Character guide

The Narrator

major

Also known as Unknown, this stranger, your, me, he, mine, Mine, himself

The first-person narrator and focal character, reflecting on dreams and memories.

Fanny

supporting

Also known as Miss Fanny, herself

A young woman connected to the narrator's childhood affections.

Levana

supporting

The Roman goddess of childbirth, personified as a guide to sorrow.

Cyclops the Charioteer

supporting

Also known as Cyclops, thou, himself

A mythical charioteer figure in the narrator's dream visions.

The Noble Captain

supporting

Also known as himself

A heroic captain in the mail-coach narrative and dream sequences.

Mr. Wordsworth

minor

Also known as Wordsworth, myself

The poet William Wordsworth, referenced as a contemporary and influence.

Madonna

minor

Also known as mine, our

The Virgin Mary, appearing in devotional and dream contexts.

Turk

minor

Also known as himself

A Turkish figure in the narrator's opium dreams.

Thomas De Quincey

minor

Also known as De Quincey

The author, occasionally referred to in third person.

Jane

minor

Also known as little Jane

A young girl from the narrator's childhood memories.

Mr. Symons

minor

Also known as Symons, himself

An acquaintance of the narrator in the mail-coach episode.

Caesar

minor

Also known as Caesar the Dictator

Julius Caesar, referenced as a historical figure in dreams.

Mr. Palmer

minor

A minor character in the narrator's recollections.

Adam

minor

The biblical first man, appearing in allegorical passages.

Chaucer

minor

Geoffrey Chaucer, referenced as a literary figure.

Jesus Christ

minor

Also known as our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die, Christ

Central figure of Christian faith, invoked in religious reflections.

Mr. Charles White

minor

A historical figure mentioned in the narrator's digressions.

Coleridge

minor

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, referenced as a poet and acquaintance.

Grandpapa

minor

The narrator's grandfather, mentioned in childhood memories.

Grace

minor

Also known as Little Grace

A young girl in the narrator's early life.

Cicero

minor

Roman orator and statesman, cited in philosophical passages.

Apollo

minor

Also known as himself

Greek god of music and poetry, appearing in dream imagery.

Virgil

minor

Roman poet, referenced as a guide in literary allusions.

Mr. Magician

minor

Also known as mine

A mysterious figure in the narrator's dream visions.

Jack

minor

A minor character in the narrator's childhood stories.

Grim

minor

Also known as poor Grim

A dog or pet mentioned in the narrator's memories.

Mr. Waterton

minor

A naturalist referenced in the narrator's digressions.