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Which major characters appear in Paradise Lost?
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John Milton
John Milton, engraving by Jacob Houbraken, 1741.
The major characters in John Miltonās epic poem Paradise Lost are God, the Son (Jesus Christ), Adam, Eve, and Lucifer, who is known as Satan.12
- God and the Son: The Godhead serves as the ultimate authority, while the Son is portrayed as the embodiment of Christian heroism. Through his selfless love and willingness to suffer for the redemption of humankind, the Son contrasts with the prideful nature of Satan.1
- Adam and Eve: As the first humans, their story of innocence, disobedience, and eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden forms the central narrative of the poem. Their journey reflects the transition from a state of bliss to the human condition of sin and mortality.1234
- Satan: Portrayed as a proud, manipulative, and vengeful figure, Satan leads the fallen angels in rebellion against God. His characterization is complex, with some literary critics historically viewing his defiance as a form of heroism, though Milton positions his actions as the source of human downfall.1253
Additionally, the archangel Raphael appears in the poem as a significant figure who instructs Adam and Eve regarding their obedience to God.1