# Ananias — The Alchemist character guide

> Ananias in The Alchemist by Ben Jonson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Brethren

**First appearance:** 0008-act-ii

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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 'Christ-tide' — expose the gap between his professed piety and his material desires. He and his elder Tribulation show how the con ensnares even those who believe themselves morally superior.

## Relationships

### [Sir Epicure Mammon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/sir_epicure_mammon)

_professional_

Ananias, a Puritan deacon, negotiates with Mammon for alchemical gold to fund his sect's activities.

### [Sir Epicure Mammon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/sir_epicure_mammon)

_professional_

Ananias, a Puritan deacon, negotiates with Mammon for alchemical gold to fund his sect's activities.

### [Sir Epicure Mammon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/sir_epicure_mammon)

_professional_

Ananias, a Puritan deacon, negotiates with Mammon for alchemical gold to fund his sect's activities.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/ananias
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters