# The Jew of Malta — Character guide

> Key figures in The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe.

- [Barabas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/barabas.md): A wealthy Jewish merchant of Malta, whose cunning and vengeful schemes drive the plot.
- [Ithamore](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/ithamore.md): Barabas's loyal but treacherous slave, who becomes his accomplice in murder.
- [Abigail](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/abigail.md): Barabas's virtuous daughter, who converts to Christianity and enters a nunnery.
- [Ferneze](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/ferneze.md): The Christian Governor of Malta, who seizes Barabas's wealth and later schemes against him.
- [Lodowick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/lodowick.md): Ferneze's son, who courts Abigail and becomes a pawn in Barabas's revenge.
- [Mathias](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/mathias.md): A young gentleman of Malta, rival to Lodowick for Abigail's love.
- [Pilia-Borza](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/pilia_borza.md): A pimp and accomplice to Bellamira, who helps blackmail Ithamore.
- [Bellamira](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/bellamira.md): A courtesan who seduces Ithamore to extort money from Barabas.
- [Friar Jacomo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/friar_jacomo.md): A friar who discovers Barabas's crimes and is murdered for his knowledge.
- [Friar Barnadine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/friar_barnadine.md): A friar who attempts to convert Barabas and is killed by him.
- [Selim Calymath](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/calymath.md): The Turkish emperor who besieges Malta and later allies with Ferneze.
- [Martin del Bosco](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/martin_del_bosco.md): A Spanish knight who advises Ferneze against paying tribute to the Turks.
- [Katharine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/katharine.md): Mathias's mother, who mourns her son's death and seeks justice.
- [Abbess](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/abbess.md): The head of the nunnery where Abigail takes refuge.
- [Basso](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/basso.md): A Turkish officer who delivers Calymath's demands to Malta.
- [Machiavel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/machiavel.md): The prologue speaker, representing the spirit of Machiavelli.
- [First Officer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/officers.md): A Maltese officer who arrests Barabas and carries out orders.
- [Messenger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/messenger.md): A messenger who brings news from the Turkish camp.
- [First Knight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jew_of_malta_se/characters/knights.md): A knight of Malta who participates in council decisions.

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