Cyrano de Bergerac Summary
Description
Here you will find a Cyrano de Bergerac summary (Edmond Rostand's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 1 Scene 6
- Act 1 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 2 Scene 5
- Act 2 Scene 6
- Act 2 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 8
- Act 2 Scene 9
- Act 2 Scene 10
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 3 Scene 7
- Act 3 Scene 8
- Act 3 Scene 9
- Act 3 Scene 10
- Act 3 Scene 11
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 8
- Act 4 Scene 9
- Act 4 Scene 10
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 4
- Act 5 Scene 5
- Act 5 Scene 6
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 1 Scene 6
- Act 1 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 2 Scene 5
- Act 2 Scene 6
- Act 2 Scene 7
- Act 2 Scene 8
- Act 2 Scene 9
- Act 2 Scene 10
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 3 Scene 7
- Act 3 Scene 8
- Act 3 Scene 9
- Act 3 Scene 10
- Act 3 Scene 11
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 8
- Act 4 Scene 9
- Act 4 Scene 10
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
- Act 5 Scene 4
- Act 5 Scene 5
- Act 5 Scene 6
Cyrano de Bergerac Summary Overview
In the heart of Paris in 1640, an exceptionally talented poet and fencer named Cyrano de Bergerac is smitten with his intelligent and beautiful cousin, Roxane. Cyrano, despite his talents, sports a remarkably large nose, causing him to believe that he is too unattractive to confess his feelings to Roxane. During a theatre performance, Cyrano creates a ruckus, leading to a duel with Valvert, a man chosen by Comte de Guiche to be Roxane's husband. Cyrano wins the duel with a grand display of his poetic and fencing skills, attracting attention from Roxane, who requests a meeting with him. Meanwhile, Cyrano learns of a plot to ambush his friend Ligniere, and he vows to protect him despite the odds. The following day, Cyrano meets Roxane at a local pastry shop. He is on the verge of confessing his love when Roxane reveals that she is in love with Christian, a soon-to-be member of Cyrano’s guard unit. Despondent, Cyrano agrees to protect Christian, who later unintentionally insults Cyrano's large nose. Instead of retaliating, Cyrano embraces Christian and informs him of Roxane's feelings. Realizing Christian's lack of eloquence, Cyrano devises a plan to secretly write letters to Roxane on behalf of Christian. Eventually, Christian and Roxane are secretly married, but their bliss is short-lived as de Guiche sends their guard unit to the warfront with Spain in retaliation for his lost opportunity with Roxane. Years later, at the warfront, Cyrano continues his correspondence with Roxane under Christian's name, even risking his life to deliver the letters. When Roxane visits the camp, Christian insists that Cyrano reveal the truth about the letters. Before Cyrano can confess, Christian is killed, and Roxane is taken to safety by de Guiche. Fast forward fifteen years, Roxane now lives in a convent and is regularly visited by Cyrano, who has been seriously injured in an ambush. In his last moments, Cyrano reads a letter supposedly written by Christian to Roxane, revealing through darkness that he was the true author. As Cyrano succumbs to his injuries, Roxane acknowledges her love for him, finally recognizing the soul behind the letters she cherished.
act 1 scene 1
In 1640, a bustling Paris theater, the Hall of the Hotel de Bourgogne, prepares for the show of La Clorise. People, segregated by their social ranking, chatter and roam the area. A father educates his child about the play's profound significance. There's a pickpocket subtly robbing the crowd of wallets and handkerchiefs. A set of boys playfully aim peashooters at each other. Two aristocratic marquises, bearing swords, walk superiorly among the attendees. The illumination of lamps garners applause from the audience, signifying the play is about to start.
