Count of Monte Cristo Thoughts
Page 820 / 1,243 - M. De Villefort as a villain - SPOILERS obv
While there are many clear villains throughout this novel, Villefort, in particular, can be seen to take the forefront, as he was the one who gave the final blow. Danglars orchestrated it, Fernand carried it out, and Villefort threw away the key. Villefort was protecting himself. He was protecting his legacy, his father even, which in part I understand, but he sacrificed a man who, he even acknowledged himself, was so similar to him.
Now, as Villefort is shown presently, his legacy has been secured and he is even more desperate to protect it. To defend himself against the shame he perceived his father's past could bring. This desperation mirrors the exact desperation we saw influence his final decision in locking Dante's away. Although, currently, I am unsure the hand that Dantes is playing in these events, it is interesting to see how Villefort's desperate play for control is what is most likely going to bring about his downfall.
As a villain, he is brilliant. He is the embodiment of selfish fear. Willing to sacrifice anyone. He sacrificed Dantes, he sacrificed Madame Danglars to suffer through the "death" alone, he sacrificed his child who he knew was alive because of what the scandal would mean, and now he is willing to sacrifice his own daughter to cover up a final connection that would scandalize his name. Dumas shows how far Villefort would truly go to protect himself, specifically his legacy as a judge, and how he does not even see the others around him as having thoughts but merely as pawns in his own game. As Villefort states in regards to his own daughter, "I guarantee there will be no objection from that side" (p. 816), which truly shows the way in which he assumes everyone within his power will bend to his will.
It is this selfish intent and the way he desperately fights to keep those around him completely under his control, to do as he seems best and fit, which truly makes Villefort this incredible villain. A villain so easy to hate and whose vices will be his karmic downfall.