Character guide

Manfred

major

Also known as the savage Manfred, III Manfred

The tyrannical prince of Otranto, driven by a prophecy and desperate to secure his lineage.

Isabella

major

Also known as the Lady Isabella, cruel Prince

The daughter of Frederic, pursued by Manfred and later protected by Theodore.

Matilda

major

Also known as the terrified Matilda, the gentle Matilda, the lovely Matilda

Manfred's gentle daughter, secretly in love with Theodore.

Theodore

major

Also known as young Theodore

A mysterious young peasant who becomes a knight and reveals his noble lineage.

Hippolita

supporting

Also known as the Princess Hippolita, the virtuous and tender Hippolita

Manfred's virtuous wife, devoted to her family and faith.

Frederic

supporting

Also known as Lord Frederic, the said Lord Frederic

The Marquis of Vicenza, father of Isabella, who arrives seeking his daughter.

Bianca

supporting

Matilda's talkative and superstitious servant.

Jerome

supporting

Also known as Father Jerome, Friar Jerome

A holy friar who counsels Manfred and harbors secrets about Theodore's past.

Conrad

minor

Also known as young Conrad, Young Conrad

Manfred's sickly son, whose sudden death sets the plot in motion.

Alfonso

minor

Also known as Prince Alfonso, Alfonso the Good, good Alfonso, Lord Alfonso

The former rightful prince of Otranto, whose ghostly presence haunts the castle.

Don Ricardo

minor

Also known as Ricardo

Manfred's grandfather, whose usurpation of Otranto is revealed.

Jaquez

minor

A servant in Manfred's castle, often sent on errands.

Diego

minor

A servant who reports strange occurrences in the castle.

The Stranger

minor

Also known as this stranger

A mysterious knight who appears in the castle and challenges Manfred.

Horace Walpole

minor

Also known as H. W., Walpole

The author of the novel, appearing in the preface and introduction.

Holy Father

minor

Also known as Father

A religious figure invoked in prayers and exclamations.

Madam

minor

Also known as Dear Madam

A formal address used for noblewomen, especially Hippolita.

St. Nicholas

minor

Also known as Nicholas

A saint invoked by characters in moments of distress.

Heaven

minor

A divine force frequently appealed to by characters.

Providence

minor

A personification of divine guidance in the narrative.

Thomas Gray

minor

Also known as Gray

A poet mentioned in the preface as a literary reference.

Martelli

minor

A minor character referenced in the narrative.

Victoria

minor

A minor character mentioned in passing.