The Decameron · Character
Messer Torello d'Istria
A Pavian nobleman whose lavish hospitality to a disguised Saladin is repaid years later in a single miraculous night.
major
Also known as Torello, Messer Torello, Messer Torello de Dignes
First appearance: the tenth story
As a major figure in The Decameron, Messer Torello d'Istria is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A gentleman of Pavia who generously hosts Saladin, joins the crusade, is captured, and is magically returned home by Saladin's command.
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Messer Torello is the soul of courtesy, a lord who treats an unknown traveler with such generosity that he gives away his own wife's jewels to clothe him. When he leaves for the Crusade, he leaves behind a wife he…
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See Messer Torello d'Istria in the tenth storyCharacter Web
38 connectionsA slice of how Messer Torello d'Istria sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Generosity and Envy
- Historical and Legendary Figures
- Marital Deception
- Love and Deception
- Protagonist
- Wit and Cleverness
+33 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
In this story, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Lisa, a lowborn apothecary’s daughter, is cons…
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Messer Torello d'Istria appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Messer Torello d'Istria in the tenth story