ministers. Madame holds great sway over the king and he in turn places much value on her opinion, calling her, "Votre Solidite." Though Madame de Maintenon is no longer a young woman, being fifty years of age, she and the king are well matched and enjoy a quiet and peaceful relationship.
MICHEL LE TELLIER
The Marquis de Barbezieux is Louis XIV's Chancellor of France.
Le Tellier is the French king's most trusted advisor, it was Tellier who helped to establish Absolutism during Louis XIV's reign, which in turn, led to France becoming the most dominate nation in all of Europe. Brilliant and wise, Le Tellier, at eighty-two years of age, is in the twilight of his life and career. He harbors a general loathing for the Protestants and influences Louis XVI to continue with their persecution. Tellier is anxious to have the Edict of Nantes revoked and be done with the Huguenot "problem,' once and for all. Tellier remains an imposing figure, with thin lips, a prominent nose, and ever alert eyes. A wealthy man, Le Tellier is fastidious. He wears his gray hair long to his shoulders and keeps his mustache and goatee manicured, and dons elegant robes as befits his status as a great minister to Europe's greatest monarch. At the age of eighty-two, Tellier would like to live long enough to see the revocation of the Edict of …show more content…
Nantes.
FRANCOIS DE HARLAY DE CHAMPVALLON
Francois de Harlay is the Archbishop of Paris. He is often in the company of Pere la Chaise while discussing the affairs of the Church in the king's presence. Harlay is one of three witnesses to the king's marriage to Madame de Maintenon, though the Marquise is not friendly towards the Archbishop. Madame de Maintenon believes, that it is Harlay who convinced the king that her marriage must remain a secret and in consequence of his actions, she harbors great animosity towards him. Harlay does not hold Madame de Maintenon in high regard, as she was born a Huguenot, but sacrifices all for her own advancement. Harlay is loathe to criticize her as he fears displeasing the king. Harlay was an instigator in the spreading of anti-Protestant sentiment in France and supported Huguenot persecution under the reign of Louis XIV. Harlay , at sixty years of age, only wishes to see, France united under one religion and does his best to press Louis XIV into abolishing the religious freedom of the Huguenots, by any and all means.
FRANCOIS-MICHEL LE TELLIER, MARQUIS DE LOUVOIS
The Marquis de Louvois is France's Minister of War. He is the son of Michel Tellier and greatly esteemed by Louis XIV. Much to the king's delight, Louvois has successfully made the army of France the most powerful in Europe. Louvois , his father, and his brother hold the highest authority in their magistracy and his younger brother holds equal sway within the clergy. Louvois, aware that the king has grown concerned about his salvation and desires that there should be one religion in France, takes it upon himself to become involved in the task of converting the Huguenots. He does so, because he is aware that Louis XIV is committed to these conversions and Louvois seeks to add to his already considerable influence. When asked, Louvois assures the king that the conversions go well and presents to Louis XIV long lists of those who have been converted that have been published in every Gazette. Louvois is a man of great appetite, both for food and wine as well as wealth and power. Louvois, is the youngest of the ministers and at forty-four years of age, he is at the height of his influence with the king.
ALEXANDRE BONTEMPS
Alexandre Bontemps is the premier Valet de Chambre du Roi, and as such he wielded tremendous power at court.
Courtiers both respected and feared him because of the considerable influence he wielded with the king. Louis XIV trusts Bontemps above all others and Bontemps' devotion to his king knows no bounds. Bontemps was present for the secret marriage of Louis XIV to Madame de Maintenon. It was said that the secrets of the kingdom pass through the hands of Bontemps, though the loyal valet never asked for anything from his king. However, he was not above asking the king or his ministers for a favor on behalf of another. Bontemp enlists the Swiss Guard to spy on the courtiers's behavior and to report back to him what they find. In this way Lois XIV is kept apprised of the goings on at Versailles. Bontemps is twelve years the king's senior and is now a man of fifty-six years, though he has not considered for a moment leaving the service of his
king.
PERE DE LA CHAISE
Pere la Chaise is King Lois XIV's personal confessor, nominated with the help of Francois de Harlay. Pere la Chaise is responsible for "The administration of the ecclesiastical patronage of the crown." La Chaise was well chosen, for he is an honorable man and has endeavored along with Madame de Maintenon to convince the king to abandon his relationship with the Marquise de Montespan. There are no lengths that Pere de la Chaise will not go to in order to save the king's soul. He has been known to feign illness at Easter rather than to be forced to offer Louis XIV absolution from his sins. Pere de la Chaise was also present during the marriage of Louis XIV to Madame de Maintenon and has maintained the secrecy of the nuptials. Initially, as Madame de Maintainon gained in influence so did the cleric. But, lately there has been seen a coolness between the king's new wife and the king's confessor. It is wondered, if by keeping the marriage secret, Per de la Chaise has felt a cold shoulder from Madame de Maintenon. At sixty-one it is hard to imagine that this man of the cloth, responsible for the keeping of a king's soul pays much heed.
NANON BALBIEN
Nanon Balbien has been the maid to Madame de Maintenon for twenty years. Thought of as a kind of "fairy godmother," Nanon is the darling of much of the court. Like her benefactress, Nanon possesses elegant manners and a pious nature. She is in the habit of dressing her hair in the identical style of Madame de Maintenon and wears gowns that are, some say, eerily similar to those of her mistress. Still, she is charming and a good conversationalist in her own right. Louis XIV's ministers are exceedingly respectful towards Nanon, always recognizing her with a bow.