Mercédès Herrera

Dantès's betrothed, torn between her love for him and her circumstances.

From "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Dumas, Alexandre

Core Belief

"Love and loyalty are the most important values, but circumstances can force difficult choices that compromise those values."

Worldview

Mercédès sees the world as a place of both beauty and cruelty, where happiness is fleeting and suffering is inevitable. She believes in the power of love to transcend adversity, but also recognizes the limitations imposed by social constraints and personal circumstances.

Personality

Initially a simple, loving, and faithful young woman, Mercédès is forced to make difficult choices in the face of adversity. She is strong-willed and resilient, but also deeply affected by the suffering she endures.

In Their Own Words

"“Fernand,” cried Mercédès, “I believed you were good-hearted, and I was mistaken! Fernand, you are wicked to call to your aid jealousy and the anger of God! Yes, I will not deny it, I do await, and I do love him of whom you speak; and, if he does not return, instead of accusing him of the inconstancy which you insinuate, I will tell you that he died loving me and me only.”"

"“Ah,” exclaimed the young girl, blushing with delight, and fairly leaping in excess of love, “you see he has not forgotten me, for here he is!” And rushing towards the door, she opened it, saying, “Here, Edmond, here I am!”"