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Measure for Measure · Character

Barnardine

A drunken prisoner who refuses to be executed on schedule.

minor

Also known as Pompey Master Barnardine, Master Barnardine, Barnardine Friar, this Barnardine

First appearance: Scene II

Barnardine's tie to Abhorson is one of the pressures that moves Measure for Measure—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

A condemned murderer who is deeply asleep and indifferent to death; the Duke plans to substitute his head for Claudio's.
In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

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With Abhorson (professional): Abhorson is the executioner assigned to execute the condemned prisoner Barnardine. With Abhorson (professional): Abhorson is the executioner assigned to execute the condemned prisoner…

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The fuller portrait of Barnardine sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Barnardine in Scene II

Character Web

11 connections

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

ABAbhorsonDVDuke VincentioISIsabellaLALord AngeloLULucioBABarnardine

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Central characters
  • Minor supporting roles
  • Protagonist

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because the Duke, now in his own habit, shifts from passive observer to acti…

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Barnardine in Scene II

In the story

Barnardine appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Barnardine in Scene II