The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Appears from the start

A poor poet and would-be playwright whose mystery play is overwhelmed by the disorder of the Feast of Fools. Proud of his learning but usually hungry and impractical, he wanders into the Court of Miracles after following La Esmeralda through Paris.

First appears in chapter 5

The deaf bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, marked by severe physical deformities and long accustomed to mockery. The crowd elects him Pope of Fools because of his appearance. He lives under the authority of Archdeacon Claude Frollo, who took him in as an abandoned child.

First appears in chapter 6

A young street dancer known throughout Paris for her beauty, accompanied by a trained goat named Djali. Her performance captivates the Feast of Fools crowd and draws sharply different reactions from Gringoire and Frollo.

First appears in chapter 6

Archdeacon of Notre-Dame and Quasimodo's guardian. A severe, learned cleric absorbed in theology, medicine, and alchemy, he has raised both his younger brother Jehan and the abandoned Quasimodo. His commanding manner conceals growing inner turmoil.

Also known as Clopin Trouillefou

First appears in chapter 9

A formidable leader among the beggars and outcasts of Paris. At the Court of Miracles he presides over Gringoire's improvised trial and enforces the hidden community's laws.

Also known as Captain Phoebus

First appears in chapter 10

A handsome captain of the royal archers who interrupts an attempted abduction of La Esmeralda. Confident and accustomed to admiration, he quickly becomes the object of Esmeralda's romantic hopes.

Also known as Jehan Frollo du Moulin

First appears in chapter 18

Claude Frollo's younger brother, a lively and irresponsible student. He repeatedly seeks money from the archdeacon and prefers taverns and companions to the disciplined future intended for him.

Also known as Sister Gudule, Paquette la Chantefleurie

First appears in chapter 27

A penitent recluse living in a cell by the Place de Grève. She mourns the infant daughter stolen from her years earlier and keeps the child's little shoe as her only relic, directing her grief into hatred of the people she blames.

First appears in chapter 31

A wealthy young noblewoman engaged to Phoebus. Surrounded by fashionable companions, she receives La Esmeralda as a curiosity but quickly recognizes the dancer's devotion to her fiancé.

First appears in chapter 50

The shrewd king of France, suspicious of challenges to royal power and careful with money. From the Bastille he receives reports of the unrest around Notre-Dame and interprets the disturbance according to his political interests.