RegicideThe act of killing a king or queen, highlighted in this story which takes place during the end years of Louis XIII's reign.
Definitions:
The action of killing a king."The country was in turmoil after the regicide."
MonarchyA form of government in which a person becomes the leading authority not through elections but by birth or marriage, crucial in the understanding of the book given the historical setting.
Definitions:
A form of government with a monarch at the head."The French monarchy was in crisis during the time of Louis XIII."
CardinalAn important figure in the Catholic church hierarchy, with specific references to the character of Cardinal Mazarin in the story.
Definitions:
A leading dignitary of the Catholic Church."Cardinal Mazarin was a significant player in the political intrigues of the time."
MusketeerA type of soldier equipped with a musket, referring to the iconic characters in the story, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan.
Definitions:
A soldier armed with a musket."The four musketeers were renowned for their bravery and skills in battle."
IntrigueThe craft of secret plotting, which is a central theme in the book as the characters navigate through political and personal complications.
Definitions:
The secret planning of something illicit or detrimental to someone."The novel is filled with political intrigue."
"The characters' personal lives are also riddled with intrigue."
"The characters' personal lives are also riddled with intrigue."
Arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate."The mystery intrigued the musketeers."