The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Doctor Faustus
major
Also known as Faustus, Dr. John Faustus, John Faustus, Dr. Faustus, Master Doctor Faustus
A scholar who has mastered every discipline and still craves more, he signs away his soul for twenty-four years of devil-served power.
Mephistopheles
major
Also known as Mephistopheles, great Mephistopheles, sweet Mephistopheles
The devil who takes Faustus's bloody deed and becomes his servant, answering every wish while quietly insisting that hell is wherever he stands.
Wagner
supporting
Also known as Wagner, Wagner Baliol, Baliol
Faustus's servant, who apes his master's conjuring and bullies a poor clown into a seven-year indenture with threats of devils.
Good Angel
supporting
Also known as Angel, Good Angel Sweet Faustus
The heavenly voice at Faustus's shoulder, urging him toward repentance, prayer, and the mercy that might still undo his bargain.
Evil Angel
supporting
Also known as Evil Angel, Evil Angel Ay
The demonic whisper that reframes repentance as lunacy and steers Faustus toward honour, wealth, and the pleasures of his pact.
Lucifer
supporting
Also known as great Lucifer, mighty Lucifer
The prince of devils, who arrives in person when Faustus speaks of Christ, claiming sole interest in the soul already signed away.
Cornelius
minor
Also known as Cornelius
A magician friend who assists Faustus in learning necromancy.
Robin
minor
Also known as Robin, Clown
A clownish servant who dabbles in Faustus's magic.
Vintner
minor
Also known as Vintner, Enter Vintner
A tavern keeper who is tricked by Robin and Ralph.
Duke of Vanholt
minor
Also known as Duke
A nobleman who hosts Faustus and witnesses his magic.
Helen of Troy
minor
Also known as Helen of, Helen, Sweet Helen
The legendary beauty conjured by Faustus as his paramour.
Chorus
minor
Also known as Doctor Faustus Chorus
The narrator who introduces and comments on the play's action.
Valdes
minor
Also known as Valdes, sweet Valdes
A magician friend who teaches Faustus the dark arts.
Ralph
minor
Also known as Ralph, sweet Ralph
A companion of Robin involved in comic misadventures with magic.
Old Man
minor
Also known as Old Man, the Old Man
A pious elder who tries to persuade Faustus to repent.
First Scholar
minor
Also known as First Scholar Master Doctor Faustus, Master Doctor
A fellow scholar who worries about Faustus's fate.
Knight
minor
Also known as Knight, Knight Ay
A skeptical courtier who mocks Faustus and is punished.
Alexander the Great
minor
Also known as Alexander the Great, Alexander
A historical conqueror conjured by Faustus for the emperor.
