# The Age of Reason — Character guide

> Key figures in The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine.

- [Thomas Paine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/thomas_paine.md): Author and narrator of the work, arguing for deism and critiquing organized religion.
- [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jesus_christ.md): Central figure of Christianity whose character and history are examined critically by Paine.
- [Moses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/moses.md): Traditional author of the Pentateuch, whose works are analyzed as historical documents.
- [Matthew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/matthew.md): Evangelist whose gospel is examined for contradictions and historical accuracy.
- [Luke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/luke.md): Evangelist whose gospel is compared with others to highlight inconsistencies.
- [Isaiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/isaiah.md): Old Testament prophet whose writings are discussed in Paine's critique.
- [Joshua](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/joshua.md): Biblical figure whose book is analyzed for historical and moral content.
- [Jeremiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jeremiah.md): Old Testament prophet whose writings are cited in Paine's analysis.
- [Jonah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jonah.md): Biblical prophet whose story is used to illustrate absurdities in scripture.
- [Saul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/saul.md): First king of Israel, discussed in the context of Old Testament history.
- [David](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/david.md): King of Israel and central figure in Old Testament narratives examined by Paine.
- [Mark](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/mark.md): Evangelist whose gospel is scrutinized for historical reliability.
- [Joseph le Bon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/joseph_le_bon.md): French revolutionary figure mentioned in Paine's political commentary.
- [Samuel Adams](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/samuel_adams.md): American revolutionary and political figure referenced by Paine.
- [Satan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/satan.md): Biblical adversary discussed in the context of Christian theology.
- [Ahaz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/ahaz.md): King of Judah mentioned in Old Testament prophecies.
- [Solomon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/solomon.md): Biblical king known for wisdom, whose writings are analyzed.
- [Zedekiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/zedekiah.md): Last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity.
- [Malachi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/malachi.md): Old Testament prophet whose book is discussed in Paine's critique.
- [Cyrus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/cyrus.md): Persian king who allowed Jews to return from exile, mentioned in prophecy.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/paul.md): Apostle whose writings are examined for contradictions with the gospels.
- [Dr. Conyers Middleton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/conyers_middleton.md): English scholar whose work on miracles is cited by Paine.
- [Judas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/judas.md): Apostle who betrayed Jesus, discussed in gospel analysis.
- [Daniel Isaacs Eaton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/daniel_isaacs_eaton.md): Publisher of Paine's works, mentioned in the text.
- [John the Baptist](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/john_the_baptist.md): Biblical prophet who baptized Jesus, referenced in gospels.
- [Elisha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/elisha.md): Old Testament prophet and successor to Elijah.
- [Nebuchadnezzar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/nebuchadnezzar.md): Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, mentioned in prophecy.
- [Ezekiel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/ezekiel.md): Old Testament prophet whose visions are analyzed by Paine.
- [François Lanthenas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/francois_lanthenas.md): French translator and friend of Paine mentioned in the text.
- [Erskine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/erskine.md): British lawyer who prosecuted Paine for seditious libel.
- [Newton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/newton.md): Scientist whose work is contrasted with biblical cosmology.
- [Mary Magdalene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/mary_magdalene.md): Follower of Jesus mentioned in gospel resurrection accounts.
- [Peter Pindar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/peter_pindar.md): Pseudonym of satirist John Wolcot, referenced by Paine.
- [Abraham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/abraham.md): Patriarch of Judaism and Christianity, discussed in Old Testament analysis.
- [Homer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/homer.md): Ancient Greek poet mentioned in comparison to biblical authors.
- [Adam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/adam.md): First man in the biblical creation story, analyzed by Paine.
- [Virgilius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/virgilius.md): Roman poet referenced in Paine's literary comparisons.
- [Dr. Priestley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/joseph_priestley.md): English scientist and theologian whose views are discussed.
- [Jupiter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jupiter.md): Roman god used as example of pagan mythology.
- [Samson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/samson.md): Biblical judge known for strength, mentioned in Old Testament critique.
- [Whiston](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/whiston.md): English theologian and historian cited by Paine.
- [Job](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/job.md): Biblical figure whose story of suffering is analyzed.
- [Esaias](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/esaias.md): Alternate name for Isaiah used in some biblical references.
- [John Adams](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/john_adams.md): American founding father and second president, mentioned by Paine.
- [Elias Hicks](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/elias_hicks.md): Quaker preacher whose views are referenced by Paine.
- [Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/muhammad.md): Founder of Islam, mentioned in comparative religious discussion.
- [Virgin Mary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/virgin_mary.md): Mother of Jesus, discussed in gospel narratives.
- [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/robespierre.md): French revolutionary leader mentioned in political context.
- [Thomas Williams](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/thomas_williams.md): Bookseller prosecuted for publishing Paine's works.
- [Euclid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/euclid.md): Ancient Greek mathematician cited for logical reasoning.
- [Saturn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/saturn.md): Roman god mentioned in pagan mythology comparisons.
- [Cicero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/cicero.md): Roman orator and philosopher referenced by Paine.
- [Ezra](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/ezra.md): Biblical scribe associated with restoration of Jewish law.
- [King Lemuel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/king_lemuel.md): Biblical king mentioned in Proverbs, analyzed by Paine.
- [Eve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/eve.md): First woman in the biblical creation story.
- [Boulanger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/boulanger.md): French author referenced in Paine's religious critique.
- [Couthon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/couthon.md): French revolutionary figure mentioned in political context.
- [Kant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/kant.md): German philosopher mentioned in philosophical discussion.
- [Jehoshaphat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jehoshaphat.md): King of Judah mentioned in Old Testament history.
- [Benjamin Franklin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/benjamin_franklin.md): American founding father and inventor, mentioned by Paine.
- [Swift](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/swift.md): Anglo-Irish satirist referenced in literary context.
- [Agur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/agur.md): Biblical author of Proverbs 30, analyzed by Paine.
- [Joel Barlow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/joel_barlow.md): American poet and diplomat, friend of Paine.
- [Mr. Monroe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/mr_monroe.md): American diplomat who assisted Paine in France.
- [Venus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/venus.md): Roman goddess mentioned in pagan mythology comparisons.
- [Jeroboam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/jeroboam.md): First king of the northern Kingdom of Israel.
- [Pharaoh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/pharaoh.md): Egyptian king in the Exodus story, discussed by Paine.
- [Boniface](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/boniface.md): Christian missionary saint mentioned in religious history.
- [Herschel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/herschel.md): Astronomer whose discoveries are referenced by Paine.
- [Hezekiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/hezekiah.md): King of Judah during the Assyrian siege.
- [Junius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/junius.md): Pseudonymous political writer referenced by Paine.
- [Abner](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/abner.md): Biblical military commander under King Saul.
- [Solon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/characters/solon.md): Athenian lawgiver mentioned in political comparison.

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