Orlando Furioso · Character
Alcina
A beautiful enchantress whose island paradise turns lovers into beasts once her desire cools.
supporting
Also known as false Alcina, Puissant Alcina
First appearance: canto i
As a supporting figure in Orlando Furioso, Alcina is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The false fairy who transforms her lovers into plants, rocks, or beasts; Rogero is warned to avoid her.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Alcina rules an island of gardens and music where knights are welcomed, feasted, and adored — until she tires of them. Her power lies less in open violence than in pleasure that dissolves a man's purpose, and her…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Alcina sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Alcina in canto iCharacter Web
22 connectionsA slice of how Alcina sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Other
Character groups
- Enchantresses and Magical Aids
- Protagonist
- Primary Christian and Saracen Knights
+17 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Rogero
psychological · negative
Alcina is a sorceress who seduces and manipulates Rogero, keeping him enchanted on her… How this plays out →
- Rogero
psychological · negative
Alcina is a sorceress who seduces and manipulates Rogero, keeping him enchanted on her… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Alcina in canto iIn the story
Alcina appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Alcina unlock in the free preview.
See Alcina in canto i