The primary antagonist in The Count of Monte Cristo is Fernand Mondego. Fernand is introduced as a rival to the protagonist, Edmond Dantès. Driven by jealousy and ambition, he schemes against Dantès to win the love of Mercédès, leading to Dantès’ wrongful imprisonment.
Fernand’s actions set off a chain of events that profoundly alter Dantès’ life. After Dantès is wrongfully imprisoned, Fernand marries Mercédès, further complicating the story of betrayal and revenge. As the narrative unfolds, Fernand becomes emblematic of the moral corruption and ambition that drive individuals to destroy others for personal gain.
In the grand scheme of the story, Fernand represents not just a personal foe for Dantès but also the societal forces of envy, ambition, and betrayal, making him a crucial part of the tale’s exploration of justice and retribution.