Candide · Character

Martin

A brooding scholar and self-declared Manichean who joins Candide's voyage, insisting that God has abandoned this globe to a malignant being—and daring anyone to prove otherwise.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Martin

First appearance: Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin

As a supporting figure in Candide, Martin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A pessimistic scholar who travels with Candide, arguing that the world is filled with evil and suffering, and that human nature is fundamentally corrupt.

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In Candide: A pessimistic scholar who travels with Candide, arguing that the world is filled with evil and suffering, and that human nature…

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See Martin in Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin

Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how Martin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Encounters and reflections
Protagonist
Candide's core companions

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, Candide reaches his emotional and psychological peak of disillusionment when he encounters Poco…

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Relationships

Candide
friendship · ambivalent
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging… How this plays out →
Candide
friendship · ambivalent
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging… How this plays out →
Candide
friendship · ambivalent
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging… How this plays out →

Candide
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging in debates about the nature of good and evil.
Candide
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging in debates about the nature of good and evil.
Candide
Martin becomes Candide's pessimistic philosophical foil and traveling companion, engaging in debates about the nature of good and evil.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Martin in Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin

In the story

Martin appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Candide
A pessimistic scholar who travels with Candide, arguing that the world is filled with evil and suffering, and that human nature is fundamentally corrupt.
Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin
A poor philosopher chosen by Candide as the most discontented man; he has suffered many misfortunes including being robbed by his wife, beaten by his son, and persecuted by preachers.
XX: What Happened at Sea to Candide and Martin
The old philosopher who declares himself a Manichean, arguing that the world is abandoned to a malignant being; he has no hope and disputes with Candide for fifteen days.
Chapter XXI: Candide and Martin, Reasoning, Draw Near the Coast of France
Martin shares his cynical experiences in France, including being robbed and imprisoned. He argues that human nature is fixed and evil, comparing men to hawks that always eat pigeons.
XXII: What Happened in France to Candide and Martin
Accompanies Candide in Paris, criticizes the city's customs, and helps him escape the arrest by advising bribery.
XXIII: Candide and Martin Touched Upon the Coast of England, and What They Saw There
Provides a cynical perspective on England and the war with France.
Of Paquette and Friar Giroflée
Argues that happiness is rare; wins a wager against Candide about the apparent happiness of Paquette and the friar.
XXV: The Visit to Lord Pococurante, a Noble Venetian
Accompanies Candide; agrees with many of Pococurante's criticisms and points out that the nobleman's disgust with everything reveals his unhappiness.
Of a Supper Which Candide and Martin Took with Six Strangers, and Who They Were
Sits with Candide at supper, observes the scene unconcernedly.
Chapter XXVII: Candide's Voyage to Constantinople
Accompanies Candide and offers skeptical commentary on the misfortunes of kings and mankind.
Chapter XXIX: How Candide Found Cunégonde and the Old Woman Again
Present, relating adventures and reasoning on events.
XXX: The Conclusion
Concludes man is born to distracting inquietude or lethargic disgust; advocates working without disputing.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Martin unlock in the free preview.

See Martin in Chapter XIX: What Happened to Them at Surinam and How Candide Got Acquainted with Martin

See Martin in Candide