# Face — The Alchemist character guide

> Face in The Alchemist by Ben Jonson.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Jeremy, Neighbour, Captain, Lungs

**First appearance:** 0006-act-i

## Snapshot

A quick-witted housekeeper turned con-artist, he runs a fake alchemy racket in his absent master's house and juggles every visitor who walks through the door.

## Who they are

Face is the mastermind of the operation, the man who greets each mark at the door and tailors the illusion to fit their greed. He is caught between the thrill of the con and the constant risk that his partner Subtle will overreach or that his master will return. His improvisational genius drives the play's escalating comedy, as every new dupe forces him to spin a fresh lie.

## Relationships

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

_professional_

Face, as a servant, manipulates Mammon into believing he can achieve alchemical transmutation for profit.

### [Subtle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/subtle)

_rivalry_

Face and Subtle are co-conspirators but constantly compete for control of their scam and the profits.

### [Kastril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/kastril)

_professional_

Face poses as a captain to teach Kastril how to quarrel, exploiting his aggression for the scam.

### [Abel Drugger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/abel_drugger)

_professional_

Face directs Drugger to the alchemist Subtle, acting as a middleman in the con.

### [Dapper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/dapper)

_professional_

Face introduces Dapper to Subtle and orchestrates the fake spirit ritual for him.

### [Dol Common](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/dol_common)

_professional_

Dol Common and Face are partners in the alchemical fraud, with Face often directing her actions.

### [Subtle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/subtle)

_rivalry_

Face and Subtle are co-conspirators but constantly compete for control of their scam and the profits.

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

_professional_

Face, as a servant, manipulates Mammon into believing he can achieve alchemical transmutation for profit.

### [Abel Drugger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/abel_drugger)

_professional_

Face directs Drugger to the alchemist Subtle, acting as a middleman in the con.

### [Kastril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/kastril)

_professional_

Face poses as a captain to teach Kastril how to quarrel, exploiting his aggression for the scam.

### [Subtle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/subtle)

_rivalry_

Face and Subtle are co-conspirators but constantly compete for control of their scam and the profits.

### [Dapper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_alchemist_se/characters/dapper)

_professional_

Face introduces Dapper to Subtle and orchestrates the fake spirit ritual for him.

## Links

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