Characters
Christian
Christian serves as a representation of God-fearing Protestants, and his journey is recounted as if experienced in a dream by the narrator. Initially named Graceless and descending from the race of Japhet, Christian grows distressed with his existence in the City of Destruction. He pleads for his wife and four children to join him in the pursuit of salvation. When they decline, Christian resolves to embark on the journey alone. His path is fraught with hardships, suffering, and struggles against physical, human, and emotional obstacles. Despite attempts by his family and neighbors, Pliable and Obstinate, to dissuade him, Christian remains resolute. Evangelist appears with a parchment inscribed with “Fly from the Wrath to Come,” guiding him onward.
Throughout his pilgrimage, Christian encounters distractions and hindrances, some threatening bodily harm and violence. Among these is Mr. Worldly Wiseman, who diverts him until Evangelist intervenes. Characters such as Simple, Sloth, Presumption, Formalist, Hypocrisy, Timorous, and Mistrust attempt to dissuade him due to the rigors of the righteous path. He faces brutal confinement in Doubting Castle by the Giant Despair and his wife. In the Valley of Humiliation, Christian engages in a grueling combat with the monstrous Apollyon but emerges triumphant.
During his perilous journey, Christian finds assistance in companions like Evangelist, who guides him through difficulties; Help, who rescues him from the Slough of Despond; Faithful, who stands by him at Vanity Fair; and Hopeful, who offers solace at Doubting Castle and fortifies him at the River of Death. Christian's narrative is one of persistent triumph over temptations and dangers that threaten to derail his quest for eternal life and Heaven. With unwavering religious zeal and the counsel of trusted friends, he ultimately achieves salvation.
Evangelist
Evangelist plays the role of Christian’s advisor and protector, particularly during times of danger. He shows Christian how to avoid destruction, directs him to the Wicket Gate, and warns him about deceptive figures like Mr. Worldly Wiseman, as well as the perils at Vanity Fair.
Apollyon
Apollyon is the formidable fiend Christian encounters in the Valley of Humiliation. With fish-like scales, bear-like feet, dragon wings, a lion's mouth, and fire-spouting belly, Apollyon speaks with devilish cunning, trying to divert Christian from his religious path. The battle with Apollyon is a testament to Christian's resilience and faith.
Giant Despair
The Giant Despair is the fearsome owner of Doubting Castle, where Christian and Faithful are imprisoned, beaten, and threatened with death. However, Christian manages to escape using a key of Promise, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
Faithful
Faithful is Christian’s loyal companion on his journey. Tragically, he is imprisoned, tortured, and executed by the inhabitants of Vanity Fair. Despite his martyrdom, Faithful is rewarded with transport to the Celestial Gate in a chariot, symbolizing his ultimate victory and faithfulness.
Hopeful
Hopeful is another traveler who joins Christian at Vanity Fair. Together, they embark on various adventures, offering each other support and encouragement on their path to eternal salvation. Hopeful is instrumental in uplifting Christian’s spirit, especially in trying times.
Good-Will
Good-Will is the figure who instructs Christian to knock, assuring him that the gate barring his path will open, allowing him to glimpse the Day of Judgment. His guidance is pivotal in Christian's journey towards enlightenment and salvation.
Ignorance
Ignorance is a character hailing from the land of Conceit. He stubbornly refuses to embrace the beliefs of Christian and Hopeful, persisting on his journey until he is eventually seized and cast into Hell, illustrating the consequences of spiritual blindness and arrogance.
Mr. Worldly Wiseman
Residing in the town of Carnal-Policy, Mr. Worldly Wiseman advises Christian to seek relief...
(This entire section contains 1094 words.)
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from his burdensome sins through Legality. His counsel represents the allure of earthly wisdom and distractions from true spiritual fulfillment.
Three Shining Ones
The Three Shining Ones assist Christian by clothing him in new raiment after his burdens fall away at the Cross. They symbolize divine grace and renewal, marking a significant milestone in Christian’s spiritual journey.
Obstinate
Obstinate is one of Christian’s neighbors who tries to prevent him from leaving the City of Destruction. Unlike Pliable, who initially accompanies Christian but later abandons him, Obstinate remains steadfast in his opposition, representing stubborn resistance to change.
Pliable
Pliable, another of Christian’s neighbors, begins the journey with Christian but abandons him at the Slough of Despond. His character symbolizes the fickle nature of superficial commitment, easily swayed by challenges.
Interpreter
The Interpreter plays a vital role in enlightening Christian about the mysteries of faith. His teachings equip Christian with the wisdom needed to navigate the spiritual path effectively.
Discretion
Discretion, accompanied by Prudence, Piety, and Charity, is one of the virgins who equip Christian with the sword and shield of faith, ensuring his preparedness for the trials ahead.
