Character guide

Cornelius van Baerle

major

Also known as Cornelius, Dr. van Baerle, Baerle, Dr. Cornelius, Dr. Cornelius van Baerle, Poor honest Van Baerle, the unfortunate Van Baerle, Van Baerle

A tulip-growing doctor imprisoned for treason, who cultivates the black tulip.

Rosa Gryphus

major

Also known as Rosa, the fair Rosa, little Rosa, poor Rosa, Rosa Barloensis

The jailer's daughter who helps Cornelius and falls in love with him.

Isaac Boxtel

major

Also known as Boxtel, Isaac, Mynheer Boxtel, Master Jacob, Jacob, Mr. Jacob, Master Boxtel, Mynheer Isaac Boxtel, Mynheer Isaac, fool Boxtel

Cornelius's jealous neighbor who schemes to steal the black tulip.

Gryphus

supporting

Also known as Master Gryphus, old Gryphus, My good Master Gryphus, good Master Gryphus, Old Gryphus

The brutal jailer of Loewestein and Rosa's father.

Cornelius de Witt

supporting

Also known as Cornelius de Witt, Mynheer Cornelius, Mynheer de Witt, Mynheer Cornelius de Witt, the unfortunate Cornelius de Witt, Poor Cornelius

A Dutch statesman and brother of John de Witt, executed by a mob.

John de Witt

supporting

Also known as John, Mynheer John, Mynheer John de Witt, the Grand Pensionary, the Grand Pensionary John

The Grand Pensionary of Holland, murdered alongside his brother.

William of Orange

supporting

Also known as William, the Prince of Orange, Prince William, the Prince

The Prince of Orange who becomes Stadtholder and opposes the De Witts.

President van Systens

supporting

Also known as Van Systens, the President van Systens, Mynheer van Systens, Mynheer Peter van Systens

President of the Horticultural Society of Haarlem who judges the tulip contest.

Craeke

minor

Also known as honest Craeke

Cornelius de Witt's loyal servant who warns him of danger.

Count Tilly

minor

Also known as Tilly, Captain Tilly

Captain of the cavalry guard who protects the De Witt brothers.

Tyckelaer

minor

Also known as Honest Tyckelaer

A burgher of the Hague who incites the mob against the De Witts.

Van Deken

minor

Also known as Captain Van Deken, Captain van Deken

A captain who assists in the execution of Cornelius de Witt.

Bowelt

minor

Also known as Mynheer Bowelt, Mynheer d'Asperen, the Deputy Bowelt

A deputy sent to escort Cornelius van Baerle to Loewestein.

Grotius

minor

Also known as Mynheer Grotius

A famous Dutch jurist mentioned as a former prisoner of Loewestein.

Mathias

minor

A minor character who assists in the prison escape plot.

Master van Spennen

minor

Also known as Van Spennen

A Haarlem notary involved in the tulip society's proceedings.

Marquis de Louvois

minor

French minister of war who corresponds with William of Orange.

Louis XIV

minor

Also known as Louis

King of France, mentioned in diplomatic context with Holland.