Abel Drugger Character Analysis

One of Face and Subtle’s victims. Drugger, who happens to sell the best tobacco in town, is the owner of a new apothecary shop. He believes Subtle is a respected alchemist and mystic, and Drugger is hoping Subtle can advise him in the building of his new shop to guarantee his success. Subtle tells Drugger that his new shop must face south and that he should place a magnet under the door to draw in business. He also tells Drugger that he will be a huge success and has a real chance at coming into possession of the philosopher’s stone. Drugger later returns to see Face and Subtle with Kestrel and Dame Pliant, and when Surly attempts to tell Kestrel that Face and Subtle are conmen, Drugger helps Face and claims that Surly is the real con and owes Drugger for hair tonic and “six syringes.” Near the end of the play, Drugger gives Face the Spanish cloak that Lovewit later wears to trick Dame Pliant into marrying him. Like many of the characters in The Alchemist, Abel Drugger represents greed and gullibility. He easily believes that Subtle is an alchemist with knowledge of the philosopher’s stone, and he seeks Subtle’s help to ensure his own personal wealth and success.