# Barlaam and Ioasaph — Character guide

> Key figures in Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

- [Ioasaph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/ioasaph.md): Prince who converts to Christianity and becomes a hermit after his father's persecution.
- [Barlaam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/barlaam.md): Ascetic hermit who teaches Ioasaph the Christian faith through parables.
- [Abenner](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/abenner.md): Pagan king of India who persecutes Christians and opposes his son's conversion.
- [Theudas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/theudas.md): Magician sent by Abenner to debate Barlaam and convert Ioasaph back to paganism.
- [Nachor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/nachor.md): Hermit disguised as Barlaam who debates Theudas and converts the king's court.
- [Zardan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/zardan.md): Advisor to King Abenner who helps persecute Christians.
- [Barachias](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/barachias.md): King who converts to Christianity and later aids Ioasaph.
- [Araches](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/arachis.md): Prince who becomes a disciple of Ioasaph and later a hermit.
- [Aristides](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/aristides.md): Athenian philosopher whose apology for Christianity is quoted in the text.
- [John of Damascus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/john_of_damascus.md): Traditional author of the Barlaam and Ioasaph legend.
- [David](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/david.md): Biblical king cited as an example of repentance and piety.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/paul.md): Apostle whose writings are frequently quoted in the narrative.
- [Peter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/peter.md): Apostle mentioned in teachings and parables.
- [Moses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/moses.md): Biblical lawgiver referenced in Christian instruction.
- [Adam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/adam.md): First man, referenced in discussions of sin and redemption.
- [Mary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/mary.md): Mother of Jesus, mentioned in theological contexts.
- [Lazarus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/lazarus.md): Biblical figure raised from the dead, used as an example.
- [Esay](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/esay.md): Prophet Isaiah, quoted in Christian teachings.
- [H. Zotenberg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/zotenberg.md): Modern editor or scholar cited in the endnotes.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters