Character guide

Rasselas

major

Also known as the Prince, Prince, XIII Rasselas, High Stations Rasselas

Prince of Abyssinia who escapes the Happy Valley to seek the choice of life.

Imlac

major

Also known as X Imlac

Wise poet and philosopher who accompanies Rasselas on his journey.

Nekayah

major

Also known as Pekuah Nekayah, Sorrow Nekayah

Rasselas's sister, a princess who observes private life and marriage.

Pekuah

supporting

Also known as the Lady Pekuah, Lady Pekuah

Princess Nekayah's beloved attendant, kidnapped during a pyramid visit.

The Astronomer

supporting

Also known as a man of learning

A learned man who believes he controls the weather and seasons.

The Hermit

minor

A solitary man who lived in the desert and later returns to society.

The Bassa

minor

Also known as Bassa

A Turkish governor who captures Pekuah and holds her in his seraglio.

The Old Man

minor

An aged philosopher who discourses on the vanity of human wishes.

The Princess

minor

Also known as Great Princess, Dear Princess

A title often referring to Nekayah, but also used generically.