The Duchess of Malfi : Characters
The Duchess of Malfi is a notable literary work by John Webster. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Duchess of Malfi.
Characters
Daniel de Bosola: He is the villain of the tragedy. He is a criminal hired by Ferdinand to spy on the Duchess. He is corrupted, cynical, melancholic, deceptive, and cunning.
Ferdinand: Ferdinand is the Duke of Calabria and the twin brother of the Duchess. He hires Daniel de Bosola as a spy. He is terribly furious, greedy, lustful, corrupted, and powerful. Finally, he himself is overtaken by insanity.
Cardinal: Cardinal is a cynical and calculated elder brother of the Duchess and Ferdinand. He keeps an illegal mistress named Julia who is the wife of Castruccio.
Duchess: The Duchess is the widowed Duchess of Malfi. She is disappointed because of the premature death of her Duke and her brothers have imposed a prohibition on her for remarriage.
Antonio Bologna: Antonio Bologna is the loyal steward of the Duchess. He is loved by the Duchess and married secretly.
Delio: A good-hearted gentleman, he remains loyal to Antonio and the Duchess.
Castruccio: He is a courtier under Ferdinand and Julia’s husband.