act 1 scene 2
The spectators await the play's commencement. Ligniere, an unkempt critic, and Baron Christian de Neuvillette, a charming, fresh-faced nobleman, make their entrance. Christian shares that he's new to Paris and will join the guards soon. He's in love with a woman Ligniere came to tell him about, a regular at the theater but isn't present yet. Ligniere contemplates leaving but decides to stay for a glass of wine served by a nearby girl. Ragueneau, a baker with a fondness for poets, joins them, looking for Cyrano de Bergerac. He anticipates trouble because Montfleury, a disfavored actor by Cyrano, is part of the play. Christian doesn't know Cyrano, but Ragueneau and Ligniere are clearly impressed by him. When Christian inquires, his friend, Le Bret, reverently describes Cyrano as the “most delightful man under the sun.” Their portrayal of him is of a poet, swordsman, scientist, musician, and a “wild swashbuckler” with a noticeably long nose. Le Bret, who serves alongside Cyrano in the guards, also anticipates trouble. Suddenly, Christian spots his beloved. Ligniere identifies her as Roxane, a brilliant, young heiress. She's accompanied by Comte de Guiche, an older man who also loves her. Ligniere reveals that the Comte, being married, intends to wed Roxane to his steward, Vicomte de Valvert. Christian is disheartened to hear that Roxane is an intellectual. With no sight of Cyrano, Ligniere departs for a tavern and the crowd grows restless for the play.
act 1 scene 3
Christian views the two marquises scornfully talking about de Guiche as he approaches. Christian elects to duel de Guiche's crony, Valvert. As he readies his glove to provoke Valvert, he inadvertently grabs a pickpocket's hand. For his release, the thief informs Christian that Ligniere has upset a powerful individual with his newest satire, who has planned for Ligniere to be accosted by a large group later that night. Christian departs to assist Ligniere. The audience begins to demand the play. Three taps echo from the stage, hushing the crowd. The curtains part and the violins start playing. Le Bret and Ragueneau infer that Cyrano is absent because Montfleury, an actor Cyrano finds offensive, is about to appear. Montfleury, dressed as a shepherd, steps on stage and starts his speech but gets interrupted by a voice from the crowd screaming, “Haven’t I ordered you off the stage for a month, you wretched scoundrel?” The voice is Cyrano's, as identified by Le Bret, even though he's unseen. Montfleury tries to start his dialogue several times, but the unseen Cyrano persists in disrupting him. Cyrano finally rises on his chair, causing a commotion among the spectators.
act 1 scene 4
Montfleury appeals to a group of marquises for assistance but they are unable to calm Cyrano. Cyrano warns them with dramatic poetry of his intention to duel them all: “Please have pity on my sword: if you don’t stop shouting you’ll frighten it out of its scabbard.” He issues a wide-ranging challenge to the marquises, which goes unanswered. Montfleury is given three counts to leave the stage by Cyrano and he complies. The audience is thrown into chaos. Cyrano denounces Montfleury's acting skills and the quality of the play. He also discloses his personal vendetta against Montfleury. The stage manager expresses concerns about the financial loss from the aborted performance, but Cyrano compensates him with a bag of gold. A busybody confronts Cyrano about Montfleury's influential backers. Cyrano retorts that he doesn't require any patronage as he can defend himself. He accuses the busybody of gawking at his nose, which results in a humiliating encounter. Cyrano adamantly asserts his nose is magnificent. De Guiche and Valvert agree that Cyrano is an annoyance. Valvert tries to provoke Cyrano by commenting on his “very big” nose. Cyrano, feigning shock at Valvert's dull insult, counters with an elaborate list of superior insults Valvert could have used. The mockery results in Valvert challenging Cyrano to a duel. Cyrano announces that he will simultaneously compose a poem and end Valvert's life on the final line. The crowd, fascinated, encircles the duelers. Cyrano and Valvert cross swords and Cyrano recites a poem as he fights. On the climax of his verse, he strikes and Valvert collapses, defeated and critically injured. The crowd disperses after celebrating Cyrano's victory. Questioned by Le Bret about his dinner plans, Cyrano admits his penniless state. In response to Le Bret's query about the gold given to the stage manager, Cyrano confesses that it was his last money, meant to sustain him for a month. The refreshment girl offers him food, but to maintain his dignity, Cyrano only accepts a grape, half a macaroon, and a glass of water.
act 1 scene 5
Le Bret cautions Cyrano about the consequences of his flamboyant actions, which are earning him adversaries. Cyrano, however, revels in the idea of having many foes. Cyrano opens up to Le Bret about his self-doubts regarding his unique nose and lack of romantic success. He also discloses his dislike for Montfleury, triggered by a flirtatious look he had once given the woman Cyrano cherishes. When Le Bret queries about the lady, he swiftly surmises that Roxane must be the only woman possessing the beauty and intellect worthy of Cyrano's affection. Cyrano admits that due to his looks, confessing his love is a possibility he cannot entertain.
