The Gadfly · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Gadfly by Ethel Voynich.
The Gadfly
major
Also known as Gadfly, Felice Rivarez, Signor Rivarez, Rivarez, Signor Felice Rivarez
A mysterious revolutionary with a biting wit and a hidden past, central to the plot.
Arthur Burton
major
Also known as Arthur, Burton, IV Arthur, Arthur Burton, a Burton, VI Arthur
A sensitive young man who becomes a revolutionary after a personal betrayal.
Canon Montanelli
major
Also known as Montanelli, Cardinal Montanelli, Cardinal, the Cardinal, The old Cardinal, Monsignor Montanelli, IV Monsignor Montanelli, IV Montanelli, Easter Montanelli, Lorenzo Montanelli, Monsignor Lorenzo Montanelli
A revered church leader with a deep, conflicted connection to Arthur.
Gemma Warren
major
Also known as Gemma, Gemma Warren, VI Gemma, VI Hearing
A passionate revolutionary and Arthur's childhood friend and love interest.
Martini
supporting
Also known as Signor Martini, January Martini, Cesare, Dear Cesare, Cesare Martini
A loyal friend and fellow revolutionary who supports Gemma and the Gadfly.
Dr. Riccardo
supporting
Also known as Riccardo
A physician and member of the revolutionary group.
James Burton
supporting
Also known as Mr. Burton, James, II Mr. James Burton, Jim, James Burton
Arthur's wealthy and conservative older half-brother.
Zita Reni
supporting
Also known as Mme . Zita Reni, Zita, Mme, Reni, Mme . Reni, Zita Reni
A beautiful gypsy dancer who becomes involved with the Gadfly.
Galli
supporting
A member of the revolutionary committee, often skeptical of the Gadfly.
Colonel Ferrari
supporting
Also known as Colonel
The chief of police who hunts down revolutionaries.
Giovanni Bolla
minor
Also known as Bolla, Evidently Bolla, poor Bolla, Giovanni
A young revolutionary arrested and tortured by the police.
Michele
minor
A fiery and impulsive member of the revolutionary group.
Domenichino
minor
A smuggler who assists the revolutionaries.
Grassini
minor
Also known as Signora Grassini, Poor Grassini, Signor Grassini
A spy and informant for the Austrian police.
Padre
minor
Also known as the Padre
A priest who serves as a father figure to Arthur in his youth.
Julia
minor
James Burton's wife, who dislikes Arthur.
Katie
minor
A servant in the Burton household who is kind to Arthur.
Gladys
minor
A woman Arthur meets in South America.
Enrico
minor
A young revolutionary and friend of Michele.
Carlo Bini
minor
Also known as Bini
A printer and member of the revolutionary group.
Professor Fabrizi
minor
Also known as Fabrizi
An older revolutionary and mentor figure.
Father Cardi
minor
Also known as Cardi
A priest who hears Arthur's confession.
Marcone
minor
A smuggler who helps the revolutionaries.
Signora Bolla
minor
Also known as Bolla, Signora
Giovanni Bolla's mother, who pleads for his release.
Lambruschini
minor
A cardinal and political figure in the Vatican.
Bailey
minor
An English doctor who treats Arthur in South America.
Annette
minor
A servant in the Montanelli household.
Willie
minor
A young boy Arthur befriends in the seminary.
Gino
minor
A young revolutionary and messenger.
Gian Battista
minor
A smuggler who works with Domenichino.
Sacconi
minor
A prisoner and fellow revolutionary of the Gadfly.
Diego
minor
Also known as mad Diego, old Diego
An old servant who accompanies Arthur to South America.
Bianca
minor
A servant in the Montanelli household.
Mariuccia
minor
An old woman who brings food to the Gadfly in prison.
Dr. Warren
minor
Gemma's father, a doctor in the English community.
Louisa Wright
minor
Also known as Louisa
Gemma's friend and confidante.
Mrs. Burton
minor
Arthur's mother, who dies when he is young.
Thomas
minor
Also known as Mr. Thomas
A servant in the Burton household.
Gibbons
minor
A prison guard who shows some kindness to the Gadfly.
Martel
minor
A French revolutionary who visits the group.
Lega
minor
A smuggler who assists the revolutionaries.
Williams
minor
An English sailor who helps Arthur escape.
Pasht
minor
A gypsy associate of Zita Reni.
Duprez
minor
Also known as the Duprez
A Frenchman who runs a gambling house.
