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Library/ The Count of Monte Cristo
Compendium Story so far
Reading position Whole book
Whole book
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character

Luigi Vampa

the bandit chief · the captain

The bandit chief coolly names Danglars's ransom as his whole five millions, starves him to repentance at the Count's command, then feeds and frees him on the Count's word.

Story so far

Luigi Vampa enforces the Count of Monte Cristo (Edmond Dantès)'s design upon Danglars with cold precision: pressed for a ransom, he names 'merely the 5,000,000 you have about you,' refuses the banker's frantic offers of less, and explains he obeys 'another over me'—forbidden to shed Danglars's blood but free to let him starve. Unmoved by the banker's rage and despair, he drains him meal by exorbitant meal until nothing remains, then leaves him to hunger's torment. When Edmond at last pardons the repentant banker, Vampa obeys instantly, serving Danglars 'the best wine and fruits of Italy,' conducting him to the post-chaise, and setting him free.

The cultured brigand proves a faithful instrument of the count's justice, executing both its cruelty and its final mercy at his master's word.

Appearance

A young, strikingly handsome bandit captain of commanding presence, richly and picturesquely armed, cool and unhurried in manner.

Role

The bandit chief who bleeds and starves Danglars, then frees him, all at the count's command.

Relationships

Danglars — His captive, whom he starves of his millions and then, at the count's order, feeds and releases.
Edmond Dantès — His master and the 'chief over him,' whose design of ruin and final mercy he faithfully executes.
Sources — 5 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 33
  • A brilliant, proud shepherd-boy turned the most famous bandit chief of the Roman countryside, master of all the region's byways.
Chapter 34
  • The Roman bandit chief pledges absolute obedience to the mysterious Count after he saves the condemned Peppino.
Chapter 37
  • The bandit chief kidnaps Albert for ransom but releases him at once on the Count's word, honoring their pact like a courteous king.
Chapter 114
  • The famous bandit captain, calmly reading Plutarch in his catacomb lair, who receives the abducted Danglars as 'fine spoil' at the Count of Monte Cristo's bidding.
Chapter 116
  • The bandit chief coolly names Danglars's ransom as his whole five millions, starves him to repentance at the Count's command, then feeds and frees him on the Count's word.
Character portrait