act 1 scene 6
Roxane's chaperone interrupts the discussion, bearing a note for Cyrano. Roxane requests his presence. He responds with a mix of thrill and anxiety, and consents to rendezvous at Ragueneau's establishment at 7 AM the following day.
act 1 scene 7
Ligniere enters in a rush, revealing to Cyrano the plot of a hundred men at the Porte de Nesle waiting to take his life. Despite his fear and plea for a safe place to sleep, Cyrano is dismissive, insisting that Ligniere will sleep in his own bed. He resolutely assures Ligniere that he will tackle all hundred adversaries and accompany him home. Le Bret questions Cyrano’s motivation to aid a known drunk, but Cyrano recalls a past incident when Ligniere drank a basin of blessed water after a beautiful woman used it. For such an act, Cyrano feels compelled to safeguard Ligniere. The theater’s actors and musicians are aflutter with chatter about Cyrano’s actions. Cyrano addresses them, expressing his desire for an audience, but makes it clear he doesn’t want their help. As he boldly exits the theater, a crowd forms, choosing to follow him to the Porte de Nestle.
act 2 scene 1
Daybreak arrives at Ragueneau's bakery, a hive of activity as the baker and his team prepare for the day. Ragueneau, a poetry enthusiast, has composed all his recipes in verse. A cook presents him with a lyre-shaped pastry to his delight. With fury, Lise, Ragueneau's wife, makes her entrance. She's annoyed at her husband for once again trading baked goods for poets' verses. To his astonishment, she reveals a batch of new paper bags for the bakery, fashioned from the manuscripts of poets.
act 2 scene 2
A pair of kids come into the store and request three tiny pies. Ragueneau is fumbling to locate both a bag and a verse he's willing to let go of. Once Lise isn't around, Ragueneau invites the kids back in and proposes a trade - more sweets in return for the bags inscribed with his poetry.
act 2 scene 3
Cyrano shows up, informing Ragueneau of an impending meeting he has. His anxiety is palpable as he restlessly inquires about the time repeatedly. When Lise questions him about the injury on his hand, he remains silent. A musketeer enters the scene, whom Ragueneau introduces as a friend of his wife.
act 2 scene 4
A group of poets show up and start indulging in Ragueneau's culinary delights, adding a touch of poetry to their descriptions, much to the baker's joy. Meanwhile, Cyrano is occupied with penning something for Roxane. Upon Ragueneau's departure, Cyrano makes it clear to Lise that any romantic involvement with the musketeer won't be tolerated, emphasizing their close friendship. The musketeer, despite overhearing the warning, doesn't dare to confront Cyrano.
act 2 scene 5
Roxane makes an appearance. Unable to contain his affection, Cyrano dismisses the rest of the crowd. He keeps the duenna busy with some treats, giving him and Roxane an opportunity to share a private moment.
act 2 scene 6
Cyrano and Roxane engage in a private conversation. Feeling anxious, Cyrano urges Roxane to reveal her reason for seeking him out. She dismisses his urgency, instead steering their discussion towards fond memories of their shared childhood summers. As Roxane tends to his hand injury, Cyrano tells her about a fight he had the previous night where he single-handedly overpowered a hundred men. Subsequently, Roxane admits to Cyrano her love for a man unaware of her feelings. Cyrano initially assumes she's referring to him, but quickly realises she's talking about another man when she uses the term "handsome" to describe him. Roxane confesses her love for Christian, a recent addition to Cyrano's company of guards. Expressing her concern for Christian, given the company's reputation for having ill-tempered Gascons who are known for engaging in fights, Roxane requests Cyrano's protection over Christian, who isn't a Gascon. Complying with her request, Cyrano also agrees to have Christian correspond with her through letters. Before taking her leave, Roxane expresses her affection and respect for Cyrano.
act 2 scene 7
Cyrano's guard cohort floods into the store, thrilled about Cyrano's exploits from the previous evening. His feats have stirred up quite a buzz throughout the city. Carbon, the guard captain, attempts to usher Cyrano out to his adoring fans, but Cyrano resists. Suddenly, the shop is swarmed with people heaping praise on Cyrano. Notable individuals inquire about the events of the previous night; Cyrano's friends view this as a chance to aid his career, but he refuses to divulge anything. De Guiche arrives with a note of admiration, and Cyrano recites to him the Cadets of Gascoyne's anthem. De Guiche hints that his uncle, Cardinal Richelieu, France's most influential man, might be able to assist Cyrano. However, Cyrano declines once more. Amidst the commotion, a cadet arrives with hats belonging to the men Cyrano vanquished earlier. De Guiche confesses that he was the one who employed the hundred men, before storming out of the shop in anger. Eventually, the crowd thins out, leaving behind only the guards.
