# Matthias — The Humbugs of the World character guide

> Matthias in The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Master Matthias

**First appearance:** 0057-xlv

## Snapshot

A bearded prophet who installed himself in a wealthy follower's household as God's messenger, whipping disobedient women and cursing skeptics until they tossed him in a blanket.

## Who they are

Matthias presided over a luxurious establishment funded by the credulous Mr. Folger, claiming all Christian marriages void and wicked while indulging in petty tyranny. Insolent yet cowardly, he crumpled whenever a strong-minded auditor seized him by the throat or threatened a shave by force. His career shows how religious humbug feeds on a patron's need to believe — and how quickly the prophet becomes a prisoner when the belief falters.

## Relationships

### [Folger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/folger)

_psychological_

Folger appears to be deeply entangled with Matthias in a manipulative or obsessive dynamic, possibly as a follower or victim.

### [Count Alessandro di Cagliostro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/count_alessandro_di_cagliostro)

_psychological_

Cagliostro and Matthias share a manipulative dynamic, possibly as fellow impostors or one exploiting the other.

## In the story

### [Part IX: Religious Humbugs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/part-ix-religious-humbugs)

A religious impostor who used spiritual claims to deceive and manipulate.

### [XLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xliv)

Robert Matthews, the central impostor who claimed to be God the Father and manipulated wealthy disciples.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/matthias
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters