The Revenger’s Tragedy Characters

Vindice is the play’s protagonist and main avenger (though other characters have revenge motives too). He is brother to Hippolito and Castiza, and the son of Gratiana. His main target is the Duke… read analysis of Vindice

Hippolito is Vindice and Castiza’s brother, the son of Gratiana. His main function is to help facilitate Vindice’s revenge on the Duke (and later Lussurioso). He and his brother are angry with… read analysis of Hippolito

The Duke is the ruler of the court when the play commences. He has two sons from a marriage prior to the Duchess: his heir Lussurioso, and his bastard son, Spurio. He’s… read analysis of The Duke

Lussurioso is the Duke’s son and heir, the product of his father’s marriage prior to the Duchess. He is consumed by lust, taking after his father, and spends much of his time trying… read analysis of Lussurioso

Spurio is the Duke’s bastard son, borne of an illicit affair. He despises his father for his illegitimate status, and this hatred infects the way he sees everyone else at court too. He has… read analysis of Spurio

Ambitioso is the Duchess’s eldest son, predating her relationship with the Duke. He is desperate to be Duke himself, plotting with his brother, Supervacuo, to attain power. Ambitioso kills Supervacuo when the… read analysis of Ambitioso

Supervacuo is the Duchess’s second oldest son, predating her relationship with the Duke. He is hot-headed and hungry for power, spending most of the time plotting a murderous route to the top of… read analysis of Supervacuo

Junior Brother is the youngest son of the Duchess, predating her relationship with the Duke. He is imprisoned for the rape of Antonio’s wife, but remains unrepentant; in fact, he feels no… read analysis of Junior Brother

Gratiana is the mother of Vindice, Hippolito, and Castiza. She deeply disappoints her children by accepting a bribe of jewels and money from Piato—Vindice in disguise—in exchange for pressuring Castiza to give… read analysis of Gratiana

Castiza is the beautiful virgin sister of Hippolito and Vindice, and daughter of Gratiana. She is arguably the only truly virtuous character in the play, refusing to sacrifice her chastity to Lussurioso despite… read analysis of Castiza

Antonio is a nobleman at the Duke’s court. He doesn’t appear much in the play, but he has an important role. Firstly, like Vindice, he suffers considerable tragedy: Junior Brother, the Duchess… read analysis of Antonio