The Red Cross Knight, the protagonist of Book I, symbolizes both St. George, England's patron saint, and the Christian man's pursuit of holiness. His quest to rescue Una's parents from a dragon representing evil poses significant challenges. Initially self-assured, he confronts trials that lead him to a near-suicidal state due to forces of sin and error. His recuperation comes through the House of Holiness, where faith and teachings rejuvenate him. Ultimately, he triumphs over the dragon after a three-day combat and betroths Una. The narrative is enriched with the symbolism of baptism and communion, metaphorically depicted through a fountain and a tree.

Prince Arthur is a legendary British hero who epitomizes the virtue of Magnificence, representing the harmony of all virtues. Driven by a vision of the Faerie Queene, whom he deeply admires, Arthur endeavors to locate Gloriana. Along his journey, he assists knights such as the Red Cross Knight and Una, embodying unwavering moral integrity. His narrative intertwines with Arthurian legend elements, featuring figures like Merlin. Prince Arthur's quest is marked by his interventions in the quests of Artegall and Calidore, underscoring his role as a rescuer and paragon of virtue.

Una, the daughter of the King and Queen of the West, embodies truth and the church. Depicted as a figure of purity and wisdom, she seeks aid from the Faerie Queene to rescue her parents. Despite offering wise counsel to the Red Cross Knight, she cannot always shield him from his flaws. Abandoned at times, Una finds protection from a lion and satyrs. Her reunion and eventual marriage to the Red Cross Knight after his conquest of the dragon symbolize a journey rich with religious allegory, akin to Christ's entry into Jerusalem and the embodiment of the Paschal Lamb.

Gloriana, known as the Faerie Queene, serves as an allegorical figure for Queen Elizabeth I. Her presence, although not directly depicted within the poem, exerts a formidable influence as the knights embark from her court on their quests. Praised for her virtue and splendor, Gloriana's character acts as a beacon of inspiration, particularly motivating the Red Cross Knight in his mission to liberate Una's parents from peril.

Britomart, the warrior maiden and hero of the Book of Chastity, represents the triumph of purity and chastity over lust. Her quest to find Artegall, inspired by a vision in Merlin’s mirror, embodies the union of justice and mercy. Throughout her adventures, Britomart demonstrates courage and morality, rivaling her male counterparts and epitomizing Spenser's ideal of married chastity, surpassing the austere virginity of characters like Belphoebe.

Archimago, a diabolical enchanter, utilizes disguises and spells to entrap the poem's knights and ladies, serving as a symbol for the deceptive nature of Spain and the Roman Catholic Church. Even after his defeat by the Red Cross Knight, Archimago's recurring appearances in disguise highlight his unyielding mission to mislead and corrupt.

Duessa, in alliance with Archimago, is a deceitful enchantress whose alluring facade masks an underlying grotesqueness. As a personification of Falsehood, the Roman Catholic Church, and Mary, Queen of Scots, she frequently adopts various disguises to perpetuate her deceptions. Her true nature's eventual revelation strips her of her manipulative power.

Error is the Red Cross Knight's initial foe, a creature of monstrosity residing within a wandering wood. With a form that is part woman and part serpent, Error represents the deceit that led to Eve's downfall. Her death is symbolized by the disgorgement of books and papers from her body, indicating the spread of falsehoods. The illumination from the Red Cross Knight's shield reveals her vulnerability to truth. This character offers significant inspiration...

Sans Foy, Sans Loy, and Sans Joy are Saracen knights who confront Una and her knight, each embodying a specific moral failing: lack of faith, lawlessness, and lack of joy, respectively. Their characters represent spiritual and moral trials encountered by the faithful on their journey.

Abessa, the mistress of Kirkrapine, and her blind mother, Corceca, are entrenched in a life of crime and deceit. Their association with Kirkrapine emphasizes their moral corruption and degradation.

Malvenu, Lucifera’s porter, alongside Vanity, her usher, symbolize the unfaltering admittance of sin and superficiality into the House of Pride, illustrating the ease with which vanity can lead to moral decay.

Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa, daughters of Dame Coelia, personify the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, guiding and supporting the faithful in their spiritual journey.

Amavia, a bereaved widow, and her child Ruddymane, whose hands are stained with her blood, reflect the enduring impact of Acrasia's destructive allure and the repercussions of yielding to temptation.

