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Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume V Chapter 103-105
00:30 103 Noirtier warns Maximilien, who finds Valentine dead. He carries Noirtier to her side. Maximilien, d'Avrigny, and Noirtier compel Villefort to swear vengeance, giving him three days.
20:25 104 While Valentine is prepared for burial, Villefort obsesses over Benedetto. Monte Cristo takes five million francs from Danglars, forcing the banker to gather cash, burn papers, and flee his creditors.
43:46 105 Monte Cristo follows a suicidal Maximilien, revealing he is Edmond Dantès. The Count stops him by promising happiness and requires him to live with him for one month.

Main Characters of Volume V
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
M. le Procureur du Roi - Mr. Public Prosecutor
Mayoralty n the office or administration of the mayor, local government (Meh ral ty)

Puritanical adj having or displaying a very strict or censorious moral attitude towards self-indulgence or sex (puri Tan nical)
Croesus - The last King of Lydia, renowned for his extraordinary and legendary wealth
Robert Macaire… by Frédérick - Robert Macaire is a fictional character who originated in 1823, but became famous as the main character in the popular play L'Auberge des Adrets. Frédérick Lemaître (1800–1876) was the most famous and acclaimed actor of the period, whose performance of Macaire transformed the character into a satirical symbol of brazen, manipulative, and often criminal opportunism

Abélard and Héloïse - famous 12th-century lovers whose tragic, passionate, and ultimately star-crossed relationship became a celebrated legend of romance. They were married secretly, later forcibly separated, and became monks/nuns, but remained deeply devoted. Their shared tomb is a major feature of Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Malherbe, Du Périer - François de Malherbe (1555–1628) was a famous French poet. His celebrated poem, Consolation à Monsieur du Périer, written after the death of his friend's daughter

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume V Chapter 99-102
00:30 99 Madame Danglars seeks help from Debray, then Villefort. She asks Villefort to let Andrea escape to avoid scandal, but he refuses. He has bigger worries at home, and Andrea has already been caught.
22:50 100 Recovering, Valentine sees Monte Cristo, who reveals watching her for nights, substituting poison for healthy drinks. He gives her red liquid, telling her to feign sleep when the killer soon to be revealed arrives after midnight.
39:05 101 Pretending sleep, Valentine saw her stepmother poison her drink. Monte Cristo returned, promising a safety plan. He gave her a drug, emptied some poison to fake consumption, and left through a secret door.
52:14 102 Madame de Villefort confirms Valentine's death and disposes of the poison. Monte Cristo secretly replaced it, which Dr. d'Avrigny identified, causing the killer to collapse as servants fled.

Main Characters of Volume V
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Grisette n arch. a young working-class Frenchwoman; a common edible woodland mushroom with a brown or grey cap, a slender stem, and white gills
Lazaretto n an isolation hospital for people with infectious diseases, especially leprosy or plague

Locusta - she was hired by Agrippina the Younger to concoct the poison used to murder her husband, Emperor Claudius, clearing the way for her son, Nero, to take the throne. Later, she was hired by Emperor Nero himself to poison his stepbrother and rival, Britannicus. After Nero's fall, she was publicly executed by his successor, Galba, in 69 CE.

Germain Pilon’s Grace - a highly important French Renaissance sculptor, considered the master of French sculpture during the second half of the 16th century. The monument Grace features three intertwined, nude female figures known as The Three Graces. They are depicted in an elegant, flowing style, holding an urn that once contained the heart of King Henry II

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume V Chapter 96,97,98
00:30 96 At Danglars’s contract signing Monte Cristo reveals a newly found waistcoat letter tying Andrea to Caderousse. Police arrive to arrest Andrea as an escaped convict for murder, but he has already fled elsewhere.
24:30 97 Eugénie and Louise immediately enact their escape plan, disguise Eugénie as Louise’s brother, use the passport and theater letters Monte Cristo provided, pack their trunk, and leave for Italy through Brussels.
38:33 98 Andrea steals the wedding jewels, flees by cab and horse, hides in an inn chimney, drops into Eugénie and Louise’s room, is caught by police, and the exposed women depart for Brussels amid attention.

