The Blazing World · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish.
The Empress
major
Also known as Empress
Ruler of the Blazing World, central protagonist who governs and seeks knowledge.
The Duchess of Newcastle
major
Also known as Duchess, the Duchess
Narrator and companion to the Empress, representing the author's voice.
The Worm-men
supporting
Also known as the Worm - men, The Worm - men
Inhabitants of the Blazing World who assist the Empress with natural philosophy.
The Priests
supporting
Also known as the priests
Religious figures in the Blazing World who advise the Empress on spiritual matters.
Prudence
minor
Personification of prudence, a virtue discussed in the Empress's court.
Fortune
minor
Also known as Lady Fortune, Great Fortune
Personification of fortune, referenced as a guiding force in the narrative.
Honesty
minor
Personification of honesty, a virtue mentioned in the Empress's dialogues.
Folly
minor
Personification of folly, contrasted with wisdom in the Empress's reflections.
The Serpent
minor
Symbolic serpent in the Blazing World, representing temptation or wisdom.
Moses
minor
Biblical figure referenced in discussions of religion and law.
Alexander
minor
Historical conqueror mentioned as a comparison to rulers.
Caesar
minor
Roman emperor referenced in political analogies.
Edward Kelly
minor
Also known as Kelly
Alchemist and mystic mentioned in the context of occult knowledge.
Ben Jonson
minor
Playwright referenced as a literary figure.
Adam
minor
First man from Genesis, cited in theological discussions.
The Devil
minor
Satanic figure referenced in moral and religious contexts.
Plato
minor
Also known as divine Plato
Ancient philosopher invoked in debates about ideal forms and knowledge.
Truth
minor
Also known as Beautiful Truth
Personification of truth, a concept explored in the Empress's inquiries.
The Cabbalists
minor
Also known as Cabbalists
Mystical scholars whose teachings are discussed in the narrative.
The Cabbala
minor
Also known as Cabbala, a Cabbala
Esoteric system of interpretation referenced as a source of wisdom.
Fowls
minor
Bird-like inhabitants of the Blazing World, part of its diverse fauna.