Medina, Perissa, and Elissa are sisters representing the mean, deficiency, and excess of temperance, respectively, highlighting the necessity of moderation across life's domains.

Braggadocio, a boastful impostor posing as a knight on Guyon's stolen horse, is accompanied by Trompart, his miserly aide. Together, they represent vanity and deceit.

Furor, a violent figure who beats a helpless squire, is supported by his mother, Occasion, symbolizing the destructive nature of uncontrolled passion and wrath.

Pyrochles and Cymochles are intemperate knights defeated by Guyon, each exemplifying the consequences of succumbing to excess and uncontrolled desires.

Mammon, the god of wealth, sits amidst his treasure in rusty armor, reflecting the corrupting power of greed and avarice. His daughter, Philotime, wields the chain of ambition, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of wealth and status.

Phantastes and Eumnestes are guardians of fantasy and memory, respectively, illustrating the balance between imagination and the retention of past lessons in life’s journey.

Marinell, a timid knight beloved by Florimell, is the son of Cymoent, a sea nymph. His character highlights themes of love and fear, and the influence of divine lineage.

Argante, a giantess, and her brother-lover Ollyphant, embody unchecked passion and moral degradation, serving as figures of lust.

Proteus, the sea's shepherd, rescues Florimell from peril, while Panope, his housekeeper, signifies the protective and nurturing aspects of the sea's domain.

Malbecco, a miserly and jealous old man, faces betrayal when his young wife, Hellenore, elopes with Paridell, illustrating the consequences of possessiveness and distrust.

Scudamour, a master of courtly love, wins Amoret at Venus' court, only to lose her to Busirane, who embodies the constraints and passions of love. Amoret's journey reflects her struggle with the rigid code of love and her eventual liberation.

Venus, the love goddess and Amoret’s foster mother, along with her lover Adonis, symbolize the creative and nurturing facets of nature's force.

Cambello, a knight of friendship, alongside his sister Canacee and Cambina, his wife, embody themes of camaraderie and the intricacies of familial relationships within the narrative.

The three brothers, Priamond, Diamond, and Triamond, battle for Canacee's hand. Priamond and Diamond fall, but their strength transfers to Triamond, who prevails, representing familial perseverance and unity.

Corflambo, a powerful pagan, corrupts foes with lust, while his tyrannical daughter Poeana finds redemption through love when she marries Placidas, illustrating transformation through compassion.

Amyas, the Squire of Low Degree and Aemylia's suitor, alongside Placidas, a beloved squire of Poeana, represent perseverance and the transformative power of love and encouragement.

Druon and Claribell, companions of Blandamour and Paridell, epitomize companionship and loyalty amidst love and rivalry.

The river god Thames and goddess Medway symbolize unity and harmony through the natural order, celebrated through their marriage attended by global waterways.

Grantorto, a tyrannical figure, holds Irena's country captive, symbolizing the oppressive power of the Roman Catholic Church. Irena's plea to the Faerie Queene for aid reflects the quest for liberation and justice.

Pollente, a Saracen extorting travelers, alongside his daughter Munera, the keeper of his wealth, signify the themes of greed and exploitation opposed by justice tales.

Amidas and Bracidas, embroiled in a treasure conflict, find resolution through Artegall's justice, illustrating equitable resolution's triumph. Philtera, initially betrothed to Bracidas, marries Amidas, showcasing familial and romantic intricacies.

Sir Turpine, discovered in distress by Artegall, refuses aid to Calepine and Serena, reflecting the juxtaposition of pride and humility. His wife, Blandina, endeavors to temper his cruelty, symbolizing compassion amidst conflict.

Radigund, the Amazon queen, captures and humiliates Artegall with women's attire but subsequently falls for him, reflecting themes of power and vulnerability. Her attendant, Clarinda, develops feelings for Artegall, illustrating loyalty and affection complexities.

Belgae, a mother appealing to Mercilla after losing her children to Geryoneo's tyranny, embodies the plight of the oppressed. Artegall's defeat of Geryoneo, representing Spanish power, signifies justice's victory over tyranny.

Burbon, assisted by Artegall against Grantorto's men, symbolizes courage and justice alliance, while Sir Sergis, Irena's steadfast adviser, represents loyalty and wisdom amid adversity.

Briana, a proud lady demanding hair and beards for Crudor's mantle, symbolizes pride and the misuse of hospitality laws, while Crudor, the disdainful knight, represents rejection.

