Barlaam and Ioasaph · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.
Ioasaph
major
Also known as Saint Ioasaph, King Ioasaph, the learned Ioasaph, IX Ioasaph
Prince who converts to Christianity and becomes a hermit after his father's persecution.
Barlaam
major
Also known as Quoth Barlaam, saintly Barlaam, the supposed Barlaam, father Barlaam, blessed Barlaam, Saint Barlaam, the famous and blessed Barlaam
Ascetic hermit who teaches Ioasaph the Christian faith through parables.
Abenner
major
Also known as king Abenner, King Abenner
Pagan king of India who persecutes Christians and opposes his son's conversion.
Theudas
supporting
Also known as Hereupon Theudas
Magician sent by Abenner to debate Barlaam and convert Ioasaph back to paganism.
Nachor
supporting
Hermit disguised as Barlaam who debates Theudas and converts the king's court.
Zardan
supporting
Advisor to King Abenner who helps persecute Christians.
Barachias
supporting
Also known as King Barachias
King who converts to Christianity and later aids Ioasaph.
Araches
supporting
Prince who becomes a disciple of Ioasaph and later a hermit.
Aristides
minor
Athenian philosopher whose apology for Christianity is quoted in the text.
John of Damascus
minor
Also known as St. John, St. John of Damascus, John
Traditional author of the Barlaam and Ioasaph legend.
David
minor
Also known as blessed David
Biblical king cited as an example of repentance and piety.
Paul
minor
Also known as blessed Paul, Paul the divine
Apostle whose writings are frequently quoted in the narrative.
Peter
minor
Apostle mentioned in teachings and parables.
Moses
minor
Biblical lawgiver referenced in Christian instruction.
Abraham
minor
Patriarch cited as a model of faith.
Adam
minor
First man, referenced in discussions of sin and redemption.
Mary
minor
Mother of Jesus, mentioned in theological contexts.
Lazarus
minor
Biblical figure raised from the dead, used as an example.
Esay
minor
Prophet Isaiah, quoted in Christian teachings.
H. Zotenberg
minor
Also known as Zotenberg
Modern editor or scholar cited in the endnotes.
