# The Columbiad — Character guide

> Key figures in The Columbiad by Joel Barlow.

- [Christopher Columbus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/christopher_columbus.md): The Genoese explorer who discovers the New World, serving as the epic hero of the poem.
- [Hesper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/hesper.md): A divine or allegorical figure guiding Columbus, representing the western hemisphere or evening star.
- [Manco Capac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/manco_capac.md): Legendary founder of the Inca civilization, appearing as a wise ruler in the narrative.
- [Ninus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/ninus.md): Ancient Assyrian king, mentioned as a historical conqueror and example of tyranny.
- [Homer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/homer.md): The ancient Greek poet, invoked as an epic predecessor and source of inspiration.
- [Dread Lawrence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/dread_lawrence.md): A character representing a sorrowful or formidable figure, possibly a historical or allegorical leader.
- [Mr. West](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/mr_west.md): Likely the painter Benjamin West, appearing as a character or artistic figure in the poem.
- [Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/muhammad.md): The prophet of Islam, referenced as a historical and religious leader in the epic's scope.
- [Washington](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/washington.md): George Washington, the American general and future president, portrayed as a heroic leader.
- [Wise Capac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/wise_capac.md): A wise Inca ruler, possibly a different Capac from Manco, advising or acting in the narrative.
- [Greene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/greene.md): Nathanael Greene, an American Revolutionary War general, depicted as a capable commander.
- [Sage Franklin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/sage_franklin.md): Benjamin Franklin, the American statesman and inventor, appearing as a wise counselor.
- [The sweet Lucinda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/lucinda.md): A beautiful and virtuous woman, likely a love interest or allegorical figure of sweetness.
- [Zamor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/zamor.md): A native American character, possibly a guide or ally to Columbus in the New World.
- [Burgoyne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/burgoyne.md): British General John Burgoyne, defeated at Saratoga, shown as a tragic figure.
- [Cornwallis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/cornwallis.md): British General Charles Cornwallis, surrendering at Yorktown, depicted with reluctant respect.
- [Young Capac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/young_capac.md): A younger Inca ruler, possibly a son or successor, active in the Peruvian episodes.
- [Morgan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/morgan.md): Daniel Morgan, an American rifleman and general, known for his sharpshooters in the Revolution.
- [Columbia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/columbia.md): The personification of America, often appearing as a goddess-like figure guiding the nation.
- [Garcilasso de la Vega](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/garcilasso_de_la_vega.md): The Inca-Spanish historian, appearing as a narrator or source of Peruvian history.
- [Benjamin West](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/benjamin_west.md): The American painter, possibly depicted creating art that commemorates the epic events.
- [Herkimer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/herkimer.md): Nicholas Herkimer, an American general mortally wounded at the Battle of Oriskany.
- [Rocha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/rocha.md): A young character, possibly a native or Spanish figure, involved in the New World narrative.
- [Napo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/napo.md): A figure associated with the Napo River or region, possibly a native leader or guide.
- [Oella](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/oella.md): A maternal or nurturing figure, possibly an Inca queen or allegorical mother.
- [Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/taylor.md): An American officer or soldier, likely a minor character in the Revolutionary War scenes.
- [Moses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/moses_lycurgus.md): The biblical lawgiver and Spartan lawgiver, paired as examples of ancient legislators.
- [Huana Capac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/huana_capac.md): An Inca emperor, father of Atahualpa, appearing in the Peruvian historical narrative.
- [Bartholomew de las Casas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/bartholomew_de_las_casas.md): The Spanish friar and historian, defender of indigenous rights, appearing as a moral voice.
- [Hernando Cortez](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/hernando_cortez.md): The Spanish conquistador of Mexico, depicted as a ruthless but bold explorer.
- [Britannia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/britannia_wolfe.md): The personification of Britain and General James Wolfe, victor at Quebec.
- [Pedro de la Gasca](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/pedro_de_la_gasca.md): A Spanish priest and diplomat who pacified Peru after the civil wars.
- [Luther](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/luther.md): Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, referenced as a figure of religious change.
- [Arnold](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/arnold.md): Benedict Arnold, the American general who turned traitor, shown with complex bravery.
