Character guide

Signor Thomas Magnus

major

Also known as Magnus, Thomas Magnus, Signor Magnus, wise Thomas Magnus, unfortunate Magnus, dear Magnus, Signor, the scoundrel Magnus

A Roman gentleman of unsettling charm whose absences speak louder than his greetings, and who once lived so piously as a monk that his ashes became relics.

Mr. Henry Wondergood

major

Also known as Wondergood, Mr. Henry Wondergood of Illinois, Mr. Wondergood, scoundrel Wondergood, dear Wondergood, Wondergood of Illinois

An Illinois gentleman abroad who keeps confessing he is Satan in human form, and whose loneliness on the Atlantic is so vast he must write it down.

Maria

major

Also known as Signorina, the Signorina Maria, Signorina Maria

A young Roman woman with a gaze as clear as the Campagna sky, whose harp and voice turn Wondergood into a taut, trembling string.

Mr. Toppi

supporting

Also known as Toppi, Suddenly Toppi, the unbribable Toppi, The good Toppi, Poor Toppi

The unbribable, good, poor Toppi — a servant whose plain decency becomes the quiet measure against which grand diabolical schemes are taken.

Satan

major

Also known as Satan of Eternity, Poor Satan

The devil himself, ten days into wearing a human body, who finds words, logic, and loneliness far harder to bear than hell ever was.

Cardinal X.

supporting

Also known as The Cardinal, Cardinal, the Cardinal

A prince of the Church whose secret dealings and worldly calculations make him an unexpectedly fitting companion for a devil on holiday.

Irwin Toppi

minor

Also known as Irwin

A younger relative of Mr. Toppi, also serving in the household.

Madonna

minor

Also known as the Madonna

A religious figure referenced in prayers and iconography.

Magnus Rabbit

minor

Also known as dear Magnus

A pet rabbit belonging to Signor Magnus, treated with affection.

Mars

minor

Also known as Mad Mars, Crazy Mars

A deranged or eccentric character who appears briefly.

Beelzebub

minor

A demonic entity mentioned in the narrative as a counterpart to Satan.

Magnus Ergo

minor

Another alias or variant of Signor Magnus, possibly a pseudonym.

George

minor

A minor servant or acquaintance in the story.