An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Narrator
major
Also known as myself, our, ourselves
The Narrator opens by sorting moral philosophers into two camps: the easy writers who flatter our sentiments, and the abstruse ones who dissect human nature without flattery. Professing admiration for both, he admits the abstract strain is harder to love and harder to live by, yet insists it is the more honest work. This confession sets the book's temper — a thinker who knows he is choosing the shade over the open day, and wants you to follow him there anyway.
Epicurus
minor
Ancient Greek philosopher referenced for his views on pleasure and the gods.
Queen Elizabeth
minor
English queen cited in a historical example about political authority.
John Locke
minor
Also known as Mr. Locke
Philosopher whose ideas on identity and causation are discussed.
Alexander the Great
minor
Macedonian conqueror used as an example in arguments about ambition.
Quintus Curtius
minor
Roman historian cited for his account of Alexander's campaigns.
Mademoiselle Thibaut
minor
French woman mentioned in a thought experiment about personal identity.
Pierre Bayle
minor
French philosopher and critic referenced in discussions of skepticism.
Adam
minor
Biblical first man used as an example in reasoning about experience.
