The Devil upon Two Sticks

by Alain-René Lesage

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Last Updated on May 8, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 398

Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo

Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo (KLEH-oh-fahs leh-AHN-droh PEH-rehs sahm-BEW-yoh), a student. At the home of his inamorata, Donna Thomasa, he finds himself worsted in a fight with hired ruffians. He flees to the rooftops and enters a garret, where he finds the demon Asmodeus and frees him from a bottle in which he is imprisoned. In return for this favor, the demon takes Don Cleophas on a flight over Madrid, during which he gives the student glimpses into the varied life of the city. He provides explanations of the sights they see, wreaks vengeance for Don Cleophas on the treacherous Donna Thomasa, rescues the beautiful Donna Seraphina from imminent death, and bequeathes her to the young man as a bride.

Asmodeus

Asmodeus (ahs-moh-DEH-uhs), the Devil on Two Sticks, the friend of hapless lovers. Imprisoned in a bottle by a magician, he is freed from his captivity by Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo, whom he takes on a flying trip over Madrid.

Donna Thomasa

Donna Thomasa (toh-MAH-sah), Don Cleophas’ treacherous inamorata.

Donna Seraphina

Donna Seraphina (seh-rah-FEE-nah), a beautiful lady rescued from a fire by Asmodeus disguised as Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo, whom she later marries.

Don Pedro de Escolano

Don Pedro de Escolano (PEH-droh deh ehs-koh-LAH-noh), Donna Seraphina’s father.

The Count de Belflor

The Count de Belflor (BEHL-flohr), a court gallant,

Leonora de Cespedes

Leonora de Cespedes (leh-oh-NOHR-ah deh SEHS-peh-dehs), loved by the Count de Belflor,

Marcella

Marcella (mahr-SEH-yah), Leonora de Cespedes’ treacherous duenna,

Don Luis de Cespedes

Don Luis de Cespedes (lew-EES), Leonora’s father,

Don Pedro

Don Pedro, Leonora’s brother, in love with Donna Eugenia, and

Donna Eugenia

Donna Eugenia (eh-ew-HEH-nee-ah), the Count de Belflor’s sister, characters in a story told to Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo by Asmodeus as they watch a wedding festival through a window.

Don Juan de Zarata

Don Juan de Zarata (hwahn deh sahr-AH-tah) and

Don Fabricio de Mendoza

Don Fabricio de Mendoza (fah-BREE-see-oh deh mehn-DOH-sah), devoted friends in love with Donna Theodora de Cifuentes,

Don Alvaro Ponza

Don Alvaro Ponza (AHL-vah-roh POHN-sah), the rejected suitor of Donna Theodora de Cifuentes,

Donna Theodora de Cifuentes

Donna Theodora de Cifuentes (teh-oh-DOH-rah deh sih-FWEHN-tehs), a beautiful widow in love with Don Juan de Zarata, and

The Dey of Algiers

The Dey of Algiers, characters in a story of true friendship and love told by Asmodeus.

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