Character guide

Jesus Christ

major

Also known as Christ, Lord Jesus, Blessed Jesus, O good Jesus, O Lord Jesus, Lord Jesu

In this devotional world, Christ is not a distant doctrine but a speaker — the one whose words the disciple receives as 'Eternal Truth,' sweet in the ear yet terrifying to a conscience that knows its own impurity. The central tension is the chasm between his gracious condescension and the disciple's felt unworthiness: heaven itself cannot contain him, yet he says 'Come ye all unto Me.' His invitation drives the book's early and middle movements, pulling the soul from paralysis toward the Communion table.

The Disciple

major

Also known as Thy servant, Unknown

The Disciple is the book's trembling 'I' — the voice that answers Christ, confesses its sins, and wrestles with whether it dare draw near. His distinctive tension is that the sweetness of Christ's words arouses him while the multitude of his faults presses him down; he recalls Noah's hundred years building the ark and wonders how he can prepare in a single hour. His halting, self-questioning faith shapes the early and middle arc, making the reader's own hesitation the very ground on which the imitation unfolds.

God the Father

major

Also known as Holy Father, O beloved Father, Father

God the Father speaks as the voice that probes the disciple's love, warning that one who falls away at a little opposition is not yet a strong or prudent lover. The distinctive tension he names is that consolation comes and goes — sweet affection is a foretaste, not a foundation — and the true lover must embrace hard and bitter things for the Beloved's sake. His testing presence anchors the book's middle arc, teaching the soul to trust even when God hides his face.

Thomas à Kempis

supporting

Also known as Thomas Kempis, Thomas Hemercker, Thomas Hemercker de Kempis, Kempis, the Kempis

Thomas à Kempis stands behind the text as its traditional author, invoked in a dedicatory letter as the Spirit-inspired writer of six hundred years past. His distinctive stance is anti-intellectual and anti-vain: better a lowly peasant who serves God than a proud philosopher watching the stars; knowledge without humility profits nothing. His opening admonitions set the book's early course, redirecting the reader from speculation about the Trinity toward the imitation of a life.

John Gersen

minor

Also known as Gersen, The Gersen, the Gersen, John Gerson

Alternate proposed author of the work, mentioned in scholarly notes.

Moses

minor

Old Testament prophet and lawgiver, cited as an example of humility.

John the Baptist

minor

Also known as John Baptist, John

Prophet who prepared the way for Christ, mentioned as a model of virtue.

Mary Magdalene

minor

Also known as Mary

Penitent follower of Christ, example of loving devotion.

David

minor

Biblical king and psalmist, quoted frequently in prayers.

St. Paul

minor

Also known as Paul

Apostle to the Gentiles, cited for teachings on the spiritual life.

Solomon

minor

Also known as Song of Solomon

Biblical king and author of wisdom literature, referenced for vanity of worldly things.

Dean Milman

minor

Also known as Milman

Historical figure referenced in the introduction or notes.

Rev. Craufurd Tait

minor

Also known as Craufurd

Editor or translator of this edition, mentioned in front matter.

Chevalier de Gregory

minor

Mentioned in scholarly apparatus regarding authorship.