Character guide

Duchess of Malfi

major

Also known as Duchess, Malfi, Duchess of Malfi Cariola

The noble widow who secretly marries her steward Antonio, defying her brothers.

Antonio Bologna

major

Also known as Antonio, Silvio, Silvio Antonio Bologna

The Duchess's steward and secret husband, a man of honor and integrity.

Daniel de Bosola

major

Also known as Bosola, Pescara Bosola, Bosala

A cynical, ambitious courtier who serves as the Cardinal's spy and enforcer.

Ferdinand

major

Also known as Ferdinand Antonio, Ferdinand That, Ferdinand Sister, Ferdinand No

The Duchess's twin brother, a Duke of Calabria, obsessed with her honor.

Cardinal

major

Also known as Cardinal Antonio, Cardinal Who, Cardinal Aside

The Duchess's other brother, a corrupt and scheming churchman.

Julia

supporting

Also known as Julia Sir, Julia Aside

The Cardinal's mistress, who becomes entangled in the plot against the Duchess.

Delio

supporting

Also known as Delio Geometry, Delio Lady, Delio Fie, Delio Sir, Delio Methinks, Delio Twins, Delio Hark

Antonio's loyal friend and confidant, who often comments on the action.

Cariola

supporting

Also known as Cariola Both, 106 Cariola

The Duchess's waiting-woman and trusted confidante.

Silvio

minor

Also known as Lord Silvio, the Lord Silvio, Good Lord Silvio

A lord at the court of Malfi, often present in scenes with Ferdinand.

Pescara

minor

Also known as Pescara Doctor, Pescara Prince Ferdinand

A nobleman who interacts with Bosola and Ferdinand.

Grisolan

minor

Also known as Grisolan Ferdinand, Ferdinand Sir, Ferdinand Marry

A courtier in Ferdinand's retinue.

Castruccio

minor

Also known as old Castruccio, Castruccio Methinks

An old lord at the court, often the butt of jokes.

Roderigo

minor

Also known as Roderigo The Lord Ferdinand, Roderigo Forobosco

A courtier who serves Ferdinand.

Doctor

minor

Also known as Doctor True, Pescara Doctor

A physician consulted by the court.

Old Lady

minor

An elderly woman at court, possibly a servant or noble.

First Officer

minor

An officer of the court, often delivering messages.

Servant

minor

Also known as First Servant, Servants

A generic servant in the Duchess's household.

Echo

minor

Also known as Antonio Echo, Echo Ay

A disembodied voice that repeats Antonio's words in Act V.

Madmen

minor

Also known as Third Madman Greek, Second Madman, Third Madman

A group of madmen brought to torment the imprisoned Duchess.

Pilgrim

minor

Also known as First Pilgrim

A pilgrim who appears briefly in a scene.

Captain

minor

Also known as a captain

A military captain in the service of the Cardinal.