Lamb characters

Also known as Biff, Levi bar Alphaeus

Appears from the start

Joshua's childhood friend and the narrator of the missing portion of his life. Resurrected in the modern era and confined to a hotel room to write his account, Biff is practical, loyal, irreverent, and willing to learn the worldly lessons that Joshua avoids. His devotion to his friend is the steady center of the story.

Also known as Jesus

First appears in chapter 2

The son of Mary and Joseph and Biff's closest friend. Known to Biff as Joshua, he grows up aware that he has a divine task but uncertain how to prepare for it. Compassionate, earnest, and gifted with extraordinary powers, he relies on Biff's practical judgment while searching for the wisdom needed to begin his ministry.

Appears from the start

An angel assigned to resurrect Biff and supervise the writing of his gospel in a modern hotel room. Powerful but unfamiliar with contemporary life, Raziel becomes absorbed in television and depends on Biff to explain the world around them.

First appears in chapter 2

Joshua's mother, respected by Biff and conscious from his childhood that her son carries a unique responsibility. She worries about the dangers attached to his calling while allowing him to seek his path.

Also known as Maggie, Mary Magdalene

First appears in chapter 4

A girl from Magdala who grows up alongside Joshua and Biff. Intelligent and strong-willed, she is loved by both boys, while Joshua already senses that his calling may prevent the ordinary life she hopes to share with him.

Also known as John the Baptist

First appears in chapter 6

Joshua's intense cousin, already committed to a public religious mission. His example gives Joshua an early model of a prophet confronting established power.

First appears in chapter 10

One of the wise men Joshua seeks during his journey east. He lives in a fortified household, pursues extensive learning, and studies supernatural forces whose danger is not immediately clear to his visitors.

First appears in chapter 11

A woman in Balthasar's household who befriends Biff and helps him navigate customs and dangers that are unfamiliar to the two travelers.

First appears in chapter 17

A Buddhist teacher found by Joshua and Biff in a mountain monastery. Through disciplined study under him, Joshua develops ideas about compassion, selflessness, and the nature of suffering.

First appears in chapter 22

A holy man in India and the third of the teachers Joshua has crossed the world to find. His severe spiritual practice offers another approach to mastery, sacrifice, and compassion.

Also known as Peter

First appears in chapter 27

A direct and forceful fisherman whom Joshua recruits after returning to Galilee to begin teaching publicly.

First appears in chapter 29

A follower who joins Joshua's ministry and takes responsibility for the group's money. Biff distrusts him, but Joshua continues to include him among the disciples.