List of Characters

The following characters are the most important in the epic. Numbers in parentheses indicate the book and line in which the character first appears. Most of those listed appear throughout Paradise Lost. 

Abdiel (V, 805)

The one angel faithful to God among the legions of those who follow Satan. By defying Satan and rebuking him in the War in Heaven, he becomes an example of free service to God.

Adam (III, 285)

The general father of mankind, the first and “goodliest” (IV, 322) of men, made out of “earth’s hallowed mold” (V, 321), capable before the Fall of talking with God and eating with angels, tall, handsome, and erect in stature. Book VIII tells the story of his asking for and receiving Eve from God but is rebuked by Raphael for all but worshipping his wife. His duties in Eden include naming the animals and helping tend the garden, but he also has the duty of protecting Eve, which he violates by letting her go out alone in Book IX. After the Fall, Adam becomes more recognizably human and argues bitterly with Eve but at the end of Book XII, the couple is reconciled and leaves Paradise hand in hand.

Beelzebub (I, 81)

The second most powerful fallen angel; Satan’s chief accomplice and spokesman in the demonic council in Book II. Speaks last and convinces the fallen angels to follow Satan’s way of thinking.

Belial (I, 490)

The most dissolute and sophisticated of the fallen angels who speak in the debate in Book II. His speech is smooth and seems reasonable but is really for “ignoble ease” (II, 227) rather than for honourable action.

Chaos (I, 543)

A personification (which Milton borrowed from mythology) of the physical and mental state of disorder or anarchy, a part of which God used when He created the universe. Consort of Night and king of the region of disorder between Hell and Heaven.

Death (II, 666)

The personification of the death brought about by Adam’s sin and part of the allegory of Satan, Sin, and Death. The son of Satan, incestuously conceived of Satan’s daughter Sin; also the incestuous lover of his mother. A horrible shadowy figure with many different shapes in which all the fears of mankind may be seen. Helps build the highway from Hell’s gates to man’s universe. Holds a dart with which he kills a man. Will be defeated by Christ along with Satan and Sin on Judgment Day.

Eve (I, 36)

The general mother of all mankind, more beautiful than all women born after her, made by God from Adam’s rib to be a companion for him and to bear him children. Weaker morally and physically than Adam but ideally beautiful. Has a dream in Book IV caused by Satan, which foreshadows the Fall? Her chief duty is loyalty and obedience to her husband, but she also helps tend the Garden of Eden. Argues with Adam and is allowed to leave his side; consequently tempted by Satan in the serpent, is deceived into believing his lies, and eats the forbidden fruit. Using the same arguments convinces Adam to eat, too. Argues bitterly with Adam but is the first to repent and seek reconciliation, and leaves Paradise hand in hand with her husband.

Gabriel (IV, 549)

Angel in charge of guarding the Gate of Paradise, searches out Satan and catches him at Eve’s ear. Second to Michael in military rank in Heaven. Will later announce to Mary the coming of Jesus.

God (I, 12)

The omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent king who created and now rules the universe. Unapproachable, veiled in light (“God is light,” I John 1:5), incapable of being seen or fully understood by man after the Fall. Infinitely wise, reasonable, and good. Certain of His characteristics (creation, universal love, judgment, and mercy) are demonstrated to man through inspiration and through His Son who becomes a man and dies for man’s sin. Sits on an unshakable throne on the top of his mountain in the highest Heaven.

Lucifer

See Satan.

Mammon (I, 678)

Called “the least erected Spirit that fell/From Heav’n” (I, 679- 680) because in Heaven he was always looking down at the golden pavement rather than up to God. Characterized by greed for tangible wealth. Finds the underground precious minerals out of which Pandemonium is built in Book I. Argues in the debate in Book II for remaining in Hell and exploiting its wealth, rather than warring on God.

Michael (II, 294)

The Chief of the angelic armies carries a mighty sword into battle against God’s enemies in the War in Heaven. After the Fall descends to tell Adam of the future history of mankind. Contrasted with Raphael, who is less stern.

Moloch (I, 392)

The fallen angel is mentioned in Book I as a “horrid King” to whom children are sacrificed. In the demonic debate in Book II, he advocates open war against God.

Mulciber (I, 740)

The fallen angel (whom Milton borrowed from classical mythology) is the architect of Pandemonium in Book I.

Raphael (V, 221)

Called the “affable archangel” and the “sociable spirit.” Makes a friendly visit to Adam and Eve, in which he retells the story of the War in Heaven, and warns Adam and Eve of Satan’s plot to corrupt them. Is contrasted with Michael who is sterner and visits Adam and Eve after the Fall.

Satan (I, 34)

The name means “Enerny,” hence the Enemy of God. The personification of evil, the originator of evil before the creation of the universe, the father of Sin and Death. Permitted by God to exist and to act in order to demonstrate the validity of goodness. Formerly one of the highest angels in Heaven, then called Lucifer (“Light-bearer”), but leads a group of angels to rebel against God out of envy for the Son and is utterly defeated and cast down to Hell. The father of lies, a master of disguise, sometimes called the “dragon” (Revelation 20:2), establishes a tyrannical monarchy in Hell, decides to corrupt man, seduces Eve and through her Adam, but gains nothing from the seduction and is greeted with a chorus of hisses when he returns to Hell. Appears huge to man but small to God.

The Son (II, 678)

In Paradise Lost, the Son of God but not yet born as Jesus Christ; not the same as or equal to God, but as close to Him as is possible for human understanding to know. Begotten by a decree of God within the limits of time as man knows it, but not co-eternal with God. Sometimes (as in the Creation) called God, but His powers were given to Him by God. Volunteers in Book III to die for man’s sin. Is sent by God in Book VI to end the War in Heaven and thus demonstrate His glory, easily defeating the evil angels. Chosen by God to judge a man in Book X, intercedes with God for the sin of Adam and Eve.

Urania (VII, 1)

The name of Milton’s Christian Muse, whom he invokes to help him write Paradise Lost. Believed to be the inspiration of Moses in writing the books of the Old Testament ascribed to him in Milton’s era.

Uriel (III, 648)

An archangel, one of the seven that stand nearest to God’s throne, regent of the sun. Deceived by Satan’s disguise in Book III but recognises him in Book IV.