The Faerie Queene : Characters
The Faerie Queene is a notable literary work by Edmund Spenser. 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 Faerie Queene.
Characters
Redcrosse Knight: He is the hero of Book I, representing Holiness. He is a brave but inexperienced knight. He wears armor with a blood-red cross. It symbolizes his faith. He serves the Faerie Queene and fights monsters like Error. Though strong, he is easily tricked by Archimago. His journey tests his faith and virtue. He travels with Una, who guides him. His real name is later revealed to be St. George, the patron saint of England.
Una (Lady Una): She is A pure and truthful princess. She rides a white donkey and wears a black veil, symbolizing sorrow. A dragon destroyed her kingdom, and she seeks Redcrosse’s help. She represents Truth and the True Church. Despite her nobility, she faces betrayal when Archimago creates a false version of her to deceive Redcrosse.
Archimago: He is a wicked sorcerer disguised as a holy hermit. He uses dark magic to manipulate people. In “Canto I,” he creates false dreams and a fake Una to corrupt Redcrosse. His name means “arch-magician” or “great deceiver.” He symbolizes hypocrisy and false religion. He possibly represents Catholic corruption in Spenser’s time.
The Dwarf: Una’s servant. He carries her bag and warns of danger.
Error (the Monster): A half-woman, half-serpent beast. She lives in a dark cave and vomits poison.
The False Dream Spirit: Sent by Archimago. It gives Redcrosse bad dreams.
The False Una: A fake copy of Una. Made to trick Redcrosse.
Morpheus: The god of sleep. Archimago wakes him to send dreams.
Hecate: A dark goddess. Morpheus fears her.
The Sprite (Messenger): A spirit that carries the false dream.
Arthur: The legendary king. He searches for the Faerie Queene after seeing her in a dream. The central protagonist of the poem, although he does not play the most important role in its action.
Faerie Queene (Gloriana): The queen of Fairyland. She represents Queen Elizabeth I. Knights seek her favor. She does not appear in the poem, despite having a greater influence.