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Unit 13: Doctor Faustus: Characterization and Faustus Character
Notes
In Marlowe’s play, Mephostophilis has layers to his personality. He admits that
separation from God is anguish, and is capable of fear and pain. But he is gleefully evil,
participating at every level in Faustus’ destruction. Not only does Mephostophilis get Faustus
to sell his soul; he also encourages Faustus to waste his twenty-four years of power.
13.1.3 Wagner
Wagner is the servant to Faustus. He steals Faustus’ books and learns how to summon demons. At
the end of the play, he seems concerned about his master’s fate.
13.1.4 Good Angel and Evil Angel
Personifications of Faustus’ inner turmoil, who give differing advice to him at key points. Their
characters also reflect Christian belief that humans are assigned guardian angels, and that devils
can influence human thoughts.
13.1.5 Cornelius
Friend to Faustus, who teaches him the dark arts. He appears only in Act One.
13.1.6 Lucifer
Satan. “Lucifer” original meant Venus, referring to the planet’s brilliance. In Christian lore, Lucifer
is sometimes thought to be another name of Satan. Some traditions say that Lucifer was Satan’s
name before the fall, while the Fathers of the Catholic Church held that Lucifer was not Satan’s
proper name but a word showing the brilliance and beauty of his station before the fall. He appears
at a few choice moments in Doctor Faustus, and Marlowe uses “Lucifer” as Satan’s proper name.
13.1.7 Belzebub
One of Lucifer’s officers. A powerful demon.
13.1.8 Clown/Robin
Robin learns demon summoning by stealing one of Faustus’ books. He is the chief character in a
number of scenes that provide comic relief from the main story.
13.1.9 Dick
A friend of Robin’s. He is one of the characters peopling the few comic relief scenes.
13.1.10 Rafe
A horse ostler, or groomer, and friend to Robin. With the Clown, he summons Mephostophilis, who
is none too pleased to be called.
13.1.11 Vintner
A wine merchant or a wine maker. This Vintner chases down Robin and Rafe after they steal a silver
goblet from him.
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