The Monk [Recorded Books Edition] characters

Appears from the start

A celebrated Capuchin monk in Madrid whose severe public morality and reputation for holiness have made him proud and dangerously certain of his own virtue. Raised within the monastery, he has little experience of ordinary life or temptation.

Appears from the start

A sheltered young woman newly arrived in Madrid with her mother. Sincere, inexperienced, and strikingly beautiful, she attracts Lorenzo's attention after hearing Ambrosio preach.

Appears from the start

Antonia's protective mother, who returns to Madrid with limited means and hopes to secure family help. Her caution about her daughter's innocence makes her wary of unfamiliar men and unsuitable books.

Appears from the start

A young nobleman who notices Antonia at Ambrosio's sermon. He is also deeply concerned for his sister Agnes, whose secret troubles at the neighboring convent draw him into conflict with its authorities.

Appears from the start

Lorenzo's sociable friend, ready to help him pursue Antonia and investigate Agnes's danger. His lighter manner contrasts with Lorenzo's urgency.

Appears from the start

Elvira's talkative sister and Antonia's aunt. Vain about the attention she receives, she misreads Don Christoval's courtesy as romantic interest.

Also known as Rosario

First appears in chapter 2

A beautiful woman who entered Ambrosio's monastery disguised as the novice Rosario in order to remain near him. Intelligent, determined, and familiar with forbidden arts, she declares her love after her disguise is exposed.

First appears in chapter 3

Lorenzo's sister, a nun at Saint Clare's convent. A concealed letter reveals that her religious life masks a desperate private attachment and places her at the mercy of the convent's harsh superior.

Also known as Don Raymond

First appears in chapter 3

The Marquis de las Cisternas and Agnes's lover. His account of their long separation includes travel under an assumed identity, imprisonment by criminals, and a supernatural encounter that follows him back to Spain.

Also known as Mother St. Agatha

First appears in chapter 3

The authoritarian prioress of Saint Clare's convent. She treats Agnes's breach of her vows as a scandal to be suppressed and claims the right to impose punishment within the convent.

First appears in chapter 4

Raymond's loyal young page, resourceful enough to help his master communicate with Agnes and later assist Lorenzo's efforts on her behalf.

First appears in chapter 4

A spectral woman attached to the history of Raymond's family. Mistaken for Agnes during an attempted elopement, she enters Raymond's carriage and thereafter haunts him while demanding release from an old crime.

First appears in chapter 4

A woman living near Strasbourg who shelters Raymond after he escapes a band of robbers. Her courage and practical help save him during a violent attack on her household.

First appears in chapter 12

The demonic power behind Matilda's magic, appearing to Ambrosio when legal and religious judgment leave him terrified of death. He offers escape at the cost of an irrevocable bargain.