The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus characters

Appears from the start

A celebrated scholar at Wittenberg who has exhausted the subjects he once mastered and now seeks power through necromancy. Proud of his intellect and impatient with ordinary human limits, he imagines commanding spirits, gaining wealth, and reshaping kingdoms. Even as his conscience warns him back toward God, he repeatedly chooses ambition and spectacle over repentance.

Appears from the start

Faustus's servant, who imitates his master's new interest in conjuring and uses the promise of magical instruction to control and tease other servants.

Appears from the start

A spirit who urges Faustus to abandon forbidden magic and return to God. The angel gives outward form to the conscience and hope that remain available to him early in his course.

Appears from the start

A spirit who encourages Faustus's pride, directing him toward magic, wealth, and service to Lucifer whenever doubt begins to trouble him.

Appears from the start

A practitioner of magic whom Faustus invites to teach him the foundations of conjuring. He appeals to Faustus with promises of power, treasure, and influence.

Appears from the start

A learned associate of Valdes who joins in encouraging Faustus to pursue necromancy and offers to help instruct him.

Also known as Mephistopheles

Appears from the start

A devil summoned by Faustus who serves as his principal intermediary with Lucifer. He answers questions, carries out commands, and warns from personal experience that separation from God is itself torment, though Faustus refuses to understand the warning.

First appears in chapter 2

The ruler of hell, to whom Faustus promises his soul in exchange for twenty-four years of service from Mephistophilis. He reinforces the bargain whenever Faustus considers repentance.

First appears in chapter 3

The head of the Roman church, encountered during Faustus's travels. Faustus uses invisibility to disrupt his banquet and turn a seat of religious authority into an occasion for mockery.

Also known as The Emperor

First appears in chapter 4

The Holy Roman Emperor, who receives Faustus at court and asks to see the spirit of Alexander the Great. He rewards the magician after the apparition satisfies his curiosity.

First appears in chapter 4

A skeptical courtier who mocks Faustus's reputation during the imperial visit. Faustus answers the insult by temporarily giving him horns, reducing serious magic to retaliation and entertainment.

First appears in chapter 5

An unnamed devout man who visits Faustus near the end of his allotted years. He sees that repentance is still possible and urges Faustus to seek mercy instead of surrendering to despair.

First appears in chapter 5

The legendary beauty of Troy, raised as a spirit at the request of scholars and later summoned again for Faustus. He turns to her image for consolation as the end of his bargain approaches.