Secondary Characters in Saint Joan
The Dauphin (Charles VII)
The Dauphin represents the political weakness and ineffectual leadership that Joan must overcome. Initially portrayed as childish and cowardly, his character serves as a foil to Joan's strength and conviction.
"I am not born to fight. I am not born to rule. I do not want to be a king: I want to be left alone to enjoy myself in my own way."Note
The Dauphin's transformation from a weak ruler to a crowned king showcases Joan's influence, though he ultimately betrays her by not attempting to save her life.
Robert de Baudricourt
As the first authority figure Joan encounters, Baudricourt represents the initial skepticism towards Joan's divine claims. His eventual conversion to her cause serves as a microcosm of how Joan wins over her doubters.
ExampleHis transformation is evident in his dialogue:
"She actually made me send her to the king. Made ME do it! I tell you I could not help doing it. She has what they call the gift of miracles."
Peter Cauchon
The Bishop of Beauvais emerges as one of the most complex secondary characters. While he genuinely believes he's saving Joan's soul, his adherence to church doctrine makes him instrumental in her downfall.
TipPay attention to how Cauchon's arguments about church authority versus individual conscience reflect the play's larger themes about institutional power.
