Character guide

Adam

major

Also known as Adam king David, monarch Adam, king David

First man and central figure in arguments about original sovereignty and paternal power.

Sir Robert Filmer

major

Also known as Sir Robert, Robert, Creation Sir Robert

Author of Patriarcha, whose theories of divine right and paternal monarchy are critiqued.

Noah

supporting

Biblical patriarch whose post-flood division of lands is discussed in inheritance arguments.

Abraham

supporting

Biblical patriarch cited in debates about paternal power and property rights.

Jacob

supporting

Also known as Esau, Jacob Esau

Biblical figure whose inheritance and birthright disputes illustrate natural law.

Isaac

supporting

Son of Abraham, used in examples of paternal blessing and inheritance.

Eve

supporting

First woman, discussed in context of subjection and marriage contracts.

Cain

minor

First murderer, cited in arguments about punishment and sovereignty.

Abel

minor

Shepherd and victim of Cain, referenced in discussions of natural law.

Judah

minor

Son of Jacob, mentioned in lineage and inheritance examples.

Saul

minor

First king of Israel, used to illustrate limits of royal power.

Barclay

minor

Political theorist cited in arguments about resistance and tyranny.

Moses

minor

Lawgiver and prophet, referenced in discussions of divine and civil law.

Solomon

minor

King of Israel, cited in examples of wisdom and judgment.

Shem

minor

Son of Noah, mentioned in genealogical arguments about inheritance.

Hezekiah

minor

King of Judah, referenced in discussions of religious reform and authority.

Samuel

minor

Prophet and judge, cited in debates about monarchy and divine will.

Joshua

minor

Leader of Israel after Moses, used in examples of conquest and inheritance.

Jephthah

minor

Judge of Israel, cited in arguments about war and vows.

Aaron

minor

High priest and brother of Moses, referenced in priestly authority discussions.

Reuben

minor

Firstborn son of Jacob, mentioned in birthright and inheritance examples.

Grotius

minor

Also known as our A. out of Grotius

Legal scholar cited in arguments about natural law and war.

Cham

minor

Son of Noah, referenced in genealogical and curse narratives.

Japhet

minor

Son of Noah, mentioned in post-flood division of nations.

Ahaz

minor

King of Judah, cited in examples of idolatry and divine judgment.

Seth

minor

Third son of Adam, mentioned in genealogical succession.

Abimelech

minor

Philistine king, used in examples of treaty and property rights.

Rebecca

minor

Wife of Isaac, referenced in narratives of blessing and deception.

Ishmael

minor

Son of Abraham, mentioned in discussions of inheritance and covenant.

Joseph

minor

Son of Jacob, cited in examples of governance and property.

Hooker

minor

Theologian and legal philosopher, cited in arguments about natural law.

Mr. Selden

minor

Legal scholar referenced in discussions of property and consent.

Sarah

minor

Wife of Abraham, mentioned in narratives of promise and inheritance.