dennis

Characteristics

Jean de Metz - Faithful, caring, brave

La Hire - Militaristic, cynical, battle-scarred

Bishop Pierre Cauchon - Pious, proud, doubtful, influential

Charles VII - Young, humorous, intelligent, haughty

King Charles and Bishop Cauchon are two conflicting personalities who, by unfortunate fate, are brought together as allies. Although no harsh words are shared, neither have any true complements to give each other. Whenever Charles wants to make a decision, Cauchon must threaten him with church code and the possibility of interdict. Charles rarely can counter the Bishop's threats, and when he does, he suffers a high level of consequence.

The most obvious aspect of Bishop Cauchon's role in Joan's story is his excessive doubtfullness. He does not believe in Joan's cause when the rest of France does. Charles, however, realizes that France is desperate, and if the people believe Joan to be the prophecy fullfilled, he must put away his masculine pride and give in for the good of his country.

Cauchon is a man who has seen many winters, and now, it seems, he relies solely on the rules of the church. Charles VII is ambitous, and takes action into his own hands in order to save France. He looks up to the future, while Cauchon has become wary of it.

If it was true that Cauchon were to be King, then France might have been doomed. Cauchon would have been reluctant and pushed back from all the "regulations" there might be for a King. He would almost never use arms against another faction, attempting to gain territory by the acquantance of empty promises and heartless welcomings to the leaders of Burgundy.

Jean de Metz believed in Joan from almost the beginning. La Hire, however, saw her as only propoganda for the French, even after Charles VII accepted her. Both characters fought bravely alongside Joan in various battles, resulting in a mutual increase of faith in Joan. Both are completely with her at the end when they attempt to save her life, as La Hire took the part of leading the troops.

As a captain, La Hire has led a number of strategic battles against the English, but has lost heart. La Hire believes that military men, not "false" prophets, let alone a teenage girl, should lead a battle. Jean, although an experienced knight, will follow Joan through whatever she deems fit to do. Jean even develops a love for Joan, though unrequited it may be.

Both men are responsible for Joan's increase in fame. Their cooperation led France to unification, freedom, and power. Both reserve the same deep, compassionate places in their hearts for Joan. You see this best when the two characters are pitted against impossible odds at the town of Joan's execution. They severely risked their lives disguising themselves as French peasants in the English controlled city. Jean has a very heroic moment when he takes a crucifix from a priest and places it front of the burning Joan, who formerly requested it.

The greatest aspect of all these characters is that at one time in their lives they questioned Joan's capability, and in the end, they all shed tears for her tragic fate.