Chorus: Usually a single actor, the Chorus relates the prologue which introduces much of the plot, tells of Faustus’s magical experiences as the devil’s promises are fulfilled, and who also offers the final comments at play’s end.
Doctor Faustus: A brilliant scholar, Doctor Faustus sells his soul to the devil in exchange for limitless knowledge and powerful black magic, which leaves him yet unfulfilled. Even when repentance is still within his grasp, he is too proud to ask God for forgiveness, and his pride ultimately seals his fate.
Wagner: Faustus’s student and servant, Wagner presses Robin the clown into service as his own servant. He and Robin eventually acquire some magical abilities of their own.
Good Angel: Trying to save his subject’s soul, the Good Angel attempts to convince Faustus on several occasions that repentance is still possible and that he must turn away from the devil and his enticements.
Evil Angel: The opposing force, the bad angel convinces Faustus that repentance is not possible and that devils will tear him in pieces if he tries.
**Valdes:**A magician, Valdes instructs Faustus in the art of black magic.
**Cornelius:**Another magician, Cornelius also instructs Faustus in the art of black magic.
**Three Scholars:**Students of Faustus, the Three Scholars come in search of Faustus early in the play, only to find that he has fallen into a damned art from which he may not be able to be reclaimed. At play’s end, they find Faustus’s remains after the devils have made their claim on him.
**Lucifer:**The prince of devils, Lucifer convinces Faustus, through various enticements, to give up his prayers to God once and for all and to agree to a pact with him.
**Mephistopheles:**Lucifer’s henchman, he serves to satisfy Faustus’s wishes and demands. He occasionally torments and is tormented by Faustus and becomes his constant companion.
Robin: A servant and clown to Wagner and a sometimes magician.
Beelzebub: A devil.
**Pride, Covetousness, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Sloth, Lechery:**The seven deadly sins, they are led by a piper and appear before, even delighting, Faustus with the prospect of what he might find in hell.
**Dick:**A clown.
**Pope Adrian:**Having grown arrogant and abusive in his power, Pope Adrian becomes a prospect for humiliation at the hands of Faustus and Mephistopheles, who disguise themselves as cardinals and cause mass confusion.
**Friars:**Assigned by Adrian, they curse, with bell, book and candle, the “spirit” which has upset the pope’s banquet.
**Vintner:**He accuses Robin and Dick of stealing a cup from the tavern.
**Charles V:**The German emperor, Charles V is responsible for appointing Bruno as a rival to Pope Adrian. He admires Faustus’s ability as a conjurer and enjoys the tricks played on his courtiers.
**Horse-Courser:**A clown, the Horse-Courser makes the mistake of buying a horse from Faustus.
**Duke of Vanholt:**Faustus performs his conjuring tricks for the duke’s amusement.
**Duchess of Vanholt:**She also is amused by Faustus’s magical tricks.
**Old Man:**Appearing at the play’s end, the Old Man attempts to convince Faustus that there is still time to repent and save his soul from hell.
Various Mute Characters, including Alexander the Great, Alexander’s Paramour, Helen of Troy, Devils, Friars, Attendants, Soldiers, and Servants
