Saint Joan Character Analysis

Joan (“The Maid”)

Joan, often referred to by others as “the Maid,” is Saint Joan’s protagonist. She is based on the historical figure Joan of Arc from Lorraine. Shaw portrays Joan as a simple teenage girl who… read analysis of Joan (“The Maid”)

Robert de Baudricourt

A handsome military squire from Joan’s hometown of Lorraine. He has “no will of his own” and compensates for this by berating his steward. Baudricourt is the first nobleman to back Joan’s plans… read analysis of Robert de Baudricourt

Bertrand de Poulengey

A 36-year-old French gentleman-at-arms. Poulengey is unfocused, passive, and doesn’t offer his opinion unless it’s asked of him. He backs Joan from the start, placing faith in her military capabilities and believing her to be… read analysis of Bertrand de Poulengey

The Archbishop of Rheims (Regnault de Chartres)

A French churchman. At first he sees Joan as pious and humble, but he turns on her when he realizes the extent of her self-confidence and obstinance, believing her to be guilty of the sin… read analysis of The Archbishop of Rheims (Regnault de Chartres)

The Dauphin (King Charles VII)

The Dauphin is the 26-year-old heir to the French throne. He should be King Charles VII since his father died, but it’s not until Scene V that Joan crowns him and he assumes the role… read analysis of The Dauphin (King Charles VII)

Jean, Comte de Dunois, Bastard of Orleans

A 26-year-old skilled, successful, and popular French military leader. He recognizes Joan’s own military prowess and supports her throughout the play. Dunois is skeptical of Joan’s voices but accepts them, as her leadership has… read analysis of Jean, Comte de Dunois, Bastard of Orleans

Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick

Warwick is a nobleman who is in charge of English forces. He is Joan’s primary enemy in the secular world. Warwick wants Joan to be punished because her political philosophies threaten the existing feudal… read analysis of Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick

John Bowyer Spenser Neville de Stogumber (Warwick’s Chaplain)

De Stogumber is Warwick’s Chaplain. He is not horribly bright, so most of Cauchon and Warwick’s nuanced condemnations of Joan go over his head. For much of the play, the Chaplain possesses a deep… read analysis of John Bowyer Spenser Neville de Stogumber (Warwick’s Chaplain)

Peter (Píerre) Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais

Cauchon is a French churchman, but he is of the Burgundian faction, which makes him an ally to the English. Cauchon believes Joan is guilty of heresy and does all in his power to assure… read analysis of Peter (Píerre) Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais

Brother John Lemaître (The Inquisitor)

The Inquisitor is a Dominican monk who plays a significant role in Joan’s trial. He gives a long speech in Scene VI condemning Joan’s heresy and attesting to his strong belief in the value… read analysis of Brother John Lemaître (The Inquisitor)

John d’Estivet, Canon of Bayeux

The court promoter, or prosecutor. He gets annoyed when Courcelles (who was involved with assembling the 64 charges originally filed against Joan) and others bring up trite matters that detract from the more central… read analysis of John d’Estivet, Canon of Bayeux

Thomas de Courcelles, Canon of Paris

A young, 30-year-old priest who is present at Joan’s trial. Courcelles helped assemble 64 charges against Joan, and he becomes annoyed when the Inquisitor dismisses all but 12 of them. He interrupts Joan’s trial… read analysis of Thomas de Courcelles, Canon of Paris

Brother Martin Ladvenu

A young Dominican priest. He is sympathetic toward Joan and wants her to be treated mercifully. As Joan burns at the stake, he approaches her to give her a cross. When the fire grows and… read analysis of Brother Martin Ladvenu

The Executioner

The Executioner carries out Joan’s execution and informs everyone that Joan’s heart wouldn’t burn. At the end of the play, when everyone learns that Joan has been canonized, the Executioner praises her, as her… read analysis of The Executioner

English Soldier

An English soldier who gives Joan a makeshift cross made of two twigs while she burns at the stake. His soul is damned, but this act of generosity toward Joan allows him one day off… read analysis of English Soldier

Minor Characters

Steward

Robert de Baudricourt’s steward. He is a worn, ugly man who may be any age between 18 and 55. The steward sees something special in Joan, despite Baudricourt’s skepticism.

Georges, Duc de la Trémouille, Constable of France

A French nobleman in the Dauphin’s court. He is arrogant and in charge of the French forces. La Trémouille doesn’t respect the Dauphin, who owes him money and bullies him. He’s enraged when the Dauphin places Joan in charge of the French forces.

Gilles de Rais (“Bluebeard”)

A 25-year-old French captain in the army. He is smart, confident, and earns the name “Bluebeard” as a result of his “little curled beard dyed blue.” He wants to be liked but isn’t particularly “pleasant” to be around. Bluebeard is an early supporter of Joan.

Captain La Hire

A French soldier with “no court manners,” La Hire is an early supporter of Joan.

The Duchess de la Trémouille

The Duc de la Trémouille’s wife. Besides Joan, she is the only other female character in the play.

Monsieur John of Metz

A French nobleman. refers to him by his nickname, Jack.

Saint Joan Characters