Main Characters of Volume V
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Dorante, Valère, Alceste - they are main characters from “The Misanthrope” (Le Misanthrope) by Molière. The speaker is imitating the tactful, polite, socially careful manner of dorante or Valère when dealing with someone like Alceste
Endymion - a figure from Greek mythology, He was a beautiful young shepherd; Selene, the moon goddess, fell in love with him. According to the myth, he was granted eternal sleep by Zeus so that he would remain immortal and forever youthful, allowing Selene to visit him each night
Outvie v arch. outdo in competition or rivalry (out Vy)
Quærens quem devoret - lat, seeking whom to devour

Cholera morbus - gastroenteritis characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting
Omphale - a queen of Lydia in Greek mythology who enslaved the hero Heracles and forced him to dress as a woman while she wore his lion skin
Trousseau - fr, bridal collection of clothes, linens, personal items a bride assembles for her marriage
Corbeille - fr, the bridal gift basket, a traditional collection of expensive presents the groom’s family gives the bride. It usually includes things like jewelry, lace, shawls, perfumes, fine fabrics
Provident adj making or indicative of timely preparation for the future

Achilles with Deidamia - a mythological scene: when Achilles was young, his mother hid him on the island of Scyros to prevent him from going to war. Deidamia is the princess of Scyros. Achilles disguised as a girl and lived among Deidamia and her sisters. During that time, Achilles and Deidamia became lovers.
Brigadier - fr, a junior officer in charge, not a high-ranking commander
Raillery n good-humoured teasing
Conciergerie - famous prison in Paris. Historically located on the Île de la Cité and was used for holding prisoners awaiting trial during the French Revolution and after