- [Ferdinand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/ferdinand.md): King Ferdinand of Spain, sponsor of Columbus's voyage, appearing as a royal patron.
- [Montgomery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/montgomery.md): General Richard Montgomery, American hero killed at the Battle of Quebec.
- [Moxoe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/moxoe.md): A native American character, possibly a chief or warrior in the New World episodes.
- [Albion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/albion.md): The personification of England, often contrasted with Columbia in the poem.
- [Lincoln](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/lincoln.md): General Benjamin Lincoln, an American officer who served in the Southern campaign.
- [Xerxes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/xerxes.md): The Persian king, invoked as an example of ancient imperial ambition and defeat.
- [Venus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/venus.md): The Roman goddess of love, appearing in classical allusions within the epic.
- [Herschel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/herschel.md): William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus, representing scientific discovery.
- [Isabella](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/isabella.md): Queen Isabella of Spain, who supported Columbus's expedition, appearing as a regal figure.
- [Atlas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/atlas.md): The Titan who holds up the sky, used as a mythological reference in the poem.
- [Jacob](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/jacob.md): The biblical patriarch, referenced in religious contexts within the epic.
- [Frazer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/frazer.md): A British officer, possibly General Simon Fraser, killed at the Battle of Saratoga.
- [Virgil](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/virgil.md): The Roman epic poet, invoked as a model for the Columbiad's poetic style.
- [Sage Raleigh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/sage_raleigh.md): Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and writer, appearing as a wise figure.
- [Howe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/howe.md): General William Howe, British commander during the American Revolution.
- [Numa](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/numa.md): Numa Pompilius, the legendary second king of Rome, a lawgiver and peacemaker.
- [Hudson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/hudson.md): Henry Hudson, the English explorer of the river and bay named after him.
- [Francis de Bovadilla](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/francis_de_bovadilla.md): A Spanish colonial administrator who replaced Columbus as governor of Hispaniola.
- [Randolph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/randolph.md): Peyton Randolph, American patriot and first President of the Continental Congress.
- [Nicholas de Ovando](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/nicholas_de_ovando.md): Spanish governor of Hispaniola who succeeded Bovadilla and opposed Columbus.
- [Starke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/starke.md): General John Stark, American hero of the Battle of Bennington in the Revolution.
- [Wolsey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/wolsey.md): Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, English statesman, used as an example of fallen pride.
- [Wolcott](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/wolcott.md): Oliver Wolcott, American patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- [Carleton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/carleton.md): British General Guy Carleton, governor of Quebec during the American Revolution.
- [Drake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/drake.md): Sir Francis Drake, English sea captain and explorer of the New World.
- [Voltaire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/voltaire.md): French Enlightenment philosopher, referenced for his wit and criticism of religion.
- [Charles V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/charles_v.md): Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain during the conquest of the Americas.
- [Sir Philip Sidney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/philip_sidney.md): English poet and soldier, a model of Renaissance chivalry and learning.
- [Clinton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/clinton.md): Sir Henry Clinton, British general during the American Revolutionary War.
- [Atabalipa](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/atabalipa.md): Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, executed by Francisco Pizarro.
- [Sir William Johnson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/sir_william_johnson.md): British superintendent of Indian affairs in the American colonies.
- [Braddock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/braddock.md): General Edward Braddock, British commander defeated at the Battle of the Monongahela.
- [William Penn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/penn.md): Founder of Pennsylvania, shown treating peacefully with Native Americans.
- [Alexander](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/alexander.md): Alexander the Great, ancient conqueror, used as a benchmark for military ambition.
- [Pizarro](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/pizarro.md): Francisco Pizarro, Spanish conquistador of Peru, depicted as cruel and greedy.
- [Wayne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/wayne.md): General Anthony Wayne, American officer known for his daring in the Revolution.
- [Cupid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_columbiad_se/characters/cupid.md): The Roman god of love, appearing in mythological scenes within the poem.

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