The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus · Chapter
Dramatis Personae explained
This chapter lists the characters of the play, including Faustus, his friends and servants, supernatural beings, and various supporting roles.
What happens
This chapter lists the characters of the play, including Faustus, his friends and servants, supernatural beings, and various supporting roles.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Faustus’s damnat…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Ambition and the Pursuit of Knowledge
Faustus's quest for forbidden knowledge is central to the play.
- Sin and Damnation
The presence of devils and angels highlights the moral stakes of Faustus's choices.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Faustus
The protagonist, a scholar who turns to magic.
- Mephistopheles
A devil who serves Lucifer and becomes Faustus's servant.
- Wagner
Faustus's servant.
- Good Angel
A spiritual figure who advises Faustus toward repentance.
- Evil Angel
A spiritual figure who tempts Faustus toward damnation.
- Lucifer
The ruler of hell who oversees Faustus's pact.
Key passages
“Dramatis Personae The Pope Cardinal of Lorrain Emperor of Germany Duke of Vanholt Faustus Valdes, Friend to Faustus Cornelius, Friend to Faustus Wagner, Servant to Faustus Clown Robin Ralph Vintner, Horse-Courser, Knight, Old Man, Scholars, Friars, and Attendants Duchess Of Vanholt Lucifer Belzebub Mephistopheles Good Angel Evil Angel The Seven Deadly Sins Devils Spirits in the shapes of Alexander the Great, of his Paramour, and of Helen of Troy Chorus”
The list of characters includes Faustus, his associates, supernatural beings, and various other roles.
This is the dramatis personae, introducing all characters in the play.
