The young and talented first mate of the ship Pharaon. Just as he is about to be promoted to captain by his employer in honor of his open-sea experience and leadership, and about to marry his great love Mercedes, his life is stolen by a conspiracy hatched by his rivals. On a serious charge of being a Napoleonic agent, he is thrown into the ruthless Chateau d'If without any trial. He spends 14 years there; when he reaches the point of despair and madness, his cell unites with that of Abbe Faria. Faria teaches him everything from history to science, foreign languages to analytical philosophy, and leaves him the location of the Spada family's secret treasure. After managing to escape from prison in a body bag and acquiring the vast wealth, all the joy of his youth has faded; he transforms into a cold, wise superhuman determined to establish justice and take ruthless revenge on those who destroyed him.
He has struggled at sea since he was a child to honorably provide for his poor but proud father, Louis Dantes, in Marseille. Experiences gained on the high seas and in storms shaped his character. He proved to be a great talent under the patronage of Monsieur Morrel. As the final wish of Captain Leclere, he met with Napoleon on the island of Elba, and despite having not the slightest clue about politics, because of this well-intentioned mission, the 14 most beautiful years of his life were destroyed in the darkness of the Chateau d'If.
Before imprisonment, he is 19 years old, a young man with ebony black hair, sincere and beautiful black eyes, a cheerful face, and an upright stance. After 14 years of dungeon, his complexion has lost its tan and turned a dull/porcelain color; sharp lines have formed around his mouth, and a sharp, chilling gleam like a wolf's gaze that can pierce the night has settled into his eyes. He is now a very well-built and magnificent adult who commands noble fear and respect from those around him.
Danglars
The starting point for the fire of revenge in his heart, the envious colleague who engineered the treachery.
Mercedes
The greatest ache torn from his life and his tragic, undying love.
Rahip Faria
His reason for returning to life, his mentor, spiritual father, and benefactor of infinite knowledge and wealth.
Mösyö Morrel
A patron he views as sacred, who never lost faith in his innocence and who sheltered him and his father.
Fernand Mondego
The wretched rival who guarded the betrayal for the sake of his love.
Gérard de Villefort
The cruel bureaucrat on his target list who hid behind a mask of justice and knowingly consigned Dantes to the dungeons.