Candide (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Appears from the start

A sheltered young man raised in a Westphalian baron's household. He accepts his tutor Pangloss's optimism until love for Cunegonde leads to his expulsion and exposes him to war, poverty, and chance.

Appears from the start

The baron's daughter and the object of Candide's affection. Their brief intimacy is discovered almost at once, causing Candide to be driven from the household.

Appears from the start

Candide's tutor, who teaches that every event contributes to the best possible arrangement of the world. His elaborate confidence gives Candide a framework that experience repeatedly tests.

Also known as James the Anabaptist

First appears in chapter 3

A charitable Anabaptist merchant in Holland. He feeds and employs the destitute Candide, then pays for Pangloss to receive medical care despite disagreeing with the philosopher's conclusions.

First appears in chapter 7

An elderly servant who secretly shelters Candide after the Lisbon punishment and guides him to an unexpected reunion. Practical and composed, she acts while others argue about causes.

First appears in chapter 8

A wealthy Jewish merchant in Lisbon who purchased Cunegonde and now shares control of her household under an uneasy arrangement with the Grand Inquisitor.

First appears in chapter 8

A powerful church official in Lisbon who noticed Cunegonde and compelled Don Issachar to divide access to her. His authority makes escape especially dangerous.

First appears in chapter 13

Candide's resourceful servant from Cadiz, familiar with several languages and the Americas. He joins the flight across South America and repeatedly finds practical ways through dangers that defeat abstract reasoning.

Also known as The Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh

First appears in chapter 14

Cunegonde's brother, found serving as a Jesuit commander in Paraguay after the destruction of his family home. He welcomes Candide warmly as a fellow survivor.

First appears in chapter 19

A learned traveler whom Candide hires as a companion in Surinam. Repeated misfortune has made him expect selfishness and suffering, so his pessimism counters Pangloss's confidence.

First appears in chapter 19

A Dutch merchant and ship captain in Surinam. He agrees to carry Candide toward Venice, then exploits the traveler's urgency and wealth.

First appears in chapter 24

A former servant from the Westphalian household whom Candide encounters again in Venice. Her outward gaiety conceals a life marked by exploitation and insecurity.

First appears in chapter 24

A young Theatine friar traveling with Paquette in Venice. Though he appears comfortable, he describes resentment toward the religious life chosen for him.

First appears in chapter 25

A wealthy Venetian senator whose palace contains celebrated art, books, music, and gardens. He dismisses nearly everything he owns, giving Candide and Martin another test of whether privilege produces contentment.