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 74-95
00:30 74 Two days after the Saint-Mérans’ funeral, Villefort insists Franz and Valentine sign the marriage contract; preparations proceed, but Barrois announces Noirtier wishes to see Franz immediately, prompting them to follow him.
21:42 75 Noirtier directs Franz to a document detailing his father's death. The General was killed in a fair duel by a Bonapartist president after refusing their plot. Franz asks the killer's name. Noirtier confesses himself.
45:56 76 Monte Cristo visits the Danglars, learns of financial losses and broken engagements. Andrea courts Eugénie; Albert appears indifferent. Danglars favors Andrea, hinting at Fernand’s scandalous past in Greece.
1:08:48 77 Monte Cristo introduces Albert to Haydée, Ali Pasha’s daughter, who recounts her father’s betrayal and enslavement. Albert listens, unaware that his own father was the traitor responsible for her family’s downfall.
1:59:13 78 Franz ends the engagement; Noirtier restores Valentine’s inheritance. Danglars breaks Albert’s match over Fernand’s rumored betrayal. Albert, angered by Beauchamp’s Janina article, challenges Beauchamp to a duel.
79 Valentine tells Maximilien about moving with Noirtier. She offers thirsty Barrois lemonade, but he collapses and dies. The doctor identifies poison, the same that killed Madame de Villefort, Barrois had prepared it earlier.
3:09:06 80 Villefort learns Barrois's death was a poisoning aimed at Noirtier, d'Avrigny insists Valentine is the suspect and urges arrest, but Villefort refuses to believe it and quiets him, while all his house servants resign that night.
81 Andrea secures Eugénie's hand from Danglars. Caderousse demands more money and aid, Andrea hints the Count might be his father, shares house layout, and notes the Count will be in Auteuil for several days.
82 Monte Cristo, disguised as Abbé Busoni, ambushes Caderousse during a break-in. Caderousse attacks him, fails, escapes, and is stabbed. Dying, he confesses as Monte Cristo and Ali rush to him.
4:27:27 83 Ali and the Count tend the wounded Caderousse. Caderousse reveals Benedetto’s attack, leaves a confession, and denies God's existence. Count reveals himself, Caderousse acknowledges God and dies.
84 Villefort investigates Caderousse’s murder; police search for Benedetto. Andrea and Eugénie’s marriage plans proceed despite her reluctance. Albert learns his father’s betrayal from Beauchamp, destroying the proof.
85 Monte Cristo clarifies he hasn’t sponsored Andrea. He invites Albert to Normandy. After traveling and leisure, Albert receives a newspaper revealing his father’s betrayal, prompting him to ride immediately back to Paris.
5:18:17 86 Haydée exposes Morcerf’s crimes before the Upper House: he betrayed Ali Pasha, sold Haydée and her mother into slavery, and murdered her father. Unable to defend himself, Morcerf is unanimously convicted and flees.
87 Albert plans to avenge his family’s dishonor and seeks Beauchamp’s help. They confront Danglars, learning his inquiries were innocent. Albert recalls Monte Cristo’s guidance and realizes he might have hidden motives.
88 Albert plans to confront Monte Cristo, who will be at the opera. Albert visits his mother, who defends the count. During intermission, Albert challenges the Count to a duel, with Morrel and Emmanuel to serve as seconds.
6:21:52 89 Monte Cristo checks his dueling pistols when Mercédès, veiled, begs him not to kill Albert. She recognized him, learns Fernand’s role in his arrest, and he vows to spare Albert, leaving Mercédès witnessing his lost vengeance.
90 The Count laments his ruined vengeance, writes a will favoring Haydée and Maximilien, prepares for a duel with Albert; given Mercédès’ intervention, Albert apologizes, realises the count’s motives, and the duel is canceled.
91 Albert rejects convention and prepares to leave with Mercédès. Bertuccio brings Monte Cristo’s letter revealing money buried long ago for Mercédès. Mercédès decides to use it as a dowry for a convent.
7:21:53 92 Monte Cristo returns home; Haydée greets him. Morcerf arrives, threatens a duel. Monte Cristo reveals himself as Edmond Dantès. Morcerf flees home, witnesses his family leaving. An explosion pursues.
93 Maximilien visits sickly Valentine, who follows Noirtier’s medicine and feels worsening bitterness. After greeting the Danglars, she weakens. Returning to Noirtier and Morrel, she collapses and servants are called for help.
94 Morrel seeks Monte Cristo when Valentine collapses. The doctor realizes she was protected by Noirtier’s gradual brucine doses. The Count, anguished, promises she will live while secretly moving in next door as Abbé Busoni.
8:21:57 95 Eugénie tells her father she refuses marriage but will sign the contract only if he uses her dowry to restore his failing credit, not invest it. She hints at a private plan she won’t reveal.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Phaedrus - written by Plato, is a dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus, an interlocutor in several dialogues
Malibran, Grisi - former, a celebrated French-Spanish mezzo-soprano, famous across Europe for her operatic performances. She was considered one of the greatest singers of her era; latter, an Italian soprano, known for her operatic roles, especially in the bel canto repertoire
Prodigality n spending or using large amounts of money, time, energy, unwisely (Praw di gality)
Law - John Law, a Scottish financier and economist, famous for his role in early 18th-century French finance, he created the Mississippi Company, which controlled trade and had a monopoly in French Louisiana, he then issued paper money backed by the company’s stock, which led to massive speculation. People bought shares thinking their value would keep rising; the Mississippi Bubble burst in 1720, ruining many investors when the stock collapsed
Brabantio - a character from Shakespeare’s play Othello. He is Desdemona’s father, and in the play he delivers a famous speech (“malediction”) denouncing Othello for marrying his daughter

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 92,93,94
00:30 92 Monte Cristo returns home; Haydée greets him. Morcerf arrives, threatens a duel. Monte Cristo reveals himself as Edmond Dantès. Morcerf flees home, witnesses his family leaving. An explosion pursues.
19:22 93 Maximilien visits sickly Valentine, who follows Noirtier’s medicine and feels worsening bitterness. After greeting the Danglars, she weakens. Returning to Noirtier and Morrel, she collapses and servants are summoned for help.
35:34 94 Morrel seeks Monte Cristo when Valentine collapses. The doctor realizes she was protected by Noirtier’s gradual brucine doses. The Count, anguished, promises she will live while secretly moving in next door as Abbé Busoni.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Report n a sudden loud noise of or like an explosion or gunfire

Panacea n a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; cure-all (pan na Sea uh)
Volubility n the quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly, talkativeness (vol lu Bility)

