Orlando Furioso · Character

Rinaldo

Orlando's cousin and a paladin of Montalbano, famous for his sword Fusberta, his stolen horse Bayardo, and a temper that keeps costing him.

major

Also known as good Rinaldo, Sir Rinaldo, Rinaldo di Mont' Albano

First appearance: Canto I

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

Loses his horse Bayardo, fights Ferraù, and pursues Angelica.

In the storyCanto IOpen this moment free

See Rinaldo in Canto I Book page

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Rinaldo is one of Charlemagne's most trusted captains, sent on embassies to England and Scotland to raise troops while Paris sits under siege. He is brave and effective, but the old romances remember him as a borderer with a raider's hands, and the poem's notes openly contrast his acquisitiveness with Orlando's disinterest. His long pursuit of Angelica, and his family's feud-prone honor, keep him entangled in the same love-madness that will destroy his cousin.

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

See Rinaldo in Canto I

Character Web

59 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Primary Christian and Saracen Knights
Protagonist
Miscellaneous Characters

+54 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Rogero
rivalry · negative
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield. How this plays out →
Charlemagne
professional · positive
Orlando
friendship · positive
Bayardo
professional · positive
Rogero
rivalry · negative
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield. How this plays out →
Charlemagne
professional · positive
Rogero
rivalry · negative
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield. How this plays out →
Bayardo
professional · positive
Orlando
friendship · positive

Rogero
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield.
Charlemagne
Charlemagne is Rinaldo's emperor and commander, leading the Christian forces.
Orlando
Orlando and Rinaldo are fellow Christian knights and cousins who fight together.
Bayardo
Bayardo is Rinaldo's loyal and intelligent horse, serving as his trusted steed.
Rogero
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield.
Charlemagne
Charlemagne is Rinaldo's emperor and commander, leading the Christian forces.
Rogero
Rinaldo is a Christian knight who frequently clashes with Rogero on the battlefield.
Bayardo
Bayardo is Rinaldo's loyal and intelligent horse, serving as his trusted steed.
Orlando
Orlando and Rinaldo are fellow Christian knights and cousins who fight together.

Relationship notes

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

See Rinaldo in Canto I

In the story

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

Canto I
Loses his horse Bayardo, fights Ferraù, and pursues Angelica.
Canto II
Dueling Sacripant over Angelica; Angelica flees from him.
Canto IV
Disembarks in Scotland, learns of Geneura's situation, and vows to champion her cause against the unjust law.
Canto V
Rinaldo rescues Dalinda and learns the truth about Polinesso's plot against Geneura; he rides to St. Andrew's town to aid in Geneura's defense.
Canto VI
Advises the king to grant Geneura to Ariodantes and intercedes for Dalinda's pardon.
Canto VIII
Levies knights and squadrons to aid Charlemagne.
Canto XIV
Approaches Paris with angelic guidance to aid the Christian host.
Canto XVI
Rescues Zerbino from the Saracen onslaught, kills Prusion, Agricalt, Bambirago, and wounds Soridane and Serpentine.
Canto XXXI
Leads the charge against Agramant's host, contends with Gradasso for Bayardo, and returns to Paris.
Canto XXXIII
Engages in a fierce duel with Gradasso for Bayardo and Durindana.
Canto XXXVIII
Chosen as Charlemagne's champion for the duel; confident of victory.
Canto XXXIX
Duels with Rogero, unaware of the emotional stakes for Bradamant.
Canto XLII
Still loves Angelica; seeks Malagigi's help and later is tested with a magical cup.
Canto XLIII
Listens to the host's tale of jealousy and lost love, then travels by pinnace toward Ravenna.
Canto XLIV
Rinaldo pledges his sister to Rogero and travels with him to Marseilles, showing great favor and obligation toward Rogero.
Endnotes
Mentioned in connection with his sword Fusberta and his rapacious conduct contrasted with Orlando's disinterestedness.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Rinaldo in Canto I