Leviathan · Character
Adam
The first man whose sin brought death into the world, invoked by Hobbes to separate mortality from guilt and worship from mere obedience.
supporting
First appearance: part i of man
As a supporting figure in Leviathan, Adam is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Cited in the allegory of the tree of knowledge to illustrate that subjects must not judge God's commandments.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Hobbes uses Adam's fall to argue that death entered the world by sin, yet God could justly have afflicted even a sinless Adam — a subtle move that keeps divine sovereignty grounded in nature, not merely in punishment.
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Adam sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Adam in part i of manCharacter Web
15 connectionsA slice of how Adam sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Family
- Other
Character groups
- Historical and theological exemplars
- Protagonist
- Biblical and religious leaders
+10 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the sovereign's right to punish is not a gift from subj…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Jesus Christ
family · positive
Adam and Jesus Christ are linked as the first and second Adam, with Christ reversing the… How this plays out →
- Jesus Christ
family · positive
Adam and Jesus Christ are linked as the first and second Adam, with Christ reversing the… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Adam in part i of manIn the story
Adam appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XX: Of Dominion Paternal, and Despotical
- Of the Kingdom of God by Nature
- Of the Signification in Scripture of Kingdom of God, of Holy, Sacred, and Sacrament
- XXXVIII: Of the Signification in Scripture of Eternal Life, Hell, Salvation, the World to Come, and Redemption
- XLIII: Of What Is Necessary for a Man’s Reception Into the Kingdom of Heaven
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Adam unlock in the free preview.
See Adam in part i of man