Vehmgericht - ger, a medieval German tribunal system that operated in Westphalia during the Late Middle Ages. These tribunals were run by a fraternal organization of lay judges known as "free judges" and filled a judicial gap left by the fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire.
Sterne - Laurence Sterne was an Anglo-Irish novelist and Anglican cleric. He is best known for his comic novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy.
Atreidae - The Atreidae are the family descended from Atreus in Greek mythology, Atreus is a mythological king whose family was cursed with endless violence and tragedy; of repeated disasters, murder, revenge killings, betrayal, cursed inheritance, and divine punishment.
Faubourg n a suburb, especially one in Paris (Foe bu org)
Tottering adj (of a structure) shaking or swaying, about to collapse; (of a person's steps) feeble, unsteady

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 89,90,91
00:30 89 Monte Cristo checks his dueling pistols when Mercédès, veiled, begs him not to kill Albert. She recognized him, learns Fernand’s role in his arrest, and he vows to spare Albert, leaving Mercédès witnessing his lost vengeance.
19:55 90 Monte Cristo laments his ruined vengeance, writes a will favoring Haydée and Maximilien, prepares for a duel with Albert; given Mercédès’ intervention, Albert apologizes, realises the count’s motives, and the duel is canceled.
46:33 91 Albert rejects convention and prepares to leave with Mercédès. Bertuccio brings Monte Cristo’s letter revealing money buried long ago for Mercédès. Mercédès decides to use it as a dowry for a convent.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Suivez-moi! - fr, follow me! 
Stipendiary adj receiving a stipend; working for payment rather than voluntarily; n a person receiving a stipend (sty Pen diery)
Guzerat and Ophir - references to legendary sources of wealth: Guzerat, historical region in India (modern Gujarat), famous for pearls and jewels; Ophir, biblical land reputed for gold, silver, and precious stones; often used in literature as a symbol of extreme wealth

Brutus…the battle of Philippi - Brutus was visited by a shadowy apparition, identified as his "evil spirit," which told him it would meet him again at Philippi. This is the famous event dramatized in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and is a prominent scene leading up to the battle. Historically, this may have been interpreted by Brutus and his soldiers as a premonition of defeat.

Forswear (past. forsworn) v agree to give up or do without; arch. commit perjury, swear falsely
Feuchères, Barye - Feuchère was a friend and contemporary of the famous animal sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, both working as sculptors in 19th-century Paris. Feuchère contributed to decorative pieces, while Barye became famous for his naturalistic and dramatic bronze sculptures of animals.

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 86,87,88
00:30 86 Haydée exposes Morcerf’s crimes before the Upper House: he betrayed Ali Pasha, sold Haydée and her mother into slavery, and murdered her father. Unable to defend himself, Morcerf is unanimously convicted and flees.
29:34 87 Albert plans to avenge his family’s dishonor and seeks Beauchamp’s help. They confront Danglars, learning his inquiries were innocent. Albert recalls Monte Cristo’s guidance and realizes he might have hidden motives.
43:34 88 Albert plans to confront Monte Cristo, who will be at the opera. Albert visits his mother, who defends the count. During intermission, Albert challenges the Count to a duel, with Morrel and Emmanuel to serve as seconds.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Calumnious adj (of a statement) false and defamatory; slanderous
Primate n the chief bishop or archbishop of a province (Prim met)
Hegira - (Hijra) Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in AD 622, marking the consolidation of the first Muslim community (Hej-uh-ruh)
Fire-keeper - turk, a low-ranking but trusted servant who managed the hearth or furnaces of a palace or fortress. Such a person would often be close enough to overhear or witness private events
Virgil - from Virgil’s Aeneid, where the Roman poet describes how goddesses move with majestic, graceful, almost superhuman composure

Calumniator n a person who makes false, malicious accusations to damage other’s reputation (ca Lum niay ter)
‘idole de mon âme!’ - fr, 'idol of my soul!'
William Tell - a legendary Swiss folk hero, famous for defying a tyrannical Austrian bailiff by refusing to bow to a hat and being forced to shoot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow.
Braggadocio n boastful or arrogant behaviour (brag ga Doe chio)

