Character guide

Gilda Beresteyn

major

Also known as Jongejuffrouw Beresteyn, Beresteyn, The Captive Lion Beresteyn

Noblewoman and love interest of Diogenes, central to the plot's intrigue.

Diogenes

major

Also known as the Lame Cow, O handsome Diogenes, knave Diogenes

A witty, roguish philosopher and the laughing cavalier, protagonist of the story.

Stoutenburg

major

Also known as The Lord of Stoutenburg, Willem van Stoutenburg, Jan. Stoutenburg

Ambitious and treacherous nobleman, primary antagonist plotting against the state.

Nicolaes Beresteyn

supporting

Also known as Mynheer Beresteyn, Nicolaes, Mynheer Nicolaes Beresteyn of Haarlem

Gilda's brother, a callous and scheming man involved in the conspiracy.

Jan Tiele

supporting

Also known as Jan

A henchman and accomplice of Stoutenburg, involved in the plot.

Mynheer Ben Isaje

supporting

Also known as Ben Isaje, the Jewish Mynheer, Isaje

A Jewish moneylender and informant in Rotterdam, aiding the conspiracy.

Socrates

supporting

Also known as Already Socrates, lean Socrates

One of Diogenes' philosopher friends, a lean and witty companion.

Cornelius Beresteyn

supporting

Also known as Mynheer Beresteyn, Cornelius

Father of Gilda and Nicolaes, a grieving and honorable Haarlem burgher.

Frans Hals

supporting

Also known as Father, Hals, old Frans

Famous painter commissioned to paint the laughing cavalier portrait.

Maria

minor

Also known as Maria certes

A servant or maid in the Beresteyn household, loyal to Gilda.

Pythagoras

supporting

Also known as O Pythagoras, wise Pythagoras, fat Pythagoras

Another of Diogenes' philosopher friends, portly and philosophical.

Willem

major

Also known as Stoutenburg, Willem van Stoutenburg

Alternate name for Stoutenburg, used in some contexts.

Dondersteen

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or associate, with few mentions.

Lucas van Sparendam

minor

Also known as Lucas of Sparendam, Lucas Sparendam

A friend or acquaintance of the philosophers, involved in early scenes.

Sir Percy Blakeney

minor

Also known as Sir Percy

The Scarlet Pimpernel, appears briefly in the later chapters.

Piet

minor

Also known as Piet the Red

A red-haired henchman or servant, likely in Stoutenburg's employ.

Mynheer Beek

minor

Also known as Beek, Master Beek

A minor official or burgher in Haarlem, mentioned in passing.

John of Barneveld

minor

Also known as Barneveld

Historical figure, referenced as a former friend of Stoutenburg.

Heemskerk

minor

Also known as Mynheer Heemskerk

A minor character, possibly a guard or official, with few appearances.

Maurice of Nassau

minor

Also known as Maurice of Orange, the Prince of Orange

Prince of Orange and Stadtholder, a historical figure in the plot.

Bucephalus

minor

Also known as the silent but swift Bucephalus, faithful Bucephalus

Diogenes' horse, mentioned as a loyal and swift steed.

Jakob

minor

Also known as little Jakob Steyn

A young boy or servant, possibly in Haarlem, with limited role.

Walburg de Marnix

minor

Also known as Walburg

A female character, possibly a relative or acquaintance of Gilda.

Mevrouw Hals

minor

Also known as Fortunately Mevrouw Hals, mevrouw

Wife of Frans Hals, appears briefly in the painter's household.

Van Does

minor

Also known as van Does

A minor character, possibly a friend or associate, mentioned briefly.

Mynheer van der Meer

minor

Also known as Mynheer

A minor burgher or official, mentioned in passing.

Mynheer Patz

minor

Also known as Patz

A minor character, possibly a tavern keeper or burgher.

Groeneveld

minor

A minor character, possibly a conspirator or associate of Stoutenburg.

Mevrouw Patz

minor

Also known as Patz

Wife of Mynheer Patz, appears briefly in a scene.