act 2 scene 8
Le Bret contends that Cyrano's actions are sabotaging his potential for success and fame, particularly in the realm of poetry. Cyrano, however, maintains his dedication to his principles, expressing disdain for the idea of associating with men he deems below his standards. Unexpectedly, Christian makes an appearance.
act 2 scene 9
Unaware of Cyrano's promise to Roxane, the other soldiers make fun of Christian and caution him about making fun of Cyrano's nose. Christian, bothered by the mockery, asks Carbon how to handle braggart Gascons. Carbon advises him to show that a Norman can be brave too. So, when Cyrano starts relaying his tale about fighting a hundred men, Christian repeatedly interrupts him with jabs at his nose. Cyrano becomes furious, and the cadets anticipate him lashing out at Christian. But recalling his commitment to safeguard Christian, Cyrano holds back. Despite this, Christian doesn't stop his taunts which result in Cyrano losing his temper and sending the cadets off. Anticipating Cyrano to harm Christian, they quickly exit the room.
act 2 scene 10
Instead of harming Christian, Cyrano hugs him and reveals their shared relation to Roxane. Christian confesses his inability to write to Roxane, fearing his lack of intelligence will reveal itself and ruin his chances with her. A brilliant plan strikes Cyrano - he offers to pen letters on Christian's behalf, ostensibly to practice his comedic verse, but his true intention is to convey his own feelings to Roxane. Christian consents to the plan, leading to another shared embrace. In the next scene, the cadets return, shocked to find Christian alive and in a friendly moment with Cyrano. Lise's musketeer decides to mimic Christian, throwing an insult about Cyrano's large nose. Cyrano retorts by toppling the musketeer over a bench, sparking joy amongst the cadets, who are thrilled to see the return of Cyrano's characteristic spirit.
act 3 scene 1
Ragueneau is seen conversing with Roxane's duenna outside her residence. He shares with the duenna about his wife, Lise, eloping with a musketeer which led to the downfall of his bakery. He mentions his suicide attempt, which was thwarted by Cyrano who then appointed him as Roxane's steward. Roxane is urged by the duenna to hurry up for a discussion group about love. Cyrano then enters the scene, accompanied by a couple of musicians whom he won in a bet over grammar. Finding their music dreadful, he instructs them to play a discordant serenade for Montfleury. Roxane appears and begins a conversation with Cyrano about Christian. She admires Christian's letters, claiming they are even more intellectual than Cyrano's. She proclaims her love for Christian and quotes parts of his letters to Cyrano, pretending to criticize the poetic style. She accuses Cyrano of being envious of Christian's poetic skills. As the duenna announces the arrival of de Guiche, Cyrano is quickly ushered into the house where he hides.
act 3 scene 2
De Guiche bids Roxane goodbye as he's been promoted to colonel and must lead a regiment, including Cyrano's guards, to battle against Spain. He hints at a future confrontation with Cyrano. Fearing for Christian's well-being, Roxane craftily advises de Guiche to leave Cyrano and his cadets behind, denying them the opportunity for battlefield glory as a form of revenge. She flirts with de Guiche until he contemplates remaining hidden in a nearby monastery. However, when Roxane implies her feelings might grow if he departs for war, de Guiche decides to push forward, leaving Cyrano and his cadets behind. As he departs, Roxane secures a promise from the duenna to never reveal to Cyrano that she caused his exclusion from the march to war.
act 3 scene 3
Roxane is anticipating Christian's visit and instructs the duenna to delay him if he arrives. Roxane confides in Cyrano about her intention of enabling Christian to spontaneously express his feelings about love instead of probing him on a specific topic. Cyrano consents to keep Roxane's plan secret from Christian, a move that Roxane values. She believes that Christian would pre-plan his romantic words if he were aware. After Roxane and the duenna exit, Cyrano beckons Christian, who has been lingering close by.
