Character List

Doctor John Faustus A learned scholar in Germany during the fifteenth century who becomes dissatisfied with the limitations of knowledge and pledges his soul to Lucifer in exchange for unlimited power.

Wagner Faustus' servant, who tries to imitate Faustus' methods of reasoning and fails in a ridiculous and comic manner.

Valdes and Cornelius Two German scholars who are versed in the practice of magic and who teach Faustus about the art of conjuring.

Lucifer King of the underworld and a fallen angel who had rebelled against God and thereafter tries desperately to win souls away from the Lord.

Mephistophilis A prince of the underworld who appears to Faustus and becomes his servant for twenty-four years.

Good Angel and Evil Angel Two figures who appear to Faustus and attempt to influence him.

The Clown The clown who becomes a servant of Wagner as Mephistophilis becomes a servant to Faustus.

Horse-Courser A gullible man who buys Faustus' horse, which disappears when it is ridden into a pond.

The Pope The head of the Roman Catholic church, whom Faustus and Mephistophilis use as a butt of their practical jokes.

Charles V, Emperor of Germany The emperor who holds a feast for Faustus and at whose court Faustus illustrates his magical powers.

Knight A haughty and disdainful knight who insults Faustus. In revenge, Faustus makes a pair of horns appear on the knight.

Duke and Duchess of Vanholt A couple whom Faustus visits and for whom he conjures up some grapes.

Robin An ostler who steals some of Dr. Faustus' books and tries to conjure up some devils.

Rafe (Ralph) A friend of Robin's who is present with Robin during the attempt to conjure up devils.

Vintner A man who appears and tries to get payment for a goblet from Robin.

Old Man He appears to Faustus during the last scene and tries to tell Faustus that there is still time to repent.

Seven Deadly Sins, Alexander, Helen of Troy, and Alexander's Paramour Spirits or apparitions which appear during the course of the play.

Chorus A device used to comment upon the action of the play or to provide exposition.