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 83,84,85
00:30 83 Ali and the Count tend the wounded Caderousse. Caderousse reveals Benedetto’s attack, leaves a confession, and denies God's existence. Count reveals himself, Caderousse acknowledges God and dies.
14:27 84 Villefort investigates Caderousse’s murder; police search for Benedetto. Andrea and Eugénie’s marriage plans proceed despite her reluctance. Albert learns his father’s betrayal from Beauchamp, destroying the proof.
29:06 85 Monte Cristo clarifies he hasn’t sponsored Andrea. He invites Albert to Normandy. After traveling and leisure, Albert receives a newspaper revealing his father’s betrayal, prompting him to ride immediately back to Paris.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Deo ignoto - latin, To an unknown God
Pilate - Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus’s trial, when the crowd demanded crucifixion, Pilate symbolically washed his hands in front of them to absolve himself of responsibility
Impresari - ita, impresario, a person who organizes and often finances concerts, plays, or operas
Amphitrite - the Greek goddess of the sea, wife of Poseidon, and mother of Triton. She represents the sea's tranquility and is known as the queen of the sea (Am fuh Trai tee)
Britzka n pol, an open carriage with a folding hood and space for people to recline (Britz ka)
Bastinado n spa, a form of punishment or torture by caning the soles of one's feet (Bastin na doe)
Simoom n arab, a hot, dry, dust-laden wind blowing in the desert, especially in Arabia (sim Moom)
Countenance v admit as acceptable or possible
Gules n red, as a heraldic tincture (Gills)
Piscatory adj piscatorial, concerning fishermen or fishing (Pis ket tory)

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 80,81,82
00:30 80 Villefort learns Barrois's death was a poisoning aimed at Noirtier, d'Avrigny insists Valentine is the suspect and urges arrest, but Villefort refuses to believe it and quiets him, while all his house servants resign that night.
14:19 81 Andrea secures Eugénie's hand from Danglars. Caderousse demands more money and aid, Andrea hints the Count might be his father, shares house layout, and notes the Count will be in Auteuil for several days.
50:08 82 Monte Cristo, disguised as Abbé Busoni, ambushes Caderousse during a break-in. Caderousse attacks him, fails, escapes, and is stabbed. Dying, he confesses as Monte Cristo and Ali rush to him.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Locusta and Agrippina - historical figures from ancient Rome, both infamous for their association with poisoning and political murder: Locusta was a notorious professional poisoner in Rome during Emperor Nero’s time. She was employed by the imperial family to eliminate rivals, basically, an expert assassin through poison.
Brunhilda and Fredegund - two rival queens from early medieval France, around the 6th and 7th centuries, both infamous for their violent power struggles.Fredegund was the ruthless wife of King Chilperic I of Neustria. She was known for her cruelty, assassinations, and intrigues, killing rivals and even her own stepchildren to secure her power. Brunhilda was the queen of Austrasia, wife of King Sigebert I, and Fredegund’s lifelong enemy. She was politically shrewd but equally brutal, responsible for wars and executions during her long reign.
Jurisprudence n the theory or philosophy of law 法理 (juris Pru dence)
Polonius - In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, he is an old court adviser who hides behind a curtain to eavesdrop on a conversation between Hamlet and his mother. Hamlet, thinking it’s the king (his real target), stabs through the curtain and kills Polonius by mistake.

Fruiteress n arch. a woman who sells or deals in fruit (Fruit ter ress)
D’hôte - fr, of the host
Pilchard n a small, edible, commercially valuable marine fish of the herring family (Pil cherd)
Decamp v leave a place suddenly or secretly (de Camp)
Confiteor! - latin, I confess!
Tuileries - A palace in Paris which stood on the right bank of the Seine, directly in the west-front of the Louvre Palace. It was the Parisian residence of most French monarchs, from Henri IV to Napoleon III (Twee lery)
Germ n an initial stage from which something may develop

