The Monk characters

Appears from the start

The celebrated head of a Capuchin monastery in Madrid, famed for strict virtue and commanding sermons. Raised within the religious house, he has little experience of the world beyond it and takes great pride in his reputation.

Appears from the start

An innocent young woman newly arrived in Madrid with her aunt. Sheltered by her mother and unfamiliar with city society, she attracts Lorenzo's attention at Ambrosio's crowded sermon.

Appears from the start

A young Spanish nobleman who meets Antonia at the Capuchin church and is immediately drawn to her. He is also deeply concerned for his sister Agnes, a nun in a nearby convent.

Appears from the start

Lorenzo's sister, a nun of St Clare's convent. A private letter exposes that she has broken her vows and is pregnant, placing her at the mercy of Ambrosio and her convent's severe prioress.

Appears from the start

A gentle young novice whose devotion and friendship flatter Ambrosio. Rosario claims to have entered religious life to escape a painful attachment and fears being separated from the monk.

Appears from the start

Antonia's talkative aunt and escort in Madrid. She is eager for fashionable company and welcomes the attention of Lorenzo's friend Don Christoval.

Appears from the start

Antonia's protective mother, whose marriage outside her family's wishes left her without their support. She is cautious about the new admirers surrounding her inexperienced daughter.

Also known as The Prioress

Appears from the start

The stern head of St Clare's convent. Ambrosio places Agnes in her hands after discovering the nun's pregnancy and violation of her vows.

Appears from the start

Lorenzo's friend, a sociable nobleman who helps Antonia and Leonella navigate the crowd after Ambrosio's sermon.

Also known as The Marquis de las Cisternas

First appears in chapter 2

A friend of Lorenzo and Agnes's secret lover. When Lorenzo confides his fear for his sister, Raymond begins explaining how he met Agnes in Germany and why she entered the convent.

First appears in chapter 3

The legendary apparition said to haunt the castle where Raymond encounters Agnes. A plan to imitate the ghost goes wrong when the actual figure appears and departs with him.

First appears in chapter 3

Raymond's resourceful young page, whose loyalty and practical help continue after his master's frightening experiences in Germany.

First appears in chapter 10

A young noblewoman of Madrid who is connected to Lorenzo's circle and becomes involved in the public events surrounding St Clare's convent.

First appears in chapter 12

A supernatural power invoked through forbidden rites, capable of offering escape and assistance under terms that place a human soul at risk.