The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.
Doctor Faustus
major
Also known as Faustus, Dr. John Faustus, John Faustus, Dr. Faustus, Master Doctor Faustus
A brilliant scholar who makes a pact with the devil for power and knowledge.
Mephistopheles
major
Also known as Mephistopheles, great Mephistopheles, sweet Mephistopheles
A devil who serves as Faustus's tempter and servant after the pact.
Wagner
supporting
Also known as Wagner, Wagner Baliol, Baliol
Faustus's servant and apprentice in the dark arts.
Good Angel
supporting
Also known as Angel, Good Angel Sweet Faustus
A celestial being who urges Faustus to repent and abandon his pact.
Evil Angel
supporting
Also known as Evil Angel, Evil Angel Ay
A demonic being who tempts Faustus to persist in his damnation.
Lucifer
supporting
Also known as great Lucifer, mighty Lucifer
The prince of devils who oversees Faustus's damnation.
Valdes
minor
Also known as Valdes, sweet Valdes
A magician friend who teaches Faustus the dark arts.
Cornelius
minor
Also known as Cornelius
A magician friend who assists Faustus in learning necromancy.
Robin
minor
Also known as Robin, Clown
A clownish servant who dabbles in Faustus's magic.
Ralph
minor
Also known as Ralph, sweet Ralph
A companion of Robin involved in comic misadventures with magic.
Vintner
minor
Also known as Vintner, Enter Vintner
A tavern keeper who is tricked by Robin and Ralph.
Old Man
minor
Also known as Old Man, the Old Man
A pious elder who tries to persuade Faustus to repent.
First Scholar
minor
Also known as First Scholar Master Doctor Faustus, Master Doctor
A fellow scholar who worries about Faustus's fate.
Duke of Vanholt
minor
Also known as Duke
A nobleman who hosts Faustus and witnesses his magic.
Knight
minor
Also known as Knight, Knight Ay
A skeptical courtier who mocks Faustus and is punished.
Helen of Troy
minor
Also known as Helen of, Helen, Sweet Helen
The legendary beauty conjured by Faustus as his paramour.
Alexander the Great
minor
Also known as Alexander the Great, Alexander
A historical conqueror conjured by Faustus for the emperor.
Chorus
minor
Also known as Doctor Faustus Chorus
The narrator who introduces and comments on the play's action.