Aldus, a venerable knight, his son Aladine, and Priscilla, Aladine's lady, illustrate familial bonds and themes of honor and loyalty.

Serena, a noble lady wounded by the Blatant Beast, and her knight Calepine embody the trials and triumphs of enduring love amidst adversity.

Meliboee, Pastorella's wise foster father, advises Calidore on happiness's essence, while Coridon, her shepherd admirer, highlights love within rustic simplicity.

Sir Bellamour and his wife Claribell, Pastorella's parents, represent the reunion and revelation of true identity, emphasizing familial connection.

Mutability, a proud Titaness, challenges Cynthia, the moon goddess, highlighting the tension between change and constancy in the natural world.

Mercury, the divine messenger, and Jove, the king of the gods, symbolize communication and authority within the celestial hierarchy.

Mollana, a nymph associated with an Irish river, is pursued by Faunus, a satyr, representing the interplay between the natural world and its mystical inhabitants.

The Dwarf, Una's faithful companion on her journey with the Red Cross Knight, symbolizes Common Sense and natural reason. His presence offers practical guidance, underscoring the need for wisdom in their shared quest to defeat the dragon.

Fradubio, a knight ensnared by Duessa's deceptions, is metamorphosed into a tree. This transformation symbolizes the stagnation and entrapment wrought by false appearances and alluring deceptions.

Kirkrapine, a church robber, meets his demise at the hands of Una’s lion upon attempting to invade the sanctuary she has taken refuge in. His death underscores the triumph of divine justice over acts of sacrilege.

Lucifera, the haughty mistress of the House of Pride, embodies the destructive forces of vanity and arrogance. Her court, filled with deception, serves as a testament to the pervasive corruption of pride.

Night, personified as the mother of falsehood, is whom Duessa beseeches for help, highlighting the eternal link between darkness and deceit.

Aesculapius, the physician of the gods, stands as a symbol of healing and restoration, although his presence is more emblematic than active within the narrative.

Sylvanus, leading the satyrs who rescue Una from Sans Loy, represents the wild yet protective essence of nature, offering shelter and aid amidst chaos.

Satyrane, a valiant and gentle knight born from a nobleman and a satyr, exemplifies the harmonious blend of civility and untamed nature, as virtues esteemed in the poem.

Despair, depicted as a withered figure, drives warriors to the brink of suicide with his cunning recitations of their sins, stressing the perilous nature of hopelessness and the necessity for spiritual resilience.

Trevisan, a prospective victim of Despair, symbolizes the vulnerability of those prone to succumbing to hopelessness and despair.

Dame Coelia, a virtuous matron inhabiting the House of Holiness, embodies the nurturing and guiding spirit of the church on the path to sanctity.

Contemplation, a holy hermit, grants the Red Cross Knight a vision of the City of God, fortifying his determination and redirecting him to fulfill his quest, emphasizing the importance of reflection and spiritual insight.

Guyon, the Knight of Temperance, is entrusted with the task of dismantling Acrasia's seductive influence and the temptations they evoke. Despite numerous trials, he embodies the virtue of moderation, enabling him to prevail.

Palmer, clad in black, is Guyon's steadfast companion, symbolizing Reason or Prudence. He guides Guyon with wisdom and ensures focus on the quest's ultimate purpose.

Acrasia, the Circe-like mistress of the Bower of Bliss, ensnares men, leading them to ruin amidst opulence and indulgence. The collaborative triumph of Sir Guyon and Prince Arthur over her Bower symbolizes the victory of temperance and virtue over decadence and excess.

Belphoebe (behl-FEE-bee), a virgin huntress, reared by the goddess Diana, who cannot respond to the devotion offered by Prince Arthur’s squire, Timias. She is another of the figures conceived as a compliment to Elizabeth.

Phedon, a squire victimized by Furor's wrath, suffers due to jealousy incited by his lady Pryene and his friend Philemon, illustrating the destructive capacity of unbridled emotions.

Alma embodies the soul, presiding over the castle of the body where Guyon and Prince Arthur find refuge. Her presence emphasizes the significance of inner harmony and spiritual well-being.

Maleger, commanding shadowy forces, embodies internal chaos and conflict. His defeat signifies the victory of order over disorder.

Verdant is a knight freed by Guyon from Acrasia's enchantments, symbolizing the reclamation of virtue and liberation from vice.

Grille, transformed back into a human by Guyon and Palmer, criticizes them for stripping away the comfort of his bestial existence, highlighting resistance to change and enlightenment.