act 3 scene 4
Cyrano assists Christian in getting ready for his interaction with Roxane, encouraging him to memorize lines that Cyrano has penned. Christian, however, declines. He expresses his desire to converse with Roxane using his own language, to which Cyrano responds, with deference, “Speak for yourself, sir.”
act 3 scene 5
Roxane and her chaperone come back. Sitting outside, Roxane wants Christian to verbalize his love for her. Christian attempts this, but his expressions are just basic phrases like “I love you,” “I adore you” and “I love you very much.” Unsatisfied and upset, Roxane retreats indoors. Cyrano appears, sarcastically praising Christian for his splendid performance.
act 3 scene 6
Christian, noticing Roxane's illuminated window, seeks Cyrano's assistance. As the night envelopes them, Cyrano conceals himself beneath Roxane's balcony, with Christian positioned right in front. Tossing pebbles at her window, he manages to draw her attention. Once she appears, Cyrano quietly feeds Christian lines to relay to her.
act 3 scene 7
Overwhelmed by Christian's sentiments, Roxane questions his hesitant speech. Cyrano, growing restless, shoves Christian aside, hidden in the shadows under the balcony. He speaks softly, revealing his deepest feelings to Roxane. As Roxane is increasingly captivated by Cyrano's poetic words, Christian, from below the balcony, demands a kiss. Initially, Cyrano attempts to deter him, but then resolves he cannot stop what is bound to happen and hopes at least to be the one to prompt the kiss. Consequently, Cyrano stays under Roxane’s balcony, convincing her to give him a kiss. Christian then ascends to claim the kiss.
act 3 scene 8
A Capuchin monk arrives, having navigated his way to Roxane's residence. He carries a letter from de Guiche. The message reveals that de Guiche has dodged his military duties by taking refuge in a monastery. Roxane fakes reading the letter out loud, suggesting that de Guiche wants the monk to officiate her marriage to Christian immediately. The monk is initially hesitant, but Roxane feigns finding an additional note promising a substantial monetary donation to the monastery. Suddenly, the monk's reluctance disappears, and he proceeds to carry out the wedding ceremony.
act 3 scene 9
Cyrano stands guard to keep de Guiche from interfering with the unplanned marriage ceremony.
act 3 scene 10
De Guiche makes his presence known. Cyrano, while concealing his identity with his hat, jumps down from a tree onto de Guiche. By feigning to be someone who has just descended from the moon, he keeps de Guiche engrossed with a wild monologue about his space adventures. Finally, Cyrano exposes his face, declares his identity, and states that Roxane and Christian have just been wedded.
act 3 scene 11
Roxane and her husband emerge from their home, receiving a frosty congratulations from De Guiche. He abruptly informs them that the guards must depart for war immediately. He smugly tells Cyrano that their wedding night will need to be postponed. Cyrano mutters that he is unfazed by the news. Roxane, deeply concerned for Christian, pleads with Cyrano to ensure his safety, to prevent him from facing danger, to keep him comfortable, and to ensure his fidelity. Cyrano assures her that he'll do his best, but can't make any guarantees. Roxane then desperately asks him to make sure Christian writes to her every day. At this, Cyrano lights up, confidently promising he can arrange that.
act 4 scene 1
During the Arras siege, the Carbon de Castel-Jaloux cadets are beleaguered, trapped by the Spanish forces and starved of food and water. In the early hours, Le Bret and Carbon are on guard duty, contemplating their grim predicament. The sound of distant gunfire interrupts their conversation, heralding Cyrano's arrival. He's been braving enemy territory each day to deliver a letter to Roxane. To the astonished guards, Cyrano reveals his promise to Roxane -- ensuring Christian writes to her each day. He gazes at the sleeping Christian, noting his emaciated state, yet acknowledging his enduring attractiveness.
act 4 scene 2
As daylight emerges and the beat of drums echo, Cyrano departs to pen another missive. The cadets stir from their sleep, voicing their complaints about their gnawing hunger. Discussion of a rebellion ensues, leading Carbon to seek assistance from Cyrano.
act 4 scene 3
Cyrano steps forward, addressing the cadets and enlivening their spirits with an ingenious talk and a fervent dedication to their mission. He asks a piper to perform a tune from Provence. The cadets feel a pang of homesickness, but their hunger is momentarily forgotten. De Guiche makes an appearance, leading to quiet expressions of discontent among the cadets. Cyrano instructs the disheartened cadets to stop sulking, and encourages them to appear active as de Guiche makes his entry.
