The Originals: Marcel’s rise to power, betrayal, and return — full arc breakdown

Marcel Gerard is one of the important characters in The Originals, a supernatural spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. The show offers a deep insight into loyalty and legacy among vampires, witches, and werewolves.

Marcel Gerard is Klaus’ former protégé and a symbol of rebellion within the narrative of The Originals. He stands as a catalyst for change who challenged his own family and became the de facto ruler of the city.

Marcel's origin story

Marcel Gerard’s arc in The Originals is deeply marked by struggle. He was initially a slave from 19th‑century New Orleans, the illegitimate son of a plantation owner. He had Klaus Mikaelson rescue him and raise him as his surrogate son.

Marcel initially had respect for Klaus, and he wished to be with Rebekah. But Klaus fears corruption and that once turned, Marcel will abandon Rebekah. Thus, Klaus refuses to turn Marcel initially. Klaus thought that if he turned, there was a chance that Marcel Gerard would lose sight of who he is and become a monster.

When Klaus gives him a choice, he chooses to live as a vampire, leaving the idea of spending his life with Rebekah behind.

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Rule of New Orleans

In the year 1919, Klaus and his siblings fled when their vengeful patriarch arrived. In their absence, Marcel (now turned a vampire) slowly ceases to hold the place.

By the time Mikaelsons returned, Marcel Gerard had already declared himself king of the French Quarter. Under his rule, strict rules are brought in: he bans witchcraft, subdues werewolves, and pushes discipline through daylight rings.

He rewarded the loyal followers. His system drew more followers into his fold, and his political aptitude soon grew popular.

Marcel won the mass with his kindness and decision making—he protects children, he stops witch sacrifices, gains the loyalty of Davina Claire and strictly punishes those who got after minors.

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Tensions, Betrayal, and War

Mikaelson’s return in Season 2. Soon, the conflict that has been brewing takes full shape in The Originals. Marcel Gerard and Klaus are no longer close, and Klaus hates Marcel for seizing what he considered his legacy.

Rebekah also feels betrayed by Marcel when she is forced to live apart from her loved one. In all of this, Elijah stays loyal to his siblings. Soon, all of this conflict leads to a civil war in the world of the supernaturals.

What marks a turning point in the story is Davina’s death in season 3. Marcel thinks that Klaus and the Mikaelsons are the ones responsible for her death. His grief soon turns into wrath and vengeance, and he chooses to go to war.

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The Beast Emerges

In the Season 3 Marcel Gerard gets hold of Lucien Castle’s serum, that turns him into an “Upgraded Original.” This change is significant as it equips him with unmatched strength. He was now capable of killing an Original with one bite, but even more terrifying will be his ability to compel them into submission.

A dramatic public trial takes place where his followers use the Tunde Blade to injure Klaus and get Mikaelsons to submit to Marcel's will. Elijah, fearing a potential prophecy, decides to step in. Threatened by his growing ruthlessness and fear that he will kill all of his siblings, Elijah rips out Marcel’s heart and disposes of him from a bridge. But here comes the twist: Marcel survives.

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Resurrection and Full‑Scale Revolt

Upon coming back, Marcel almost assumes himself a beast. He sparks a civil war, pulling all factions into it. He punishes witches mercilessly with guerrilla tactics and reclaims the city when Mikaelsons appear after 5 years.

Season 4 opens five years after the fall of Mikaelsons, establishing him as the sole ruler of New Orleans. He imprisons Klaus to keep him in check, and this marks the beginning of a tense yet relatively stable world.

In this period of relative peace, the arrival of the Hollow signals a new conflict. Hollow is an ancient, formidable evil and threat from this entity that makes Marcel realign with those he once overthrew.

Final Resolution and Departure

This tension-packed arc ends when the Mikaelsons (Klaus and Elijah) offer their lives to destroy the Hollow. All ends well for Rebekah when she is reunited with Marcel and accepts his proposal.

In the end, they are spotted together. Marcel, who once turned against many in New Orleans, now rules over humans and pledges to carry forward a new life.

Also read: Top 10 saddest deaths in 'The Originals,' ranked