Faustus- The main character of the story. Once a brilliant scholar and professor at Wittenberg, his interest in the dark arts and necromancy lead him to a deal with Lucifer. In this pact, he surrenders his soul for twenty-four years of luxury and power on earth. Self-doubt, repentance and fear gnaw his soul frequently throughout the play, but it is not until the very end that he realizes the folly of his actions.
Valdes Cornelius- Friends of Faustus. Infamous for practicing magic and sorcery, they persuade him to join them in studying necromancy.
Wagner- Servant to Faustus. He is faithful to Faustus till the end and receives all of his money and property.
Mephostophilis-The principal devil that lured Faustus into selling his soul. As part of the deal between Lucifer and Faustus, Mephostophilis acted as Faustus's servant for twenty-four years, granting his every wish.
Lucifer- Monarch of hell. He is delighted to receive Faustus's once devout soul into his dominions in exchange for twenty-four years of luxurious life.
Beelzebub-Assistant devil to Lucifer.
Good Angel Evil Angel- They frequently accompany Faustus and advise him on a course of action. They represent the struggle between good and evil in his soul.
The Seven Deadly Sins- Appear at Lucifer's command before Faustus for his entertainment.
Clown/Robin-Acts as a servant for Wagner, interested in the dark arts; Mephostophilis punishes him by giving him an ape's face.
Dick- Stableboy that Mephostophilis turns into a dog because he stole Faustus's magic book.
Rafe- Dick's partner in crime; similarly punished by Mephostophilis.
Vintner-Innocent witness to Dick, Rafe Robin's devilish mischief.
Carter- Faustus tricks this man by eating all of his hay for only three farthings.
Chorus- Acts as narrator and interpreter of the story for the audience.
The Pope- Faustus plays tricks on this "proud" Pope by releasing a political prisoner right under his nose.
Bruno-Political/religious prisoner that Faustus releases to cause mischief in Rome; later becomes Pope in Germany.
Raymond, King of Hungary- Assistant to the Pope; fooled by Faustus and Mephostophilis.
Charles, the German Emperor- Greatly entertained by Faustus; commands to see various spirits.
Martino, Frederick Benvolio- Officers at the Emperor's court; they are severely punished by the devils for scoffing at Faustus's magical powers and attempting to kill him.
Duke Duchess of Vanholt- Guests entertained by Faustus.
Old Man- Devout Christian who pleads with Faustus to save his soul; serves as a foil against Faustus's sin-loving ways.
Spirits in the shapes of Alexander the Great, Darius, Paramour and Helen of Troy- Summoned by Faustus to entertain his guests.
Scholars, soldiers, devils, courtiers, cardinals, monks, cupids, saxony
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Doctor Faustus: Character Profiles
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