The Pilgrim's Progress: A New Translation characters

Appears from the start

A man who learns from a book that his home, the City of Destruction, faces judgment. Carrying a burden of guilt and unable to convince his family to leave, he follows Evangelist's directions toward the Celestial City.

Appears from the start

The guide who first directs Christian to the narrow gate. He reappears when Christian strays or needs preparation, explaining the danger of false counsel and the cost of remaining on the path.

Appears from the start

A neighbor who initially shares Christian's excitement about the promised destination and follows him out of the city. His willingness depends on the road being immediately pleasant.

Also known as Mr. Worldly Wiseman

Appears from the start

A respectable man who offers Christian an easier, socially approved way to lose his burden. His advice directs Christian toward morality without transformation and away from Evangelist's route.

First appears in chapter 2

The keeper of the narrow gate, who draws Christian safely inside and points him toward the Interpreter. He explains that the correct road remains straight even when other paths cross it.

First appears in chapter 2

The master of a house filled with symbolic lessons. He prepares Christian for the road by showing him images of true guidance, patience, sustaining grace, courage, despair, and final accountability.

First appears in chapter 5

A powerful adversary who confronts Christian in the Valley of Humiliation. Claiming him as a former subject of the City of Destruction, he moves from accusation and persuasion to direct violence when Christian refuses to return.

First appears in chapter 6

A sincere pilgrim from Christian's former city whom Christian meets after the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Having taken a different route, he brings his own record of temptations resisted and becomes Christian's traveling companion.

First appears in chapter 7

A resident of Vanity who presides over the trial of Christian and Faithful. Hostile from the outset, he treats their refusal to honor the fair as an offense against the town and directs proceedings designed to condemn them.

First appears in chapter 8

A resident of Vanity moved by what he witnesses there. He leaves the town to join Christian on pilgrimage, offering companionship rooted in a newly declared commitment rather than convenience.

First appears in chapter 8

A polished traveler who claims to adapt easily to whatever company and beliefs are advantageous. He wants the rewards of pilgrimage without accepting a path that brings loss, public disapproval, or hardship.

First appears in chapter 8

The proprietor of a silver mine near the road. He invites passing pilgrims to leave their route and investigate the prospect of wealth, presenting danger and greed as a sensible opportunity.

First appears in chapter 9

The owner of Doubting Castle, who discovers Christian and Hopeful trespassing on his land. He imprisons and abuses them, using hopelessness as much as physical force to persuade them that escape is impossible.

First appears in chapter 9

Giant Despair's wife and adviser at Doubting Castle. She proposes increasingly cruel ways to break the prisoners' resistance and supports her husband's effort to drive them toward self-destruction.

First appears in chapter 10

A young traveler from the country of Conceit who joins Christian and Hopeful near the end of their journey. He speaks confidently about reaching the Celestial City and trusts his own understanding of the requirements.

First appears in chapter 11

A deceptive guide who meets Christian and Hopeful after they fail to consult their directions. Appearing helpful and authoritative, he leads them away from the road and into a net.