Orlando Furioso · Character

Agramant

King of Africa who hurls his battered armies against Charlemagne's France, ruling by tax, siege, and the fragile loyalty of proud kings.

major

Also known as King Agramant, King Agramant of Africa, royal Agramant

First appearance: Canto I

As a major figure in Orlando Furioso, Agramant is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

King of the Moors, leading the invasion of France.

In the storyCanto IOpen this moment free

See Agramant in Canto I Book page

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Agramant commands the Saracen invasion from Arles, scraping together horse and foot while levying crushing taxes across Africa to refit his broken force. His authority rests on managing dangerous subordinates like Rodomont and on winning over free agents such as Marphisa, who arrives unbidden with sword and purse. His stalled campaign against Charlemagne supplies the war that scatters every other character across the poem's map.

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

See Agramant in Canto I

Character Web

43 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Scottish Subplot Characters
Protagonist
Primary Christian and Saracen Knights

+38 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Astolpho, usin…

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Relationships

Rogero
professional · ambivalent
Agramant is Rogero's Saracen king and commander, whom he serves before converting. How this plays out →
Rogero
professional · ambivalent
Agramant is Rogero's Saracen king and commander, whom he serves before converting. How this plays out →
Rogero
professional · ambivalent
Agramant is Rogero's Saracen king and commander, whom he serves before converting. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Agramant in Canto I

In the story

Agramant appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Canto I
King of the Moors, leading the invasion of France.
Canto III
King of Africa who sent Brunello with the ring to free Rogero.
Canto XIII
Ranks his army for review.
Canto XIV
King of Africa, musters his troops and learns of the losses inflicted by Orlando.
Canto XV
Leads an assault on a gate of Paris but is thwarted by Charlemagne's defenders.
Canto XVI
Leads a massive assault, sends the king of Fez to flank the Irish, and is struck down by Rinaldo.
Canto XXV
Sends dispatches requesting Rogero's aid against Charlemagne's siege.
Canto XXVII
Attempts to mediate the quarrel between Rodomont and Sacripant.
Canto XXX
Honors Rogero after the duel, tends to his wounds, and gives him Mandricardo's arms and Brigliador.
Canto XXXI
Flees to Arles after his forces are routed by Rinaldo.
Canto XXXII
Retreats to Arles after defeat; holds council and seeks to rebuild his forces.
Canto XXXVI
Present as Rogero dons his armor in view of him.
Canto XXXVIII
Persuaded by Sobrino to settle the war by single combat; selects Rogero as his champion.
Canto XXXIX
Breaks the pact and is overthrown, forced to flee France for Africa.
Canto XL
Flees Biserta in a boat with Brigliador and precious things, grieving his earlier disbelief of Sobrino's warnings.
Canto XLI
Fights Olivier; refuses Brandimart's counsel to convert; prepares for battle.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Agramant in Canto I