Hudibras

Ralpho

Hudibras and his squire Ralpho frequently clash over religious and philosophical disagreements, with Ralpho often undermining Hudibras's authority.

Sidrophel

Hudibras confronts the astrologer Sidrophel as an antagonist, accusing him of fraud and engaging in a violent quarrel.

Cerdon

Cerdon, a cunning and deceitful character, opposes Hudibras and contributes to his humiliations.

Adam

Adam, a bear-warden, becomes an enemy of Hudibras after the knight attacks his bear.

Talgol

Talgol, a fierce butcher and fighter, physically confronts and defeats Hudibras in battle.

Orsin

Orsin, a bear-warden, fights Hudibras after the knight attacks his bear, leading to a violent skirmish.

Whachum

Whachum, Sidrophel's assistant, aids in the astrologer's schemes against Hudibras and participates in the conflict.

Crowdero

Crowdero, a fiddler and minor antagonist, is assaulted and imprisoned by Hudibras, sparking further conflict.

Magnano

Magnano, a tinker and fighter, joins the mob that attacks and humiliates Hudibras.

Bruin

Bruin, the bear attacked by Hudibras, is a direct victim of the knight's aggression, leading to retaliation from its keepers.

Trulla

Trulla, a fierce Amazon-like woman, defeats Hudibras in combat and humiliates him.

Cupid

Cupid represents the romantic obsession and delusion that drives Hudibras's foolish pursuit of a widow.

The Author's Life

The protagonist of the poem, which Butler composed while in the service of Sir Samuel Luke.

Hudibras Part I

The Presbyterian knight, pedantic and cowardly, who leads the expedition against the bear-baiting crowd and later falls in love with the widow.

Canto I

The Presbyterian knight, described as a pedantic, hypocritical, and physically grotesque figure who sallies forth on a colonelling adventure.

Canto II

The Knight who sallies forth, defies the enemy, and captures Crowdero after a failed shot at Talgol.

Canto III

The Knight, who believes he has won the field but is captured by the rallied rout; later he schemes to win the widow's heart.

Canto I

Imprisoned and bruised, he debates love and marriage with the widow, using casuistry and wit to argue for a match based on her fortune.

Canto II

Rises from his couch, resolves to fulfill his vow, and engages in a fierce dispute with Ralpho over oath-breaking.

Canto III

The knight, ridden with doubt about his vow to the widow, consults Sidrophel and ultimately defeats him in combat.

An Heroical Epistle of Hudibras to Sidrophel

Author of the epistle; delivers a satirical attack on Sidrophel's character and pretensions.

Canto I

Resolves to woo the widow after his victory, sends Ralpho for constables, and engages in a debate with the widow about his exploits and their marriage contract.

Canto III

Flees the widow's masquerade in fear, mistakes Ralpho for a fiend, and later decides to pursue legal action against Sidrophel and the widow.

An Heroical Epistle of Hudibras to His Lady

Author of the epistle; defends his broken vow and pleads for the lady's forgiveness, citing noble privilege and the laws of love.

The Lady’s Answer to the Knight

The Knight is addressed by the Lady, who recalls his defeat by Trulla and his broken oaths.