Phoebus De Chateaupers Character Analysis in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus is the Captain of the King’s guards, a brave soldier, and a handsome young man. Although he is engaged to a young noblewoman, Fleur-de-Lys de Gondelaurier, Phoebus is a womanizer and lives a drunken, bawdy life when he is not on duty. Phoebus is really an extremely rough, vulgar man, but his good looks convince people that he is noble and refined. Esmeralda falls in love with Phoebus after he rescues her from Quasimodo and Frollo, who try to abduct her. Although Phoebus is attracted to Esmeralda and tries to seduce her, he has no interest in her beyond this and has no desire to marry her. He does not take into consideration how important Esmeralda’s virtue is to her and tries to manipulate her into sleeping with him by suggesting that, if she does not have sex with him, then she does not love him. Phoebus is extremely proud and impulsive and almost challenges Frollo to a duel because Frollo calls him a liar. He is egotistical and cares a great deal about his reputation. This is demonstrated when, after he is stabbed by Frollo, who is jealous of his relationship with Esmeralda, Phoebus leaves Paris because he is embarrassed and worried for his reputation, even though he knows that Esmeralda will probably be blamed and hung for his attempted murder. Phoebus is very superstitious and is a sensual character—he struggles to repress his natural urges or to be denied what he wants. Although Phoebus’s name means “sun,” he does not represent a source of light, hope, or life to Esmeralda but rather, indirectly, contributes to her death.

Phoebus De Chateaupers Character Timeline in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The timeline below shows where the character Phoebus De Chateaupers appears in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...shoves Gringoire to the ground and begins to carry Esmeralda away. Suddenly, another voice arrives; Phoebus, the Captain of the King’s guards, appears and pulls Esmeralda from Quasimodo’s grasp. (full context)

Gothic Architecture, History, and Art Theme Icon

Appearances, Alienation, and Hypocrisy Theme Icon

Quasimodo makes to attack Phoebus, but the king’s guards seize him and drag him away. Esmeralda looks up at Phoebus... (full context)

...allowed Gringoire to become a poet. Esmeralda, who has stopped listening, suddenly asks Gringoire what “Phoebus” means. Gringoire is confused but tells her it means “sun.” Esmeralda seems pleased by this... (full context)

This young man is Phoebus, the captain of the guards. He is engaged to marry Fleur-de-Lys, but he is clearly... (full context)

...the square below, dancing for the crowd. The young ladies rush over to see and Phoebus gratefully retreats. Although he was once besotted with Fleur-de-Lys, Phoebus has now lost interest in... (full context)

Fleur-de-Lys turns to Phoebus and asks him if this gypsy might be the same one that he rescued from... (full context)

Fleur-de-Lys suggests that, since Phoebus knows Esmeralda, he should invite her inside. Phoebus calls down to Esmeralda and she looks... (full context)

Phoebus asks Esmeralda if she remembers him and Esmeralda says that she does. Phoebus then asks... (full context)

The Supernatural, Rationalism, and Knowledge Theme Icon

Phoebus defends Esmeralda and tells her she is beautiful. Fleur-de-Lys looks upset by this, but Esmeralda... (full context)

...entertain them, then she must leave. Esmeralda reluctantly makes for the door, sorry to leave Phoebus. As she goes, however, he calls her back to ask her name. (full context)

...blocks with letters on them and, when Djali sees them, he spells out the word “Phoebus” with his hoof. The girl squeals with delight and Esmeralda turns bright red when she... (full context)

...dismisses Esmeralda, who rushes from the room, and the young ladies carry Fleur-de-Lys to bed. Phoebus is left alone in the room. He dithers for a few moments and then follows... (full context)

...when she moves her tambourine. Esmeralda has also taught Djali to spell out the word “Phoebus” in wooden blocks. (full context)

Frollo asks Gringoire what “Phoebus” means to Esmeralda, and Gringoire says that she seems to think the word is magical... (full context)

...hurries down the stairs. Outside, Jehan hears a man swearing and realizes that it is Phoebus. Jehan asks Phoebus to join him for a drink and shows him the purse full... (full context)

Frollo, meanwhile, sees Jehan leave and join Phoebus, and he sneaks after them. As he walks, Frollo listens to their conversation—which they conduct... (full context)

Jehan asks Phoebus if he is sure Esmeralda will come and Phoebus confidently assures him that she will.... (full context)

...just bought from a nearby stall, in order to conceal his own attire. At last, Phoebus and Jehan emerge from the pub. Jehan is very drunk but Phoebus is used to... (full context)

Phoebus asks Jehan if he has any money left, as Phoebus needs some for his meeting... (full context)

Phoebus strolls through the University and stops to urinate on a statue of a Cardinal. When... (full context)

Frollo advances suddenly towards Phoebus and seizes his hand. Phoebus tries to draw back but Frollo’s grip is very tight.... (full context)

About to set off again, Phoebus suddenly remembers that he has no money. Frollo offers him a coin to pay the... (full context)

