Faustus- The main character of the story.  Once a brilliant scholar and professor at Wittenberg, his interest in the dark arts and necromancy lead him to a deal with Lucifer.  In this pact, he surrenders his soul for twenty-four years of luxury and power on earth.  Self-doubt, repentance and fear gnaw his soul frequently throughout the play, but it is not until the very end that he realizes the folly of his actions.

Valdes Cornelius- Friends of Faustus.  Infamous for practicing magic and sorcery, they persuade him to join them in studying necromancy.

Wagner- Servant to Faustus.  He is faithful to Faustus till the end and receives all of his money and property.

Mephostophilis-The principal devil that lured Faustus into selling his soul.  As part of the deal between Lucifer and Faustus, Mephostophilis acted as Faustus's servant for twenty-four years, granting his every wish.

Lucifer- Monarch of hell.  He is delighted to receive Faustus's once devout soul into his dominions in exchange for twenty-four years of luxurious life.

Beelzebub-Assistant devil to Lucifer.

Good Angel Evil Angel- They frequently accompany Faustus and advise him on a course of action.  They represent the struggle between good and evil in his soul.

The Seven Deadly Sins- Appear at Lucifer's command before Faustus for his entertainment.

Clown/Robin-Acts as a servant for Wagner, interested in the dark arts; Mephostophilis punishes him by giving him an ape's face.

Dick- Stableboy that Mephostophilis turns into a dog because he stole Faustus's magic book.

Rafe- Dick's partner in crime; similarly punished by Mephostophilis.

Vintner-Innocent witness to Dick, Rafe Robin's devilish mischief.

Carter- Faustus tricks this man by eating all of his hay for only three farthings.

Chorus- Acts as narrator and interpreter of the story for the audience.

The Pope- Faustus plays tricks on this "proud" Pope by releasing a political prisoner right under his nose.

Bruno-Political/religious prisoner that Faustus releases to cause mischief in Rome; later becomes Pope in Germany.

Raymond, King of Hungary- Assistant to the Pope; fooled by Faustus and Mephostophilis.

Charles, the German Emperor- Greatly entertained by Faustus; commands to see various spirits.

Martino, Frederick Benvolio- Officers at the Emperor's court; they are severely punished by the devils for scoffing at Faustus's magical powers and attempting to kill him.

Duke Duchess of Vanholt- Guests entertained by Faustus.

Old Man- Devout Christian who pleads with Faustus to save his soul; serves as a foil against Faustus's sin-loving ways.

Spirits in the shapes of Alexander the Great, Darius, Paramour and Helen of Troy- Summoned by Faustus to entertain his guests.

Scholars, soldiers, devils, courtiers, cardinals, monks, cupids, saxony