Virtual Compton Scattering from the Proton and the Properties of Nucleon Excited States

We calculate the $N^*$ contributions to the generalized polarizabilities of the proton in virtual Compton scattering. The following nucleon excitations are included: $N^*(1535)$, $N^*(1650)$, $N^*(1520)$, $N^*(1700)$, $\Delta(1232)$, $\Delta^*(1620)$ and $\Delta^*(1700)$. The relationship between nucleon structure parameters, $N^*$ properties and the generalized polarizabilities of the proton is illustrated.