Once they’re upstairs in the room, Phoebus tells Frollo that he can hide in a cupboard that looks out into the room.... (full context)

When Frollo wakes up, he looks into the room once more and sees Phoebus and Esmeralda seated side by side on a pallet bed, beside a broken window. Esmeralda... (full context)

Phoebus suddenly says that there is a woman who will be jealous of Esmeralda and Esmeralda... (full context)

...his eyes flash like those of a tiger as it closes in on its prey. Phoebus suddenly exposes Esmeralda’s breasts and she draws back, shocked. An amulet dangles around her neck... (full context)

Phoebus pushes Esmeralda back onto the bed and climbs on top of her. As she stares... (full context)

Justice, Punishment, and Freedom Theme Icon

...and a murmur runs through the crowd. Another judge insistently reminds them, however, that in Phoebus’s statement he revealed that the other man gave him the money. This proves that the... (full context)

At the mention of Phoebus’s name, the accused woman jumps up and begs the court to tell her if Phoebus... (full context)

...the bag of letters tied around Djali’s neck and the goat spells out the word “Phoebus.” (full context)

...of the judges announces that this proves Esmeralda is a witch and that she lured Phoebus to his death with the help of the ghostly monk. Esmeralda protests, saying that she... (full context)

...has lost all the things she loves: the fresh air, the sunlight, her freedom, and Phoebus. (full context)

Frollo explains that one day he heard Phoebus speak lecherously of Esmeralda in the street. When Esmeralda repeats Phoebus’s name, Frollo seizes her... (full context)

...Esmeralda to take pity on him and not to be disgusted by him. Esmeralda murmurs Phoebus’s name and Frollo begs her to have mercy on him. He implores her to let... (full context)

Frollo coldly tells Esmeralda that Phoebus is dead, and Esmeralda flies at him in a rage. She tells Frollo she will... (full context)

Although Frollo and Esmeralda believe Phoebus is dead, this is not actually the case. Phoebus’s wound was serious, but he still... (full context)

Phoebus cannot fully explain what happened to him on the night he was stabbed but he... (full context)

Fleur-de-Lys is still upset with Phoebus because of his interaction with Esmeralda and because of his long absence. When Phoebus arrives... (full context)

...wears her jeweled amulet around her neck. Fleur-de-Lys recognizes Esmeralda and points this out to Phoebus, who turns white and tries to retreat inside. Fleur-de-Lys grows suspicious and demands that they... (full context)

Frollo glances around the square and sees Phoebus on the balcony. Frollo reels back and, suddenly furious, says that Esmeralda must die. The... (full context)

As he walks, Frollo thinks bitterly that Phoebus is still alive. He hates everyone except Esmeralda, and he mourns because he has had... (full context)

...in a cell in the tower. When Esmeralda realizes what is happening, she remembers that Phoebus is alive and does not love her. She demands to know why Quasimodo rescued her... (full context)

...the church around her and feels soothed by the bells. Her only regret is that Phoebus believes that she stabbed him. She blames herself for this because she confessed to the... (full context)

One day, as Esmeralda looks down on the square, she sees Phoebus ride by on his horse. Esmeralda throws herself on her knees and cries out to... (full context)

Phoebus has gone into Fleur-de-Lys’s house, where preparations for a wedding are underway. Quasimodo waits outside... (full context)

At last, Phoebus emerges from the house and Quasimodo catches the reins of his horse. Phoebus tries to... (full context)

Quasimodo returns to Esmeralda and tells her that Phoebus did not come out of the house. Esmeralda reproaches Quasimodo and says he should have... (full context)

...attack her again, but she brandishes the weapon and spitefully tells him that she knows Phoebus is alive. Frollo staggers back down the stairs and Esmeralda despairs because she knows that... (full context)

...desires. Gringoire says there is not; his life is in perfect balance. As they talk, Phoebus rides past and Gringoire remarks that Frollo stares at the soldier very intently. Frollo denies... (full context)

...continue to besiege the cathedral. Suddenly a cry sounds below and the king’s guard, with Phoebus riding at the front, bursts into the square and attacks the rioters. The truants fight... (full context)

...if she does not give herself to him. He begs her not to speak of Phoebus—Frollo will not be able to control himself if she does—and he tells her that he... (full context)

...Frollo off and screams at him. She says he is hideous and old compared with Phoebus. Frollo shakes her and tells her that she will die for this. He drags her... (full context)

...cell and covers her as best she can. Frollo can be heard as he leads Phoebus and the guards towards the cell. Tristan l’Hermite pushes his face into the cell and... (full context)

...the guards. She is almost mad with fear. As the men walk away, Esmeralda hears Phoebus ask if he may now rejoin his own company. This sound strikes hope into Esmeralda’s... (full context)

...goes on to be a successful playwright, though he also dabbles in many other things. Phoebus leads an unhappy life as a result of his unhappy marriage to Fleur-de-Lys. (full context)