Prudence
Prudence, alongside Discretion, Piety, and Charity, is one of the virgins who arm Christian with protective spiritual gear. Her presence underscores the importance of wisdom and caution in the journey of faith.
Piety
Piety, another of the virgins, alongside Discretion, Prudence, and Charity, provides Christian with the sword and shield of faith, signifying the role of devoutness and reverence in his spiritual quest.
Charity
Charity, with Discretion, Prudence, and Piety, is among the virgins who arm Christian, highlighting the crucial role of selfless love and kindness in overcoming spiritual adversities.
Pope
The Pope, paired with Pagan, represents the giants whose caves Christian must navigate past. To protect himself from the devils that emerge from one of the gates of Hell, Christian recites verses from the Psalms, symbolizing the power of faith and scripture.
Pagan
Pagan, alongside the Pope, opposes Christian as he journeys past their caves. The presence of these giants serves as a metaphor for the pervasive challenges of heathen beliefs and spiritual ignorance.
Knowledge
Knowledge, partnered with Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, is one of the shepherds who guide Christian and Hopeful, pointing out the path to the Celestial Gate. This guidance represents the enlightenment derived from understanding and insight.
Experience
Experience, along with Knowledge, Watchful, and Sincere, aids Christian and Hopeful by showing them the way to the Celestial Gate. His role underscores the value of accumulated wisdom through life’s trials.
Watchful
Watchful, who stands with Knowledge, Experience, and Sincere, is one of the shepherds guiding Christian and Hopeful. His vigilance is crucial for ensuring they remain on the righteous path.
Sincere
Sincere, in cooperation with Knowledge, Experience, and Watchful, is one of the shepherds who guide the way to the Celestial Gate. His authenticity emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and integrity in the pilgrim's journey.
Themes and Characters
The characters in The Pilgrim's Progress are divided into various categories that reflect the themes of the work. The first category consists of the pilgrims. Christian is not the sole traveler heading towards the Celestial City. Faithful and Hopeful also embark on the journey, and in the second part, Christiana is joined by her four sons and their maid, Mercy. By the time they arrive at the gates of the Celestial City, they have met Feeble-mind, Valiant-for-truth, Despondency, Honest, and Stead-fast, all of whom gain entry. Their names indicate different traits, and their paths to the Celestial City are diverse. This illustrates that there are multiple ways to reach the kingdom of God, and the qualities necessary for the journey are not confined to a single type of personality.
For every character who successfully completes the journey, many more do not. Some characters are clearly opposed to the pilgrimage and remain entangled in worldly matters. Characters like Obstinate, Atheist, Prejudice, and Ill-will are committed to earthly concerns. However, there is a third type of character: those whose faults are not immediately apparent but ultimately lead to their downfall. Perhaps the most poignant character in The Pilgrim's Progress is Ignorance, who arrives at the gate to the Celestial City only to be bound and cast into a doorway that leads to hell. Initially, Ignorance appears to have a good-natured disposition, as do characters like Talkative and Pliable. Nevertheless, all these characters lack the necessary knowledge, understanding, or commitment to complete a pilgrimage that demands total devotion to Christ's teachings.
In today's modern, pluralistic society, Bunyan's uncompromising stance might partly explain the decline in the popularity of his work. Many critics view the damnation of Ignorance as an artistic flaw in Bunyan's narrative. Not only does his punishment seem harsh, but it also feels anticlimactic to end the story with the damnation of a relatively minor character rather than Christian's triumphant entry into the Celestial City. However, some critics defend Bunyan's portrayal of Ignorance, arguing that Bunyan's artistry allows readers to perceive the poignancy of Ignorance's fate. Bunyan does not outright condemn Ignorance; instead, it is Ignorance's own failure to fully understand his human limitations that leads to his damnation.
Besides the characters symbolizing various human archetypes, there are two additional categories of characters. The first includes monsters and giants intent on preventing Christian from reaching his goal. The most notable among these is the "foul fiend" Apollyon, described as being "clothed with scales like a fish," having "wings like a dragon, feet like a bear," "the mouth of a lion," and emitting smoke "out of his belly." Christian battles this monster for nearly half a day before defeating it, after which he advances with his sword drawn, prepared for any adversary he might face.
The second category comprises guides who are ready to assist Christian and Christiana on their journeys. Evangelist directs Christian towards the Wicket Gate. Along his path, he meets figures such as the three sisters Piety, Prudence, and Charity, who act as religious mentors. In the second part, Christiana is protected from the gravest temptations and traps that Christian encountered on his journey. This suggests that most people require help and guidance. Christian is unique in that he undertakes the journey largely on his own. For extended periods, he seems isolated and disconnected from the rest of humanity, whereas Christiana is always surrounded by like-minded individuals. Christian's humility is complemented by his bravery and determination to embark on his journey alone; his heroism in undertaking the pilgrimage is a significant part of his appeal to readers.
