The Jew of Malta · Character
Friar Jacomo
A friar whose rivalry with Barnadine over Barabas's soul and wealth makes him a pawn in the Jew's lethal game of revenge.
supporting
Also known as Jacomo, Friar Jacomo Abigail, Friar Jacomo O, Friar Jacomo Villains, Friar Jacomo Sisters
First appearance: scene i
As a supporting figure in The Jew of Malta, Friar Jacomo is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Jacomo competes with Barnadine for the honor of converting the wealthy Barabas, each friar claiming the greater house and stricter rule. He shrives Abigail and learns her secrets, a knowledge that makes him dangerous to Barabas and doomed by it. His quarrel with Barnadine over whose order deserves the Jew's fortune hands Barabas the opening he needs to destroy them both.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Friar Jacomo sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Psychological
- Other
Character groups
- Malta's Christian community
- Protagonist
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene marks the dramatic climax because Ferneze’s flat denial of tribute—“’shalt have no tribute here”—re…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Barabas
rivalry · negative
Barabas tricks Friar Jacomo into killing another friar, then murders him to cover his… How this plays out →
- Abigail
psychological · ambivalent
- Barabas
rivalry · negative
Barabas tricks Friar Jacomo into killing another friar, then murders him to cover his… How this plays out →
- Abigail
psychological · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Friar Jacomo in scene i