Paradise Regained characters

Also known as The Son

Appears from the start

Jesus enters the wilderness after his baptism and the heavenly declaration that he is God's beloved Son. Hungry and alone, he considers the mission before him while meeting each challenge through patience, reason, and trust in divine purpose rather than displays of power.

Also known as The Tempter

Appears from the start

The fallen adversary who hears the proclamation at Jesus's baptism and fears that the promised conqueror has appeared. He follows Jesus into the desert, first approaching in disguise, and tries to discover and overcome him through a sequence of temptations.

Appears from the start

Jesus's mother, who has guarded the signs surrounding his birth and upbringing. In recollection she explains to her son what was foretold about him, while during his absence she waits anxiously yet retains confidence in his calling.

Also known as The Baptist

Appears from the start

The desert preacher who baptizes Jesus in the Jordan. His ministry gathers expectant crowds, and the divine voice heard at the baptism makes the event the starting point for Satan's investigation.

Appears from the start

The heavenly father whose voice identifies Jesus as his beloved Son at the Jordan. He permits the ensuing trial in the wilderness, confident that steadfast obedience will reverse the kind of defeat through temptation that befell humanity before.

First appears in chapter 2

One of the followers who knew Jesus around the time of the baptism. During Jesus's unexplained absence, Andrew and the other disciples search, wonder what has become of him, and wait for the public work they expect him to begin.

Also known as Peter

First appears in chapter 2

Andrew's brother and one of the small group concerned by Jesus's disappearance after the baptism. He shares their uncertainty about when and how Jesus will reveal his mission.

First appears in chapter 2

A persuasive fallen spirit in Satan's council. Belial proposes desire as a means of weakening Jesus, but Satan judges that this temptation will not move a man whose self-command has already proved exceptional.