# Practical Mysticism — Character guide

> Key figures in Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill.

- [The Practical Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/the_practical_man.md): A recurring rhetorical figure representing worldly, non-mystical attitudes.
- [St. Teresa of Ávila](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/teresa_of_avila.md): A Christian mystic and Doctor of the Church, cited as an exemplar of contemplative prayer.
- [John Keats](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/john_keats.md): Romantic poet quoted for his concept of negative capability and mystical insight.
- [William Blake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/william_blake.md): Poet and artist whose visionary works illustrate mystical perception.
- [Walt Whitman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/walt_whitman.md): American poet whose democratic mysticism is referenced in the text.
- [Jan van Ruysbroeck](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/jan_van_ruysbroeck.md): Flemish mystic and writer on the spiritual life, cited as an authority.
- [Florence Nightingale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/florence_nightingale.md): Nurse and social reformer, mentioned as an example of practical mysticism.
- [Julian of Norwich](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/julian_of_norwich.md): Medieval English mystic and author of 'Revelations of Divine Love'.
- [St. John of the Cross](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/john_of_the_cross.md): Spanish Carmelite mystic and poet, cited for his teachings on the dark night.
- [St. Thomas Aquinas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/thomas_aquinas.md): Medieval theologian and philosopher, referenced for his views on contemplation.
- [Plotinus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/plotinus.md): Neoplatonic philosopher whose writings on the One inform mystical tradition.
- [The Theologia Germanica](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/theologia_germanica.md): Anonymous 14th-century mystical treatise, cited as a spiritual classic.
- [St. Francis of Assisi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/francis_of_assisi.md): Italian saint and founder of the Franciscans, exemplar of mystical love.

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