Character guide

Ben-Hur

major

Also known as Ben Hur, Benjamin, Hur, Judah, Prince Ben-Hur

A Jewish prince betrayed and enslaved, who rises to become a charioteer and seeks redemption.

Messala

major

Also known as a Messala, the young Messala, The Messala

Ben-Hur's former friend turned Roman rival, whose betrayal sets the story in motion.

Esther

supporting

Also known as fair Esther, Fair Esther

The daughter of Simonides, a loyal and gentle figure who becomes Ben-Hur's love interest.

Simonides

supporting

Also known as old Simonides, O Simonides, Master Simonides

Ben-Hur's faithful steward, a wise and wealthy merchant who manages his affairs.

Balthasar

supporting

Also known as Balthasar the Egyptian, The Egyptian, the good Balthasar

An Egyptian wise man who followed the star to Jesus and becomes a spiritual guide.

Amrah

supporting

Also known as Good Amrah, Poor Amrah

The loyal Egyptian servant who remains devoted to the Hur family through their trials.

Malluch

supporting

Also known as good Malluch, Thus Malluch, O Malluch

A trusted agent of Simonides who assists Ben-Hur on his journey.

Quintus Arrius

supporting

Also known as Quintus, Arrius, Noble Arrius

A Roman tribune who adopts Ben-Hur as his son after saving his life at sea.

Sheik Ilderim

supporting

Also known as The good Sheik Ilderim, old Ilderim, Ilderim the Generous

A wealthy Arab sheik who befriends Ben-Hur and provides horses for the chariot race.

Iras

supporting

The beautiful and cunning daughter of Balthasar, who becomes entangled with Messala.

Tirzah

supporting

Also known as O Tirzah, Poor Tirzah

Ben-Hur's beloved sister, who suffers leprosy and is later healed.

The Nazarene

major

Also known as Nazarene, Jesus of Nazareth, Christ

Jesus Christ, whose life and crucifixion form the spiritual core of the novel.

Valerius Gratus

minor

Also known as Gratus, Valerius

The Roman procurator whose accidental injury leads to Ben-Hur's enslavement.

Thord

minor

Also known as The Northman, Thord the Northman

A fierce Northman who becomes a charioteer and rival in the circus.

Drusus

minor

A Roman nobleman and friend of Messala, involved in the chariot race.

Sanballat

minor

Also known as Presently Sanballat

A Jewish merchant and associate of Simonides in Antioch.

Joseph of Nazareth

minor

Also known as Joseph, Rabbi Joseph

The earthly father of Jesus, a carpenter from Nazareth.

Mary

minor

Also known as Marian, the gentle Mary

The mother of Jesus, present at key moments in his life.

Pontius Pilate

minor

Also known as Pilate

The Roman governor who presides over the trial of Jesus.

Hermes

minor

A Greek servant of Ben-Hur who aids in his plans.

Flavius

minor

Also known as Good Flavius

A Roman officer and friend of Ben-Hur during his service.

Cecilius

minor

A Roman friend of Quintus Arrius who appears in the naval scenes.

Melchior

minor

Also known as the Hindu, Melchior the Hindu

One of the three wise men who visited the infant Jesus.

Gaspar

minor

Also known as Gaspar the Greek, happy Gaspar

One of the three wise men, a Greek who followed the star.

Herod the Great

minor

Also known as Herod, the mighty Herod

The king of Judea who sought to kill the infant Jesus.

Herod Antipas

minor

Also known as Antipas

The tetrarch of Galilee who appears during Jesus' trial.

John the Baptist

minor

Also known as John the Nazarite, the Nazarite

The prophet who baptizes Jesus and heralds his ministry.

Simon

minor

Also known as Simeon

A devout man who recognizes Jesus in the temple as a child.

Jairus

minor

A synagogue ruler whose daughter is raised by Jesus.

Benjamin

minor

A young relative of Ben-Hur who appears in the family scenes.