Character guide

Barabas

major

Also known as Barabas Ay, poor Barabas, great Barabas, Barabas Governor, Barabas Marry, Barabas Tush, Barabas Hum, Barabas Belike, Barabas Peace, Merchant Barabas, Master Barabas, Poor Barabas, Barabas Yonder, Barabas Daughter, Barabas Christians

A wealthy Jewish merchant of Malta, whose cunning and vengeful schemes drive the plot.

Ithamore

major

Also known as Barabas Ithamore, gentle Ithamore

Barabas's loyal but treacherous slave, who becomes his accomplice in murder.

Abigail

major

Also known as Abigail Father, fair Abigail, gentle Abigail

Barabas's virtuous daughter, who converts to Christianity and enters a nunnery.

Ferneze

major

Also known as Ferneze Soft, Ferneze Dead, Ferneze Wonder, Ferneze Thou, Ferneze Captain, Ferneze O Lodowick, Ferneze Thine, Wretched Ferneze

The Christian Governor of Malta, who seizes Barabas's wealth and later schemes against him.

Lodowick

supporting

Also known as Don Lodowick, noble Lodowick, sweet Lodowick, Lord Lodowick, Lodowick Barabas, Lodowick Yond

Ferneze's son, who courts Abigail and becomes a pawn in Barabas's revenge.

Mathias

supporting

Also known as Don Mathias, poor Mathias, Sirrah Mathias, Mathias Whither

A young gentleman of Malta, rival to Lodowick for Abigail's love.

Pilia-Borza

supporting

Also known as Pilia, Borza, Pilia - Borza Jew, Pilia - Borza Knavely

A pimp and accomplice to Bellamira, who helps blackmail Ithamore.

Bellamira

supporting

Also known as Madam Bellamira, Bellamira Whither, Bellamira Prithee, Bellamira Pilia

A courtesan who seduces Ithamore to extort money from Barabas.

Friar Jacomo

supporting

Also known as Jacomo, Friar Jacomo Abigail, Friar Jacomo O, Friar Jacomo Villains, Friar Jacomo Sisters

A friar who discovers Barabas's crimes and is murdered for his knowledge.

Friar Barnadine

supporting

Also known as Barnardine, Friar Barnardine, Friar Barnadine Barabas, Friar Barnadine Ay

A friar who attempts to convert Barabas and is killed by him.

Selim Calymath

supporting

Also known as Calymath, great Selim Calymath, young Selim Calymath, mighty Selim Calymath

The Turkish emperor who besieges Malta and later allies with Ferneze.

Martin del Bosco

minor

Also known as Bosco, Del Bosco, Knight Del Bosco, First Knight Del Bosco

A Spanish knight who advises Ferneze against paying tribute to the Turks.

Katharine

minor

Also known as Katharine O, Katharine This Moor

Mathias's mother, who mourns her son's death and seeks justice.

Abbess

minor

The head of the nunnery where Abigail takes refuge.

Basso

minor

Also known as Ferneze Basso, Bassoes

A Turkish officer who delivers Calymath's demands to Malta.

Machiavel

minor

The prologue speaker, representing the spirit of Machiavelli.

First Officer

minor

Also known as Officers

A Maltese officer who arrests Barabas and carries out orders.

Messenger

minor

Also known as Messenger Selim

A messenger who brings news from the Turkish camp.

First Knight

minor

Also known as Knights, First Knight Tut

A knight of Malta who participates in council decisions.