Short Fiction · Character
the Devil
A bored tempter who crosses the sea to corrupt the Japanese, he ends up gardening beside St. Francis and growing a crop no one can name.
supporting
Also known as The Devil
First appearance: Tobacco and the Devil
As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, the Devil is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Disguised as a southern barbarian Brother, he cultivates tobacco and wagers with the cattle dealer, ultimately spreading tobacco across Japan.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
The Devil arrives in Japan with seeds in the hollow of his ear, intending to tempt the Japanese but finding himself strangely soothed by temple bells and warm spring sun. To stave off moral sleepiness, he borrows a…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of the Devil sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See the Devil in Tobacco and the DevilCharacter Web
11 connectionsA slice of how the Devil sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Psychological
- Other
Character groups
- Schemes and Temptation
- Protagonist
- Sages and Missionaries
- Authors and Framing Narratives
+6 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Kandata’s final, selfish choice—saving only himself by grabbing the spider’s thread—reaches its emotional and…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- St. Francis Xavier
rivalry · negative
A cosmic struggle between good and evil, with St. How this plays out →
- Tu Tzuchun
psychological · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See the Devil in Tobacco and the DevilIn the story
the Devil appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for the Devil unlock in the free preview.
See the Devil in Tobacco and the Devil