Zadig characters

Appears from the start

A young Babylonian known for learning, generosity, and careful observation. He expects reason and good conduct to bring happiness, but his early engagement is broken after an injury and he repeatedly finds that sound evidence can be twisted by prejudice or envy.

Appears from the start

The woman Zadig initially intends to marry. When he is wounded while defending her and may lose an eye, her response gives him an abrupt lesson in the limits of professed devotion.

First appears in chapter 2

A woman Zadig marries after his first engagement ends. He believes her affectionate and faithful, then arranges an elaborate test with Cador to learn whether her conduct matches her assurances.

First appears in chapter 2

Zadig's trusted friend, discreet enough to assist with a test of Azora and dependable enough to warn and help Zadig when danger later reaches him at court.

First appears in chapter 4

A courtier whose resentment is sharpened by Zadig's success and reputation. He looks for a way to turn incomplete evidence against him and make ordinary words appear treasonous.

First appears in chapter 6

The king of Babylon. He recognizes Zadig's ability and raises him to high office, trusting him to settle disputes fairly, but royal favor remains vulnerable to suspicion.

First appears in chapter 6

The queen of Babylon, admired for judgment as well as beauty. She notices Zadig's integrity as he rises at court, placing both of them within reach of the king's jealousy.

First appears in chapter 10

An Egyptian merchant who acquires Zadig after a local court condemns the traveler to servitude. Practical and prosperous, he soon sees that his new servant's intelligence is unusually valuable.

First appears in chapter 13

An Arabian brigand chief who receives Zadig with surprising courtesy. He lives by force but speaks frankly, respects courage, and knows what has happened in the disorder surrounding Babylon.

First appears in chapter 16

A boastful Babylonian warrior who enters the public contest arranged to determine Astarte's husband and Babylon's ruler. His confidence rests more securely on display and opportunism than on judgment.

Also known as Jesrad

First appears in chapter 17

A mysterious hermit who asks Zadig to travel with him. His disturbing conduct challenges Zadig's habit of judging an event by its immediate appearance and turns their journey into a lesson about the limits of human understanding.