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The Alchemist · Character

Ananias

A Puritan deacon whose zeal for the godly cause cannot quite suppress his hunger for alchemical gold, making him a hypocrite even as he scruples at every word.

supporting

Also known as the Brethren

First appearance: act ii

As a supporting figure in The Alchemist, Ananias is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Ananias in act iiBook page

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Ananias represents the Puritan brethren who have invested in Subtle's scheme, and he bristles at the doctor's profane language while eagerly pursuing the profits. His catchphrase refusals — balking at 'Christmas' as…

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

See Ananias in act ii

Character Web

13 connections

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

SESir Epicure Ma…SUSubtleFAFaceKAKastrilDCDol CommonANAnanias

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Alchemical Con Victims
  • Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point

This scene is the dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak where all the maj…

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Ananias in act ii
See Ananias in act ii