Anonymous
John Skelton?

OLD CHRISTMAS, or
GOOD ORDER

possibly as early as 1515
1533 (publication)

a synoptic, alphabetical character list

GLUTTONY

Glotonye is of the vices who rules the kingdom during Old Christmas's absence. He forces Good Order, the regent, to flee. He does not believe in Ryot's repentance, and the two villains have a harsh quarrel, convincing the king of the impossibility of redemption. After the king's return, Glotonye, Ryot, Periury and Hasarder are banished from England on Good Order's advice. Glotonye and Ryot decide to go to "the new found land."

GOOD ORDER

Good Order is Old Christmas's regent during his absence from the kingdom. He is forced to flee by an "vnthryfty company." On the king's return, he advises him to banish Glotonye, Ryot, Periury and Hasarder from the land and to have them slain if they come back to England.

HASARDER

A "ghost character." He is mentioned by Good Order when describing the "vnthryfty company" that forced him to flee during Old Christmas's absence. After the king's return, Hasarder, Glotonye, Ryot and Periury and are banished from England on Good Order's advice.

OLD CHRISTMAS

Old Christmas is a virtuous ruler who has been absent from his kingdom. While he was away, rebellion broke out and Good Order, his regent, was forced to flee. After his return, he banishes Glotonye, Ryot, Periury and Hasarder from England on Good Order's advice.

P. 3

Unidentified character, possibly Abstinence. In the conclusion of the play, P. 3 points out how gluttony runs counter to Christ's example.

PERJURY

Periury is a "ghost character." He is mentioned by Good Order when describing the "vnthryfty company" that forced him to flee during Old Christmas's absence. After the king's return, Periury, Glotonye, Ryot and Hasarder are banished from England on Good Order's advice.

PRAYER

Prayer's speech concludes the play. Being "Old Christmas, or Good Order" a lent play, Prayer insists on the meaning and the value of praying.

RIOT

Ryot is one of the vices who rules the kingdom during Old Christmas's absence. He forces Good Order, the regent, to flee. Ryot asks for the king's pardon and promises never to offend again, but Glotonye, Ryot's fellow-vice, does not believe in his repentance, and the two villains have a harsh quarrel, convincing the king of the impossibility of their redemption. After the king's return, Ryot, Glotonye, Periury and Hasarder are banished from England on Good Order's advice. Ryot and Glotonye decide to go to "the new found land."