Malecasta, the wanton lady of Castle Joyous, symbolizes the seductive and enticing aspects of lust and desire, challenging Britomart's virtues.

Glauce, Britomart's devoted nurse and squire, accompanies her on her noble quest, underscoring the themes of loyalty and wisdom.

Merlin, the legendary magician, is consulted by Britomart and Glauce to unveil the identity of the knight in the mirror, symbolizing the magical and prophetic guidance in the pursuit of love and virtue.

Florimell, the epitome of beauty and gentleness, endures numerous threats before finding solace in marriage to Marinell. Her journey reflects the trials of purity and the pursuit of authentic love.

Timias (TIH-mee-as), Prince Arthur’s squire, who is healed of severe wounds by Belphoebe. Although he falls in love with her, he can never win more than kindness as a response.

Crysogene is the mother of Belphoebe and Amoret, symbolizing the creative forces of nature as her daughters are conceived by the sun.

The Squire of Dames, imprisoned by Argante, represents the complexities and challenges inherent in courtly love and knightly quests.

Snowy Florimell, crafted by a witch, serves as Braggadocio’s lady, embodying the superficial and deceptive allure of artifice.

Paridell, a vain and lascivious knight, epitomizes the folly of superficial charm and the dangers of unrestrained desire.

Busirane, Amoret's captor, represents the oppressive nature of passions and the societal expectations surrounding love.

Diana, the divine huntress and virgin goddess, raises Belphoebe, illustrating themes of purity and feminine strength.

Ate, personifying Discord, is an aged woman sowing strife and chaos, underscoring the pervasive nature of conflict and discord.

Blandamour is a fickle knight whose capricious nature mirrors the instability of romantic affections.

Sir Ferraugh is one of the suitors vying for the hand of Snowy Florimell, illustrating competition and desire themes within courtly love.

Artegall, the Knight of Justice, represents the embodiment of fairness and righteousness. On a quest to rescue Irena from Grantorto, Artegall unites with Britomart, forming a formidable alliance of justice and mercy. His story reflects the struggles and triumphs of maintaining justice in a world beset with challenges.

Talus, an unwavering iron man, accompanies Artegall, representing the rigid enforcement of justice unyielding to mercy. His actions highlight the tension between strict justice and compassionate understanding.

Aemylia, imprisoned with Amoret, finds liberation through Belphoebe, symbolizing the empowerment of women from oppressive forces.

Giant Communism, Artegall’s foe. He tries to weigh everything in his scales, but he learns, before Talus hurls him into the sea, that truth and falsehood, right and wrong, cannot be balanced.

Lucy, deserted by Amidas but later married to Bracidas, represents love's redemptive power and reconciliation.

Dolon, a deceitful knight, schemes against Britomart, representing the constant threats of treachery and cunning.

Mercilla, a queen embodying justice and mercy, faces adversities from a formidable warrior, underscoring the balance of power and compassion.

The Souldan, Mercilla's adversary and a portrayal of Philip of Spain, is vanquished by Prince Arthur's shield, signifying the triumph of light over darkness.

Malengin (mah-LEHN-gihn), an ingenious villain who transforms himself into different shapes at will. Talus crushes him with his iron flail.

Calidore, the knight of Courtesy, embarks on a mission to vanquish the Blatant Beast of malicious gossip. His gentle and courteous nature underscores his commitment to fostering harmony and compassion.

Tristram, raised in the forest, impresses Prince Arthur with his innate courtesy, signifying the natural nobility of character.

Disdaine (dihs-DAYN) and

Scorne, her tormentors.

Colin Clout, a shepherd poet, enchants the graces on Mount Acidale with his music, reflecting the harmony between art and nature.

Matilde, a childless noblewoman, adopts a baby saved by Calidore, representing familial love and altruism themes.

Mirabella, an arrogant and insolent lady, faces humiliation from her tormentors, Disdaine and Scorne, illustrating the perils of pride and scorn.

Pastorella, a nobleman's daughter raised among shepherds, captures Calidore's heart, symbolizing pastoral life's joys and simplicity.

Melissa, Claribell’s maid, uncovers Pastorella’s true heritage, underscoring the theme of discovery and truth.

Dame Nature, a majestic veiled figure, listens to Mutability’s arguments and ultimately decrees that order persists through change, embodying the eternal balance within the universe.