The Devil upon Two Sticks

by Alain-René Lesage

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Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo

Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo (KLEH-oh-fahs leh-AHN-droh PEH-rehs sahm-BEW-yoh) is a student who becomes embroiled in a conflict at the home of his lover, Donna Thomasa. Ambushed by hired thugs, he narrowly escapes to the rooftops and stumbles upon a garret where he encounters the demon Asmodeus, imprisoned in a bottle. After liberating Asmodeus, Don Cleophas is taken on a mystical journey above Madrid, gaining insight into the city's diverse life through the demon's explanations. Asmodeus avenges Don Cleophas by punishing the deceitful Donna Thomasa, saves the beautiful Donna Seraphina from a life-threatening fire, and ultimately, unites her with Don Cleophas as his bride.

Asmodeus

Asmodeus (ahs-moh-DEH-uhs), known as the Devil on Two Sticks, is a demon who sympathizes with unfortunate lovers. Originally trapped in a bottle by a magician, he is released by Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo. In gratitude, Asmodeus takes Don Cleophas on a remarkable aerial tour of Madrid, revealing the city's hidden stories and facilitating revenge, rescue, and romance.

Donna Thomasa

Donna Thomasa (toh-MAH-sah) is the unfaithful lover of Don Cleophas. Her betrayal leads to Don Cleophas’ encounter with Asmodeus, who subsequently exacts revenge on her behalf.

Donna Seraphina

Donna Seraphina (seh-rah-FEE-nah) is a striking beauty who faces certain death in a fire. Asmodeus, disguised as Don Cleophas Leandro Perez Zambullo, rescues her from the flames. Grateful and enamored, she later becomes Don Cleophas' wife.

Don Pedro de Escolano

Don Pedro de Escolano (PEH-droh deh ehs-koh-LAH-noh) is the father of Donna Seraphina, whose life takes a dramatic turn after being saved by Asmodeus.

The Count de Belflor

The Count de Belflor (BEHL-flohr) is a courtly gallant, deeply in love with Leonora de Cespedes, whose romantic entanglements are part of the tales shared by Asmodeus with Don Cleophas.

Leonora de Cespedes

Leonora de Cespedes (leh-oh-NOHR-ah deh SEHS-peh-dehs) is the beloved of the Count de Belflor. Her story intertwines with themes of love and betrayal, as narrated by Asmodeus.

Marcella

Marcella (mahr-SEH-yah) serves as the treacherous duenna to Leonora de Cespedes, complicating the romantic pursuits surrounding Leonora and the Count de Belflor.

Don Luis de Cespedes

Don Luis de Cespedes (lew-EES) is Leonora’s father, caught in the familial dramas that unfold in the narratives shared by Asmodeus.

Don Pedro

Don Pedro is Leonora’s brother, harboring affection for Donna Eugenia. His romantic endeavors are part of the storytelling tapestry woven by Asmodeus.

Donna Eugenia

Donna Eugenia (eh-ew-HEH-nee-ah) is the sister of the Count de Belflor. Her involvement in the romantic dynamics is explored through the lens of Asmodeus' shared stories and observations during a wedding festival.

Don Juan de Zarata

Don Juan de Zarata (hwahn deh sahr-AH-tah) is a devoted friend entangled in a love story with Donna Theodora de Cifuentes, as recounted by Asmodeus.

Don Fabricio de Mendoza

Don Fabricio de Mendoza (fah-BREE-see-oh deh mehn-DOH-sah) is closely bonded with Don Juan de Zarata, both being enamored with Donna Theodora de Cifuentes. Their friendship and romantic pursuits form part of the larger narrative delivered by Asmodeus.

Don Alvaro Ponza

Don Alvaro Ponza (AHL-vah-roh POHN-sah) is the spurned suitor of Donna Theodora de Cifuentes, whose unrequited love adds depth to the stories shared by Asmodeus.

Donna Theodora de Cifuentes

Donna Theodora de Cifuentes (teh-oh-DOH-rah deh sih-FWEHN-tehs) is a captivating widow enamored with Don Juan de Zarata. Her romantic narrative, along with those of her suitors, is part of the introspective tales recounted by Asmodeus.

The Dey of Algiers

The Dey of Algiers is a character in a tale of genuine friendship and love, as elaborated within the stories shared by Asmodeus during his supernatural journey with Don Cleophas.

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