The Revenge of Bussy d'Ambois: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Revenge of Bussy d'Ambois" features a complex cast of characters embodying various virtues and vices within the backdrop of French court politics. Clermont d'Ambois stands out as the ideal hero, characterized by bravery, learning, and a steadfast commitment to honor. His sister, Charlotte, fueled by intense emotion, resembles a Lady Macbeth figure, urging both Clermont and her husband, Baligny, towards vengeance. Baligny, a courtier with dubious loyalties, navigates alliances while secretly conspiring against Duke Guise, who is portrayed as both Bussy's enemy and a paragon of virtue. King Henry III embodies a more decadent ruler, indulging in pleasures while plotting against the honorable. Montsurry, known for slaying Bussy, initially appears cowardly but ultimately displays courage when faced with Clermont's challenge. Tamyra, Montsurry's countess, grapples with her loyalty as she conspires with Charlotte for revenge. Supporting characters, like Renel and Maillard, highlight the pervasive corruption at court, offering critical perspectives on the moral dilemmas faced by the main players. This character-driven narrative explores themes of honor, vengeance, and the complexities of human motivations within a treacherous political landscape.
The Revenge of Bussy d'Ambois: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Chapman
First published: 1613
Genre: Play
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Tragedy
Time: Sixteenth century
Clermont d'Ambois (klehr-MOHN dahm-BWAH), the brother of Bussy d'Ambois and his sworn avenger. He is the playwright's ideal hero, brave, learned, and stoic, resolved to preserve inviolate “a good mind and a name” through whatever changes in fortune destiny brings him.
Charlotte, his intensely emotional sister, who spurs Clermont and her husband to avenge Bussy with the cold-blooded forcefulness of a Lady Macbeth.
Baligny (bah-leen-YEE), Charlotte's husband, a time-serving courtier. He professes allegiance to Guise and virtue while he is conspiring with King Henry to overthrow the duke.
Henry III, the king of France. No longer portrayed as the just, if slightly susceptible, ruler of Bussy d'Ambois, he surfeits himself with sensual pleasures and plots the destruction of virtuous men around him.
The duc du Guise (dewk dew geez), Bussy's enemy, who has become a “tenth worthy,” the exemplar of all virtue, and Clermont's friend and patron.
Montsurry (mohn-sewr-REE), Bussy's slayer. His refusal to accept Clermont's challenge marks him as weak and cowardly until the last moments of his life, when he summons enough courage to defend himself valiantly against his opponent.
Tamyra (tah-MEER-rah), his countess. Forsaking her resolution to wander until her death, she is again living with her husband and simultaneously plotting with Charlotte to avenge her lover.
Renel (reh-NEHL), Clermont's friend, an astute critic of the corruption at court.
Maillard (mi-YAHR), Baligny's lieutenant. He defends his ambush of Clermont on the grounds that the public good and the will of the king justify private treachery.
The countess of Cambrai (kahm-BRAY), Clermont's mistress, who literally cries her eyes out grieving over his arrest.