The Monk · Character

Antonia

A sheltered, devout young woman whose natural goodness and simplicity make her both the object of Ambrosio's obsession and the quiet rebuke to his sophistry.

major

Also known as the lovely Antonia, Antonia Dalfa, Donna Antonia

First appearance: Chapter I

As a major figure in The Monk, Antonia is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A young woman who attends Ambrosio's sermon and catches his attention.

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With Ambrosio (psychological): Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her. With Elvira (family): Elvira is Antonia's protective mother, devoted to her daughter's safety and…

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The fuller portrait of Antonia sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Antonia in Chapter I

Character Web

31 connections

A slice of how Antonia sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Family
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Minor and background characters
Main plot characters

+26 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Ambrosio’s…

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Relationships

Ambrosio
psychological · negative
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her. How this plays out →
Elvira
family · positive
Matilda
rivalry · negative
Madonna Flora
social · positive
Ambrosio
psychological · negative
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her. How this plays out →
Elvira
family · positive
Ambrosio
psychological · negative
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her. How this plays out →
Matilda
rivalry · negative
Elvira
family · positive
Madonna Flora
social · positive
Matilda
rivalry · negative
Madonna Flora
social · positive

Ambrosio
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her.
Elvira
Elvira is Antonia's protective mother, devoted to her daughter's safety and virtue.
Matilda
Matilda, disguised as a nun, feigns friendship with Antonia while plotting her ruin.
Madonna Flora
Madonna Flora is a servant in Antonia's household, providing care and assistance.
Ambrosio
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her.
Elvira
Elvira is Antonia's protective mother, devoted to her daughter's safety and virtue.
Ambrosio
Ambrosio becomes obsessively lustful toward Antonia, ultimately raping and murdering her.
Matilda
Matilda, disguised as a nun, feigns friendship with Antonia while plotting her ruin.
Elvira
Elvira is Antonia's protective mother, devoted to her daughter's safety and virtue.
Madonna Flora
Madonna Flora is a servant in Antonia's household, providing care and assistance.
Matilda
Matilda, disguised as a nun, feigns friendship with Antonia while plotting her ruin.
Madonna Flora
Madonna Flora is a servant in Antonia's household, providing care and assistance.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Antonia in Chapter I

In the story

Antonia appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Monk
A young woman who attends Ambrosio's sermon and catches his attention.
Chapter I
A young woman deeply moved by Ambrosio's sermon, feeling an inexplicable affection and admiration for him.
Chapter V
Present during Lorenzo's visit, blushes and shows emotion at his presence.
Chapter VII
Innocent and unaware of Ambrosio's designs; feels relief at his departure but secretly laments never seeing him again; later reads a censored Bible and is questioned by Ambrosio about love.
Chapter VIII
Falls into a deep magical sleep as Ambrosio prepares to assault her; remains unconscious throughout.
Chapter IX
The young woman whom Ambrosio desires. She is recovering from illness, is superstitious about her mother's ghost, and is given the soporific draught by Ambrosio.
Chapter XI
Drugged and buried alive, she awakens to find herself violated by the man she trusted.
Chapter XII
Mentioned as the victim of Ambrosio's rape and murder, for which he is tried.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Antonia unlock in the free preview.

See Antonia in Chapter I

See Antonia in The Monk