Sloop n a one-masted sailing boat with a mainsail and jib rigged fore and aft; historic. Anti submarine
Fiesco and the Moor - comes from Friedrich Schiller’s play The Conspiracy of Fiesco at Genoa, Giovanni Luigi Fieschi (Fiesco) is a Genoese nobleman who plots to overthrow the ruling Doria family. A Moor (his servant) tries to assassinate Fiesco, but Fiesco outsmarts him, turning the situation to his advantage and ultimately defeating the would-be killer.
Invalides - Hôtel des Invalides, a complex in Paris that includes military museums and the tomb of Napoleon I
Place de Grève - The site of most of the public executions in early Paris. The gallows and pillory stood.
Diavolo! - ita, devil!
Factitious adj artificially created or developed rather than genuine; bogus, fake (fact Tit tious)
Suffer v arch. allow (someone) to do something; tolerate
Abettor n one who encourages or assists another to do something wrong, in particular to commit a crime (a Better)
Stanchion n a fixed vertical bar or pole used as a support for something (Stahn tion)

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting

Show your feedback: https://open.firstory.me/user/cln9oxg7r007d01xyhd0fadj5/comments
CostasNarrativeXP end of the year feature 
Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo"
Plot outline by Auguste Maquet

A sweeping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption, following Edmond Dantès as he transforms from wronged sailor to cunning, resourceful Monte Cristo.

Volume IV Chapter 78,79
00:30 78 Franz ends the engagement; Noirtier restores Valentine’s inheritance. Danglars breaks Albert’s match over Fernand’s rumored betrayal. Albert, angered by Beauchamp’s Janina article, challenges Beauchamp to a duel.
44:43 79 Valentine tells Maximilien about moving with Noirtier. She offers thirsty Barrois lemonade, but he collapses and dies. The doctor identifies poison, the same that killed Madame de Villefort, Barrois had prepared it earlier.

Main Characters of Volume IV
Edmond Dantès / Count of Monte Cristo – Brilliant, resourceful, and vengeful; uses intelligence and disguise to manipulate events and punish wrongdoers.
Baron Danglars – Ambitious, greedy, and scheming banker; morally corrupt and self-serving.
Gérard de Villefort – Calculating, ambitious prosecutor; obsessed with reputation and hiding family secrets.
Madame de Villefort – Cold, manipulative, and ruthless; prioritizes wealth and status over morality.
Valentine de Villefort – Gentle, kind, and virtuous; represents innocence and moral integrity.
Noirtier de Villefort – Wise, strong-willed patriarch; paralyzed but mentally sharp and influential.
Haydée – Loyal, intelligent, and devoted; embodies gratitude and love toward Monte Cristo.
Maximilien Morrel – Courageous, honorable, and passionate; driven by loyalty and love.

Costa's Wordbook
Irrefragable adj not able to be refuted or disproved, indisputable (ir Ref frig gable)
The Bride of Lammermoor - a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1819, one of the Waverley novels, in which Laird (master) Edgar of Ravenswood, and Lucy Ashton are tragic lovers; during Lucy’s forced marriage to another man, Ravenswood was too late to stop it, and the scene spirals into tragedy.
Retractation n retraction

Ether n a pleasant-smelling colourless volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anaesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes; the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds (Eh ther)
Emetic n a medicine or other substance which causes vomiting; adj (im Met tic)
Litmus n a dye obtained from certain lichens that is red under acid conditions and blue under alkaline conditions (Lit mus)

Complete Features
Songs of Dead Dreamer, Last Unicorn, Brothers Karamazov, Fellowship of the Ring, Winnie the Pooh, Jane Eyre, Angels & Demons, Perfume, Great Gatsby, Jekyll & Hyde, Maigret, 1984, Metamorphosis, Dracula, Don Quixote, Dorian Gray, Anne Frank, Lord of the Flies, Liar's Poker, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Great Expectations

Milestone
2021: 0 Full soundtrack, no editing, wife commentary, summary outline, irregular release
2022: 2.0 DaVinci editing, wordbook, book intro, AI host + illustration, chapter summary, scheduled release
2023: 2.1 Descript, CapCut, Suno score, character intro, weekly release
2024: 2.2 Standard condenser mic, Audacity, ChatGPT annotation + illustration, timestamp, 1-hour content

Podcast: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Reddit, Amazon Music, Firstory, Pocket Casts, KKBOX, Noice, Podcast Addict, SoundOn

Powered by Firstory Hosting