# The Prisoner of Zenda — Character guide

> Key figures in The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope.

- [Rudolf Rassendyll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/rudolf_rassendyll.md): Rudolf Rassendyll is a well-born idler whose red hair and distinctive nose betray a scandalous ancestral link to Ruritania's royal Elphbergs. When a casual trip brings him face to face with the king he so uncannily resem
- [Colonel Sapt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/colonel_sapt.md): Colonel Sapt is the old campaigner who serves the crown with a ferocity that borders on insubordination, and he is the one who conceives and executes the scheme to put Rudolf Rassendyll on the throne. Where others hesita
- [Rupert Hentzau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/rupert_hentzau.md): Rupert Hentzau is the most dangerous of Duke Michael's men, a swordsman and horseman whose charm is as lethal as his blade. He leaps a moat under a hail of bullets and lives to taunt his enemies again, and his casual cru
- [Fritz von Tarlenheim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/fritz_von_tarlenheim.md): Fritz von Tarlenheim is the King's trusted companion and Sapt's younger partner in the plot, a man whose courage is matched by his tenderness. He is in love with the Countess Helga, and his personal stake in the outcome 
- [Black Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/black_michael.md): Duke Michael is the King's brother and the shadow behind every threat to the crown, a man who hides his treason behind courtly manners and a network of hired swords. He wants both the throne and Flavia, and his willingne
- [Princess Flavia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/princess_flavia.md): Princess Flavia is the King's cousin and intended bride, adored by the people of Strelsau and bound by duty to a marriage of state. She falls in love with the man she thinks is the king, unaware that he is an impostor, a
- [Antoinette Mauban](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/antoinette_mauban.md): Antoinette de Mauban arrives in Ruritania bound to Duke Michael by shame and stubborn hope, but his cool head takes all and gives nothing. Jealous of Flavia yet unwilling to be a decoy for murder, she sends warning lette
- [Johann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/johann.md): Johann runs the household at Zenda, waiting on Duke Michael's gentlemen and one mysterious lady, while sulking away from his sweetheart in town. Overworked and under-loved, he is exactly the kind of man whose vanity and 
- [Detchard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/detchard.md): Ruthless mercenary guarding the imprisoned King at Zenda.
- [Bertram Bertrand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/bertram_bertrand.md): Friend of Rudolf who helps him travel to Ruritania.
- [George Featherly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/george_featherly.md): Acquaintance of Rudolf in London, part of the social circle.
- [Sir Jacob Borrodaile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/sir_jacob_borrodaile.md): British diplomat in Ruritania who aids Rudolf.
- [Josef](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/josef.md): Loyal servant at the hunting lodge who helps the King.
- [Marshal Strakencz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/marshal_strakencz.md): Old military commander loyal to the King.
- [De Gautet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/de_gautet.md): One of Black Michael's henchmen at Zenda Castle.
- [Bersonin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/bersonin.md): Swiss mercenary guarding the King at Zenda.
- [Countess Helga von Strofzin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/countess_helga.md): Lady-in-waiting to Princess Flavia.
- [Lady Burlesdon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/lady_burlesdon.md): Rudolf's sister, who disapproves of his idle ways.
- [Max Holf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters/max_holf.md): Brother of Johann, a servant at Zenda Castle.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/characters