Character guide

Christopher Columbus

major

Also known as Columbus, great Columbus

The Genoese explorer who discovers the New World, serving as the epic hero of the poem.

Hesper

major

A divine or allegorical figure guiding Columbus, representing the western hemisphere or evening star.

Manco Capac

supporting

Also known as Capac

Legendary founder of the Inca civilization, appearing as a wise ruler in the narrative.

Ninus

minor

Ancient Assyrian king, mentioned as a historical conqueror and example of tyranny.

Homer

minor

The ancient Greek poet, invoked as an epic predecessor and source of inspiration.

Dread Lawrence

supporting

Also known as Lawrence, the contristed Lawrence, Lorenzo

A character representing a sorrowful or formidable figure, possibly a historical or allegorical leader.

Mr. West

minor

Also known as West

Likely the painter Benjamin West, appearing as a character or artistic figure in the poem.

Muhammad

minor

The prophet of Islam, referenced as a historical and religious leader in the epic's scope.

Washington

major

Also known as Washington superior, sage Washington, swift Washington, young Washington, dread Washington

George Washington, the American general and future president, portrayed as a heroic leader.

Wise Capac

supporting

Also known as Capac

A wise Inca ruler, possibly a different Capac from Manco, advising or acting in the narrative.

Greene

supporting

Nathanael Greene, an American Revolutionary War general, depicted as a capable commander.

Sage Franklin

supporting

Also known as Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, the American statesman and inventor, appearing as a wise counselor.

The sweet Lucinda

supporting

Also known as Lucinda

A beautiful and virtuous woman, likely a love interest or allegorical figure of sweetness.

Zamor

supporting

A native American character, possibly a guide or ally to Columbus in the New World.

Burgoyne

supporting

Also known as sad Burgoyne, General Burgoyne

British General John Burgoyne, defeated at Saratoga, shown as a tragic figure.

Cornwallis

supporting

Also known as brave Cornwallis

British General Charles Cornwallis, surrendering at Yorktown, depicted with reluctant respect.

Young Capac

minor

Also known as Capac

A younger Inca ruler, possibly a son or successor, active in the Peruvian episodes.

Morgan

minor

Daniel Morgan, an American rifleman and general, known for his sharpshooters in the Revolution.

Columbia

supporting

The personification of America, often appearing as a goddess-like figure guiding the nation.

Garcilasso de la Vega

minor

Also known as Garcilasso, Inca Garcilasso de la Vega

The Inca-Spanish historian, appearing as a narrator or source of Peruvian history.

Benjamin West

minor

Also known as West

The American painter, possibly depicted creating art that commemorates the epic events.

Herkimer

minor

Nicholas Herkimer, an American general mortally wounded at the Battle of Oriskany.

Rocha

minor

Also known as young Rocha

A young character, possibly a native or Spanish figure, involved in the New World narrative.

Napo

minor

A figure associated with the Napo River or region, possibly a native leader or guide.

Oella

minor

Also known as Mama Oella

A maternal or nurturing figure, possibly an Inca queen or allegorical mother.

Taylor

minor

An American officer or soldier, likely a minor character in the Revolutionary War scenes.

Moses

minor

Also known as Lycurgus

The biblical lawgiver and Spartan lawgiver, paired as examples of ancient legislators.

Huana Capac

minor

Also known as Huana, Capac

An Inca emperor, father of Atahualpa, appearing in the Peruvian historical narrative.

Bartholomew de las Casas

minor

Also known as Bartholomew

The Spanish friar and historian, defender of indigenous rights, appearing as a moral voice.

Hernando Cortez

minor

Also known as Cortez

The Spanish conquistador of Mexico, depicted as a ruthless but bold explorer.

Britannia

minor

Also known as brave Wolfe, Wolfe, Wolfe Britannia

The personification of Britain and General James Wolfe, victor at Quebec.

Pedro de la Gasca

minor

A Spanish priest and diplomat who pacified Peru after the civil wars.

Luther

minor

Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, referenced as a figure of religious change.

Arnold

supporting

Also known as Brave Arnold trod, General Arnold

Benedict Arnold, the American general who turned traitor, shown with complex bravery.

Ferdinand

minor

King Ferdinand of Spain, sponsor of Columbus's voyage, appearing as a royal patron.

Montgomery

minor

General Richard Montgomery, American hero killed at the Battle of Quebec.

Moxoe

minor

A native American character, possibly a chief or warrior in the New World episodes.

Albion

minor

Also known as bright Albion

The personification of England, often contrasted with Columbia in the poem.

Lincoln

minor

Also known as Undaunted Lincoln, joyous Lincoln

General Benjamin Lincoln, an American officer who served in the Southern campaign.

Xerxes

minor

The Persian king, invoked as an example of ancient imperial ambition and defeat.

Venus

minor

The Roman goddess of love, appearing in classical allusions within the epic.

Herschel

minor

William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus, representing scientific discovery.

Isabella

minor

Also known as Queen Isabella

Queen Isabella of Spain, who supported Columbus's expedition, appearing as a regal figure.

Atlas

minor

The Titan who holds up the sky, used as a mythological reference in the poem.

Jacob

minor

The biblical patriarch, referenced in religious contexts within the epic.

Frazer

minor

A British officer, possibly General Simon Fraser, killed at the Battle of Saratoga.

Virgil

minor

The Roman epic poet, invoked as a model for the Columbiad's poetic style.

Sage Raleigh

minor

Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and writer, appearing as a wise figure.

Howe

minor

General William Howe, British commander during the American Revolution.

Numa

minor

Numa Pompilius, the legendary second king of Rome, a lawgiver and peacemaker.

Hudson

minor

Henry Hudson, the English explorer of the river and bay named after him.

Francis de Bovadilla

minor

Also known as Bovadilla, Francis

A Spanish colonial administrator who replaced Columbus as governor of Hispaniola.

Randolph

minor

Peyton Randolph, American patriot and first President of the Continental Congress.

Nicholas de Ovando

minor

Also known as Ovando

Spanish governor of Hispaniola who succeeded Bovadilla and opposed Columbus.

Starke

minor

General John Stark, American hero of the Battle of Bennington in the Revolution.

Wolsey

minor

Also known as proud Wolsey

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, English statesman, used as an example of fallen pride.

Wolcott

minor

Oliver Wolcott, American patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Carleton

minor

Also known as General Sir Guy Carleton, General Carleton

British General Guy Carleton, governor of Quebec during the American Revolution.

Drake

minor

Sir Francis Drake, English sea captain and explorer of the New World.

Voltaire

minor

French Enlightenment philosopher, referenced for his wit and criticism of religion.

Charles V

minor

Also known as Charles

Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain during the conquest of the Americas.

Sir Philip Sidney

minor

Also known as Philip

English poet and soldier, a model of Renaissance chivalry and learning.

Clinton

minor

Sir Henry Clinton, British general during the American Revolutionary War.

Atabalipa

minor

Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, executed by Francisco Pizarro.

Sir William Johnson

minor

Also known as Sir William

British superintendent of Indian affairs in the American colonies.

Braddock

minor

General Edward Braddock, British commander defeated at the Battle of the Monongahela.

William Penn

minor

Also known as Penn

Founder of Pennsylvania, shown treating peacefully with Native Americans.

Alexander

minor

Alexander the Great, ancient conqueror, used as a benchmark for military ambition.

Pizarro

minor

Also known as O curst Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro, Spanish conquistador of Peru, depicted as cruel and greedy.

Wayne

minor

General Anthony Wayne, American officer known for his daring in the Revolution.

Cupid

minor

The Roman god of love, appearing in mythological scenes within the poem.