# Ralpho — Hudibras character guide

> Ralpho in Hudibras by Samuel Butler.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Ralph, plain Ralph, Squire, Good Squire, wrathful Squire, The Squire

**First appearance:** 0003-part-i-canto-i

## Who they are

Hudibras's squire, an Independent sectary whose plain sense and quick disguises keep rescuing his master from the consequences of his own heroics.

## Relationships

### [Hudibras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/hudibras)

_rivalry_

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

### [Crowdero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/crowdero)

_rivalry_

Crowdero, as an enemy of Hudibras, also opposes Ralpho, who is complicit in the knight's actions against him.

### [Whachum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/whachum)

_rivalry_

Ralpho and Whachum are on opposing sides, with Whachum aiding Sidrophel against Hudibras and Ralpho.

### [Magnano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/magnano)

_rivalry_

Magnano, as part of the mob, fights against Ralpho alongside Hudibras's other enemies.

### [Sidrophel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/sidrophel)

_rivalry_

Ralpho, a skeptical Puritan, derides Sidrophel's astrology and joins Hudibras in confronting him.

### [Hudibras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/hudibras)

_rivalry_

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

### [Hudibras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/hudibras)

_rivalry_

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

### [Sidrophel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/sidrophel)

_rivalry_

Ralpho, a skeptical Puritan, derides Sidrophel's astrology and joins Hudibras in confronting him.

### [Whachum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/whachum)

_rivalry_

Ralpho and Whachum are on opposing sides, with Whachum aiding Sidrophel against Hudibras and Ralpho.

## In the story

### [The Author's Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/the-author-s-life)

Implicitly referenced as a character in the poem, which exposes rebellion and hypocrisy.

### [Hudibras Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/hudibras)

Hudibras's squire, a zealous Independent, who debates theology and strategy with his master.

### [Canto I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-i-canto-i)

Mentioned as the squire who will later accompany Hudibras; his character is set up for the ensuing action.

### [Canto II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-i-canto-ii)

The Squire who scouts the enemy, advises the Knight to spare Crowdero, and helps bind the prisoner.

### [Canto III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-i-canto-iii)

The Squire, who debates with Hudibras about human learning and is later put in Crowdero's place.

### [Canto I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-ii-canto-i)

Afflicted and cheek-by-jowl with Hudibras in the pound, he is present but does not speak in this canto.

### [Canto II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-ii-canto-ii)

Argues with Hudibras about the legitimacy of oaths, claiming saints may dispense with them for self-interest; nearly draws his sword.

### [Canto III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-ii-canto-iii)

The squire suggests consulting Sidrophel and later witnesses the fight, being sent to fetch a constable.

### [Canto I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-iii-canto-i)

Sent by Hudibras to fetch constables; later conveys the Knight away from the masquerade.

### [Canto III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-iii-canto-iii)

Rescues Hudibras from the masquerade, reveals his identity, and advises the Knight on legal strategy.

### [An Heroical Epistle of Hudibras to His Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/chapters/part-iii-an-heroical-epistle-of-hudibras-to-his-lady)

Mentioned as the faithful Squire to whom Hudibras gives the letter to deliver.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters/ralpho
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hudibras_se/characters