# The Duchess of Malfi — Character guide

> Key figures in The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster.

- [Duchess of Malfi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/duchess_of_malfi.md): The noble widow who secretly marries her steward Antonio, defying her brothers.
- [Antonio Bologna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/antonio_bologna.md): The Duchess's steward and secret husband, a man of honor and integrity.
- [Daniel de Bosola](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/daniel_de_bosola.md): A cynical, ambitious courtier who serves as the Cardinal's spy and enforcer.
- [Ferdinand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/ferdinand.md): The Duchess's twin brother, a Duke of Calabria, obsessed with her honor.
- [Cardinal](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/cardinal.md): The Duchess's other brother, a corrupt and scheming churchman.
- [Julia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/julia.md): The Cardinal's mistress, who becomes entangled in the plot against the Duchess.
- [Delio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/delio.md): Antonio's loyal friend and confidant, who often comments on the action.
- [Cariola](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/cariola.md): The Duchess's waiting-woman and trusted confidante.
- [Silvio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/silvio.md): A lord at the court of Malfi, often present in scenes with Ferdinand.
- [Pescara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/pescara.md): A nobleman who interacts with Bosola and Ferdinand.
- [Castruccio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/castruccio.md): An old lord at the court, often the butt of jokes.
- [Old Lady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/old_lady.md): An elderly woman at court, possibly a servant or noble.
- [First Officer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/first_officer.md): An officer of the court, often delivering messages.
- [Servant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/servant.md): A generic servant in the Duchess's household.
- [Echo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/echo.md): A disembodied voice that repeats Antonio's words in Act V.
- [Madmen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/madmen.md): A group of madmen brought to torment the imprisoned Duchess.
- [Pilgrim](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/pilgrim.md): A pilgrim who appears briefly in a scene.
- [Captain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duchess_of_malfi_se/characters/captain.md): A military captain in the service of the Cardinal.

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