The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus · Character
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.
major
Also known as Mephistopheles, great Mephistopheles, sweet Mephistopheles
First appearance: scene iii
As a major figure in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, Mephistopheles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A devil who serves Lucifer and becomes Faustus's servant.
Mephistopheles first appears in 0006 scene iii.
With Lucifer (professional): Lucifer is the sovereign ruler of hell and Mephistopheles is his subordinate demon tasked with securing Faustus's soul. With Wagner (professional): Mephistopheles and Wagner have a master-servant-like relationship through their shared connection to Faustus, with Wagner imitating demonic summoning. With Robin (rivalry): Mephistopheles punishes Robin for misusing magic, turning him into an ape as a comedic but hostile act.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
13 connectionsA slice of how Mephistopheles sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Supernatural and moral forces
- Protagonist
- Comic and servant figures
- Advisors, witnesses, and tempters
+8 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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 readingRelationships
- Lucifer
professional · negative
Lucifer is the sovereign ruler of hell and Mephistopheles is his subordinate demon tasked… How this plays out →
- Wagner
professional · ambivalent
- Robin
rivalry · negative
- Good Angel
rivalry · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mephistopheles in scene iiiIn the story
Mephistopheles appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mephistopheles unlock in the free preview.
See Mephistopheles in scene iii