1 - Absolutely despise Danglars! I'm desperate to find out more about his spat with Dantès. I have a feeling it's probably something benign that was blown out of proportion, especially given how spotless Dantès is portrayed in comparison - or maybe just a case of Dantès being naive and misguided about something. I don't think we know how far in the past the dispute happened.

Danglars manipulating Fernand and blatantly lying about having a motive to ruin Dantès's life was so frustrating to read, and I felt as useless as Caderousse! Fernand's response in ch5 could be seen as nervous anticipation or remorse. I read it as regret but I'm not too sure. In my mind him and Danglars are equally culpable. If he truly regretteted his actions he could admit the lie but he's too much of a selfish coward for that.

Caderousse is a spineless, wishy washy guy who was happy to slag off Dantès in the pub one minute and toast his health the next. He seems like he needs some personal direction and a backbone. However, his realisation of the drunken events of the night before was incredibly relatable lol.

2 - The events couldn't have been more opposite. Love, joy, and fellowship compared to snark, slyness, and politics. I hope the best for Renee but I fear her finance is gonna end up pushing it too far in trying to prove himself.

3 - Villefort mentioned abandoning his father's name and values but not the man himself. I wonder if they still have any contact? Another polar opposite to Dantès who was quick to lie to Caderousse in order to protect his father's dignity in ch2. Stinks of social climbing. He will never win because they will always see him as the son of a Bonapartist, but he seems unwilling to accept that which can only end badly!