# Dr. Samuel Johnson — The Devil’s Dictionary character guide

> Dr. Samuel Johnson in The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Dr. Johnson, Johnson, me—I’m

**First appearance:** 0001-the-devil-s-dictionary

## Who they are

The lexicographer, referenced in definitions.

## In the story

### [A](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/a)

Referenced in the definitions of 'Abrupt' and 'Abruption' for his commentary on literary ideas.

### [B](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/b)

Quoted in the definition of 'Brandy' as saying brandy is the drink of heroes.

### [E](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/e)

Referenced in the definition of 'Epigram' as the source of several quoted epigrams.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/i)

Referenced indirectly through the 'Immorality' entry's philosophical discussion of expediency.

### [P](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/p)

Referenced in the definition of 'Politician' as a comparison to the statesman, implying Johnson's views.

### [R](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/chapters/r)

Referenced indirectly in the definition of 'Rime' as a source of the spelling 'rhyme.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/characters/dr_samuel_johnson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_devil_s_dictionary_se/characters