Barabas

Barabas (bah-RAB-uhs), the wealthy, miserly Jew of Malta, maneuvers through life guided by a Machiavellian philosophy that overrides all ties of affection and loyalty. His resentment towards the Christian rulers of Malta, who unjustly seize his fortune, drives him to exact a cruel revenge by orchestrating a fatal duel between the young man his daughter loves and the governor's son. Rejected by his daughter Abigail and his servant Ithamore, for whom he harbors genuine feelings, Barabas plots their murders and ultimately betrays Malta to its Turkish adversaries. However, he falls into his own trap intended for Selim Calymath and dies cursing humanity.

Abigail

Abigail, the beautiful daughter of Barabas, is caught in her father's schemes yet maintains her innocence and goodness. She loves Mathias but is coerced by Barabas into a betrothal with Lodowick, hoping to later reconcile the two rivals. However, when Mathias and Lodowick kill each other, disillusionment leads her to a nunnery. Near death, Abigail implicates her father in the duels' fatal outcome, seeking a friar's aid for his repentance and conversion. Her actions convey her deep love for her father and reflect the corruption of Barabas, who sacrifices her for revenge.

Ithamore

Ithamore (eeth-uh-MOH-ree) serves Barabas as a slave, mirroring his master's ruthlessness. He executes the murders of Abigail, the friars, and the nuns, and conveys the deceitful challenges to Mathias and Lodowick. Despite his loyalty, he betrays Barabas to Bellamira in the hope of winning her affection with his eloquence and Barabas' wealth. However, his infatuation with the courtesan leads to his downfall, as Barabas ultimately poisons him.

Ferneze

Ferneze (fehr-NAY-zay), the governor of Malta, justifies confiscating the wealth of Jewish merchants to satisfy the Turks' demands. His son's death grieves him deeply, prompting a vow of vengeance against the perpetrators. Ferneze's cunning eventually leads to Barabas' demise. His crafty nature allows him to navigate political challenges, restore peace, and imprison Selim Calymath after Barabas' plot fails.

Don Mathias

Don Mathias (ma-TEE-uhs) is a virtuous young man who falls for Abigail and seeks to win her father's approval. Innocently caught in Barabas' vendetta against Malta, he becomes a pawn and is led to jealousy over Lodowick's attentions to Abigail. Barabas' manipulation ends in Mathias' tragic duel with Lodowick, marking the beginning of Barabas' ruthless vendetta.

Lodowick

Lodowick (LOD-oh-wihk), Ferneze's son and a friend of Mathias, becomes infatuated with Abigail. Despite knowing his friend's feelings for her, he is ensnared by Barabas' schemes and accepts a false challenge, leading to his death in a tragic duel with Mathias. Lodowick, an innocent victim, serves as a tool for Barabas to exact revenge against his father.

Selim Calymath

Selim Calymath (SEE-lihm KAL-ih-math), leader of the Turkish embassy, demands overdue tribute from Ferneze. Initially reasonable, Calymath later attacks Malta when the tribute is refused. Despite his alliance with Barabas, he is betrayed and captured by Ferneze. Barabas' attempt to trap Calymath fails, resulting in the prince's imprisonment.

Bellamira

Bellamira (BEHL-uh-mee-ruh), a courtesan fallen on hard times, manipulates Ithamore's affections to blackmail Barabas, promising him favors. Despite her cunning, her greed proves fatal, as she succumbs to Barabas' poison.

Pilia-Borsa

Pilia-Borsa (PEEL-ee-uh-BOHR-sah), Bellamira's accomplice, is a greedy and resourceful scoundrel. Attempting to steal from Barabas, he collaborates with Bellamira to seduce Ithamore into extortion. After learning of Barabas' crimes, Pilia-Borsa informs Ferneze, hoping for a reward, but meets his end through poison.

Katherine

Katherine, the devoted mother of Mathias, warns her son against Barabas. After Mathias' death, she joins Ferneze in seeking justice, doubting Lodowick's guilt and vowing to punish his murderer.

Barnardine

Barnardine (bahr-NAHR-deen), a friar, hears Abigail's...