# Braggadocchio — The Faerie Queene character guide

> Braggadocchio in The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Braggadochio, Proud Braggadocchio

**First appearance:** 0036-canto-i

## Who they are

A boastful coward who steals Guyon's horse and Florimell's girdle, mistaking loud self-praise for the substance of knighthood.

## In the story

### [Book II: The Legend of Sir Guyon, or of Temperance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/book-ii-the-legend-of-sir-guyon-or-of-temperance)

Boastful knight deceived by Archimago into seeking revenge.

### [Canto III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-iii)

Steals Guyon's horse and rides in false pride; meets Archimago and later Belphoebe, who exposes his cowardice.

### [Canto VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-viii)

Seizes the false Florimell from the witch's son, but flees when challenged by a knight, losing his prize.

### [Canto X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-x)

Scornful boaster encountered by Malbecco; he refuses the offered treasure, claiming fame is his reward, but Trompart is tempted.

### [Canto V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-v)

Claims the false Florimell as his thrall; she voluntarily chooses him, causing further discord among the knights.

### [Canto II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-ii)

Mentioned in the context of the giant's balance debate, though not directly appearing; the giant's arguments echo themes of falsehood and vanity.

### [Canto III: The Spousals of Faire Florimell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-iii)

Claims the tournament prize using Artegall's deeds and presents a false Florimell; later exposed and shamed.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/braggadocchio
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters