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The Decameron · Character

Il Zima

A young man of ready tongue and readier nerve, he wins the lady he loves by the sheer audacity of a well-turned speech.

major

Also known as Zima

First appearance: the seventh story

As a major figure in The Decameron, Il Zima is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A young, wealthy man known for his elegant dress and cunning; he uses a palfrey to gain access to his beloved.
In the storyThe Fifth StoryOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Il Zima moves in the world of Florentine gallantry, where desire must be negotiated through wit rather than force. His story, framed by Filostrato's meditation on how love rewards the bold in gentle hearts, turns on a…

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

See Il Zima in the seventh story

Character Web

9 connections

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

CACatellaMTMesser Torello…FPFra PuccioRMRicciardo Minu…GDGhino di TaccoIZIl Zima

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Moral and Romantic Adventures
  • Love and Deception
  • Generosity and Envy
  • Gullibility and Deceit

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this story, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Lisa, a lowborn apothecary’s daughter, is cons…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Il Zima 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 Il Zima unlock in the free preview.

See Il Zima in the seventh story