# Porphyro — Poetry character guide > Porphyro in Poetry by John Keats. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Young Porphyro, young Porphyro, Quoth Porphyro, mine, thou, thee, Thy, thy **First appearance:** 0051-i ## Snapshot A young lover who braves a hostile castle and freezing night to reach Madeline's chamber, armed with music, feasting, and a dangerous plan. ## Who they are Porphyro is an enemy of Madeline's family, which makes every step through their halls an act of daring. He enlists the old beldame Angela to smuggle him in, then waits in hiding for the moment the ritual dream will leave Madeline open to him. His passion is genuine, but so is his cunning, and the poem leaves readers to weigh whether he is a romantic hero or a beautiful intruder. ## In the story ### [The Eve of St. Agnes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/the-eve-of-st-agnes) Madeline's lover, who risks his life to enter the hostile castle and awaken her from her dream. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/ix) Arrives at the castle with a heart on fire for Madeline, imploring the saints for a sight of her. ### [The Perilous Venture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/x) The venturing lover, risking his heart in a fev'rous citadel. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xi) Hidden behind a pillar, he is discovered by Angela. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xiii) Follows Angela through a lowly arched way, brushing cobwebs, and demands to know Madeline's location. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xiv) Porphyro is addressed by the Beadsman, who is astonished at his presence on this holy night. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xv) Looks upon Angela with puzzled intensity, then grows brilliant-eyed upon learning Madeline's purpose, struggling with tears at the thought of her enchanted sleep. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xvii) Porphyro swears an oath not to harm Madeline, showing his earnest and passionate nature. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xviii) Porphyro's burning speech is gentled by Angela's woeful plaint, and he secures her promise to do his bidding. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xix) Led in secrecy to Madeline's chamber to hide and observe her. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xx) The young man addressed by the Dame, instructed to wait and pray. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxi) The young lover who hides in Madeline's chamber, pleased to have reached his goal. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxii) Young Porphyro is urged to prepare for gazing on that bed as Madeline approaches. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxv) Grows faint at the sight of Madeline's angelic purity. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxviii) Steals into Madeline's chamber and watches her sleep. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxix) Sets a table by the bedside, half-anguished, and is disturbed by the festive noise. ### [The Eve of St. Agnes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxx) Brings a heap of candied fruits and spiced dainties from the closet. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxi) Heaps delicacies on golden dishes and silver baskets, then pleads for Madeline to awake. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxii) Whispers to Madeline, his arm sinking in her pillow, entoiled in woofed phantasies. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxiv) Kneels with joined hands and piteous eye, afraid to move or speak. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxv) Porphyro is addressed by Madeline, who notes his changed, pallid, and drear appearance. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxvi) Rises ethereal and flushed, melting into Madeline's dream. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxvii) Porphyro is present with Madeline, though she accuses him of being a traitor who will forsake her. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxviii) Speaker who declares himself Madeline's vassal and pilgrim, having completed his quest. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxix) Speaker who awakens Madeline and urges her to escape. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xl) Leads Madeline down the stairs, navigating the sleeping dragons and stormy castle. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xli) Glides like a phantom through the hall with Madeline. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/characters/porphyro - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/characters