Louis XV is the King of France during the early portion of The Rose of Versailles and the grandfather of the Dauphin, who later becomes Louis XVI. He governs from the Palace of Versailles with a demeanor that is stern and authoritative, reflecting his awareness of his royal position and his willingness to assert his power over the court. Despite this commanding exterior, he is portrayed as being somewhat naïve when it comes to more complex or concerning matters of state and palace intrigue. His primary motivation in the story is to maintain the stability and prestige of the French monarchy through strategic marriages and alliances, which is why he supports the marriage of his grandson to Marie Antoinette of Austria. His role in the narrative is that of the reigning monarch whose decisions set the stage for the political and social dynamics of Versailles. He is closely linked to the courtesan Madame du Barry, who is his mistress and a significant figure at court. Du Barry often maneuvers for influence and is antagonistic toward Marie Antoinette, creating tension that Louis XV does little to curb. His relationship with Marie Antoinette is formal and somewhat distant, as he views her primarily as a diplomatic tool rather than a personal relation. Over the course of the story, Louis XV does not undergo significant personal development; he remains a static representation of the old monarchy. His reign ends when he dies of smallpox within the Palace of Versailles, an event that triggers the transfer of power to his grandson and alters the political landscape. In terms of notable abilities, his authority as king allows him to command the court and shape the lives of those around him, but he is not depicted as possessing exceptional skills beyond the exercise of royal prerogative. His death marks a turning point that leads to the removal of Madame du Barry from Versailles and the beginning of a new era under Louis XVI.