Monsieur Baptistin

Monsieur Baptistin is the valet de chambre of the Edmond Dantès / the Count of Monte Cristo of Edmond Dantès / the Count of Monte Cristo Edmond Dantès / the Count of Monte Cristo's household, serving as the public face of the residence—the man who announces visitors, manages the door, and conducts guests through the halls. As a French servant, Baptistin is accustomed to a certain standard of professional propriety and service, yet he is also ambitious to secure his position and gain the approval of his distinguished employer. When the count explains his system of accumulated funds for loyal servants, Baptistin is deeply moved and recognizes the opportunity inherent in faithful service. Though he initially looks to Ali (the Nubian slave) as a model of perfection, he gradually comes to understand that Ali (the Nubian slave)'s absolute devotion derives from slavery rather than employment, and that his own path to securing the count's favor must lie in professional excellence and loyal service within the French system of paid domesticity.