Dante’s Inferno Character Analysis
This epic poem follows the character Dante Alighieri and is narrated by him as well. It is important to differentiate between the character Dante and the poet Dante.
Although Dante is speaking as himself, his characterized version is somewhat different than the poet. The poet was a career politician and philosopher and qualities that he is known to have possessed such as his shrewdness and cunning are softened in the character form.
Character Dante is empathetic and quick to pity the souls he encounters in his journey through Hell. He is led by his guide, Virgil—based on the ancient poet. The poem has no real antagonist.
Dante’s Inferno Characters
Who are the main characters in Dante’s Inferno?
- Protagonist – Dante Alighieri
- Antagonist – None
- Mentor/Guide – Virgil
- Narrator – Dante Alighieri
Dante Character
Dante – The author, protagonist, and narrator of the poem. Dante the character is believed to be a simplified version of Dante the poet. Dante the character is sympathetic, fearful, and shaken by his experience in Hell. He goes through moral and intellectual conundrums about some of the situations in which he finds himself on his journey. As the poem progresses and Dante understands more about Hell and the people there, his pity and sympathy starts to be replaced with acceptance and understanding.
Virgil
Virgil – The character of Virgil plays the classic mentor role by being a guide to Dante as he makes his way through Hell. Virgil resides in Limbo, the part of Hell reserved for good people who did not know Crist. Virgil is wise, resourceful, and level-headed. Although he ultimately cannot protect Dante against the evils found in Hell, he helps Dante get through it with reason and faith.
Beatrice
Beatrice – Dante’s beloved who resides in Heaven. She sent Virgil to help Dante on his journey. Beatrice is not physically present in Inferno. Instead, she symbolizes spiritual love.
Charon
Charon – The old man who ferries Dante and Virgil across the river Acheron to Hell.
Paolo and Francesca Da Rimini
Paolo and Francesca Da Rimini – Lovers condemned to the Second Circle of Hell for adultery.
Minos
Minos Dante’s Inferno – A beast standing at the entrance to the Second Circle of Hell. He determines in which circle of Hell the incoming souls belong.
Filippo Argenti
Filippo Argenti – A political enemy of Dante residing in the Fifth Circle of Hell among the Wrathful.
Farinata
Farinata – A Ghibelline political leader who is doomed to the Sixth Circle of Hell for being a Heretic.
Phlegyas
Phlegyas – The boatman who rows Dante and Virgil across the river Styx.
Nessus
Nessus – The centaur who carries Dante through the First Ring of the Seventh Circle of Hell.
Pier Della Vigna
Pier Della Vigna – A politician who committed suicide when he fell out of favor with the State. He spends eternity as a tree.
Geryon
Geryon – The serpentine monster who transports Dante and Virgil to the Eighth Circle of Hell.
Malacoda
Malacoda – A demon guarding the Fifth Pouch of the Eighth Circle of Hell. He gives Dante and Virgil false directions.
Vanni Fucci
Vanni Fucci – A thief punished in the Seventh Pouch of the Eighth Circle of Hell.
Ulysses
Ulysses – Imprisoned in the Eighth Pouch of the Eighth Circle of Hell for being guilty of Spiritual Theft.
Guido Da Montefeltro
Guido Da Montefeltro – An advisor to Pope Boniface VIII, trapped in Hell for not repenting sins.
Antaeus
Antaeus – A monster that transports Virgil and Dante to the Ninth Circle of Hell.
Count Ugolino
Count Ugolino – A traitor condemned to the Second Ring of the Ninth Circle of Hell.
Fra Alberigo and Branca D’Oria
Fra Alberigo and Branca D’Oria – Sinners in the Third Ring of the Ninth Circle of Hell. Their bodies live in Hell possessed by demons because devils had already snatched their souls from their living bodies on Earth.
Lucifer
Lucifer – The prince of Hell who lives at the very bottom of Ninth Circle of Hell. He has three faces. Each mouth chews one of the world’s worst sinners: Judas, Cassius, and Brutus.
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