act 4 scene 4
Cyrano manipulates de Guiche to brag about his strategy from the previous day's combat, where he discarded his officer's white plume to throw off the Spaniards. Cyrano challenges this act, stating a true brave man wouldn't have discarded the plume, and offers to sport it in the future combat. De Guiche thinks Cyrano is jesting, as the plume is lost on the battlefield, but Cyrano surprises everyone by pulling it out of his pocket. An enraged de Guiche uses the plume to signal a sentry, who dashes towards the Spanish camps. De Guiche predicts a Spanish attack within an hour and foresees the cadets' death. However, he believes this will afford the French forces valuable time. Cyrano gratefully accepts the chance to die gloriously. Christian expresses his desire to bid Roxane goodbye. Cyrano presents him a farewell letter he penned. A tear stain on the letter nearly reveals Cyrano's secret to Christian, but the arrival of a mystery coach disrupts them.
act 4 scene 5
De Guiche is under the impression that the carriage is a royal one. However, his and the rest of the men's astonishment is palpable when Roxane disembarks from it. She explains that the ongoing war was simply unbearable and she needed to see Christian. All three, Cyrano, Christian, and de Guiche insist she departs swiftly due to the imminent Spanish assault. Defying them, she asserts her bravery, reminding them she is Cyrano’s kin. This results in de Guiche storming off in a huff.
act 4 scene 6
Roxane is introduced to Carbon's crew and, much to their astonishment and joy, she reveals Ragueneau—and the sumptuous meal he has cooked for the cadets—from her carriage. The soldiers feast heartily, but promptly conceal the food when de Guiche makes his return.
act 4 scene 7
De Guiche declares his intention to remain and battle if Roxane does the same. His decision convinces the soldiers he must be a true Gascon, and they extend an offer of food to him. He declines, bolstering their respect for him further. Cyrano shares with Christian that he has been writing to Roxane more frequently than Christian was aware—daily, in fact. Christian is once again suspicious about Cyrano's hidden feelings, but Roxane's interruption prevents further discussion.
act 4 scene 8
Christian inquires about the reason Roxane put herself in danger to see him once more. She reveals that it was his eloquent love letters that drove her to such lengths. Initially, Roxane admits she was smitten by his physical attractiveness, but now, she's more drawn to his personality, the one she perceived via his letters. Upon hearing Roxane's declaration that she would still love him even if he were horrid looking, Christian becomes disconsolate. He instructs her to converse with the cadets and to grace them with her smile, for they're on the brink of death.
act 4 scene 9
Christian confesses to Cyrano that Roxane's affections have shifted from him to his "soul", suggesting she's actually in love with Cyrano. He confronts Cyrano about concealing his reciprocal feelings. Unable to refute it, Christian urges Cyrano to confess to Roxane and let her decide. Upon calling Roxane over, Christian leaves them alone. Cyrano poses a hypothetical question to Roxane: could she still love Christian if he was physically unattractive? Her affirmative response elates Cyrano, and he almost discloses his secret. But a sudden burst of gunfire interrupts. Le Bret urgently requests Cyrano's attention, whispering something that leads Cyrano to believe he can no longer confess his love to Roxane. Shortly after, a group of soldiers enter the camp carrying an injured Christian.
act 4 scene 10
The soldiers dash into combat, leaving Roxane grieving over Christian's lifeless body. Cyrano whispers to the deceased Christian that he revealed his secret to Roxane, and she picked Christian. The war rages around them as Christian breathes his last. Roxane discovers the goodbye letter that Cyrano authored for Christian beside his heart and crumbles under the weight of her sorrow. Cyrano then instructs Ragueneau and de Guiche to safeguard and escort Roxane away. Meanwhile, Carbon stumbles out from the skirmish, injured twice, but with the army back, victory is within their grasp if they can endure a bit longer. Cyrano assures Carbon and vows to avenge two deaths: Christian's and his own. He dashes into the fray. Hearing a Spanish soldier question why they are so ready to die, Cyrano starts to serenade them with the Cadets of Gascoyne's song, charging into a barrage of bullets, singing amidst the melee.
act 5 scene 1
A decade and a half has passed since 1655, and Cyrano has become a regular topic of discussion among the nuns at the Paris-based Convent of the Ladies of the Cross. They affectionately express how Cyrano's weekly visits over the past decade have brought them joy. It’s also mentioned that his cousin Roxane, now a widow, moved into the convent subsequent to her husband's passing, and Cyrano has been visiting her ever since.
act 5 scene 2
Roxane is seen in the convent park with de Guiche, now elderly yet still a noble figure in France. He queries her loyalty to Christian's memory to which she affirms. When asked if she holds any grudges against him, she simply answers, “I am here.” Roxane reveals that she keeps Christian's final letter close to her heart and that Cyrano visits her weekly, providing the latest updates in his unique, informal manner. De Guiche and Roxane are joined by Le Bret, who shares the unfortunate news of Cyrano's declining status—he is aging, impoverished, and disliked by many due to his continuous ridicule of societal hypocrisy. Despite Cyrano's state, de Guiche admires his way of life, expressing his wish to greet him personally. In a private discussion, de Guiche informs Le Bret of a murder plot against Cyrano by some nobles. Le Bret agrees to dissuade Cyrano from leaving his home.
act 5 scene 3
A distressed Ragueneau enters suddenly. While Roxane steps away to converse with de Guiche, Ragueneau confides in Le Bret. He reveals that Cyrano was walking under a tall window when some servants intentionally dropped a heavy log on him, causing his skull to fracture. Cyrano is just clinging to life, with any movement of his head potentially being fatal. Alarmed, Le Bret and Ragueneau rush to his aid.
act 5 scene 4
Roxane returns to the scene and begins to embroider under a fall tree after the others have left. A nun declares Cyrano's presence.
act 5 scene 5
Cyrano makes his appearance, looking pale and in discomfort. However, he converses with Roxane energetically, becoming serious only to inform her that he has to leave before nightfall. Despite Roxane's objections, she urges Cyrano to joke with the nuns. He surprises Sister Marthe by announcing in a cheerful manner that he will allow her to pray for him during vespers. Cyrano humorously recounts the latest court gossip to Roxane, but he soon becomes visibly pained and eventually faints. Roxane rushes to Cyrano's side as he regains consciousness. He downplays his injury, claiming it's just an old wound. Roxane empathetically places her hand over her heart, mentioning that everyone has old wounds. Cyrano brings up Christian’s letter and voices his desire to read it. Roxane hesitates, mentioning the letter is smeared with blood and tears, hence difficult to read. Eventually, she hands it over to him, and he starts reading the words he composed for her years ago. As dusk settles, Roxane is taken aback by the familiarity of the voice reading the letter. Gradually, she connects the voice to the one she heard under her balcony. As night sets in, she observes Cyrano reading the letter with no difficulty. Roxane finally puts the pieces together and declares that Cyrano was the one all along. Even though he denies it, she has understood the truth. She questions why he maintained his silence for such a long time since the tears on the letter were his. Cyrano clarifies that the blood on it belonged to Christian.
act 5 scene 6
In a startling turn of events, Ragueneau and Le Bret enter, distressed to report that Cyrano has arrived at the convent in a fragile state. Cyrano reveals his unfinished gazette, explaining that on the evening of the 26th, he was assaulted and left for dead. He shows them his heavily bandaged head and comments on the cruel irony that he, who desired a glorious death, was attacked by a log from behind. Ragueneau, in tears, informs Cyrano that Molière used one of his scenes in his new play. Cyrano enquires if the audience enjoyed it, receiving confirmation that they did. He reflects that his purpose has been to inspire others - Molière with talent, Christian with beauty - while he remained unseen, the unrecognized source of their success. Roxane, unable to control her feelings, confesses her love for Cyrano and mourns his impending death, lamenting that the only man she ever loved, she has now lost twice. Cyrano starts to lose his grip on reality, reciting a lighthearted poem about his life before collapsing into a chair. Roxane weeps. Cyrano insists on dying upright, and with the aid of a tree, he stands, sword in hand. He imagines death as a skeletal adversary mocking his nose, and in his delirium, he battles unseen foes, shouting their names: Lies, Prejudice, Cowardice, Stupidity, Compromise. He asserts that while his enemies may have stripped him of all his accolades, he retains one thing they cannot steal. As he collapses into the arms of Le Bret and Ragueneau, Roxane kisses his forehead and asks what untouched thing he will carry to the heavens. Just before his last breath, he opens his eyes to look at her and whispers, “My white plume.”
