"A Lord" and "an enemy to Arviragus," Adrastus discusses the Pictish army's recent victory with the King (Guimantes) at the play's beginning but expresses his concern to the audience that his murder of the former King will be "discover[ed]." After witnessing the successful suits of Artemia and Philicia to the King that Sinatus's and Eugenius's innocent "cause" be "heard," his fears increase and he decides to visit the Witch "that foretold [him] of the King's fate and his Armies" in the hope that she "can foretell something of [his]." When the Witch refuses to tell him of his "fortune" and threatens to inform the King that Adrastus "kill'd his father," the Lord kills her and becomes confident that "no creature now can say, [he] kild the King." However, he is immediately apprehended by 1 Souldier and 2 Souldier who, at the King's orders, have been commanded to "seize [his] person" and, although he attempts to bribe them, he is brought in for "questioning" and "tortures" which are meant to garner his confession to the former King's murder. Later in the play Arviragus "fetches in a head" to show to Philicia (who is disguised as a "Pictish youth") and informs her that it is "Adrastus head [. . .] sent by the King as witnesse of his love, and reconcilement withall."
AGENOR
"A fictional character" and a disguise assumed by Philicia (q.v.), Arviragus and his Princess attempt to convince Cartandes that the disguised Philicia is actually "Noble Agenor" (the Prince of Scotland) when the Queen discovers Arviragus asleep on the floor of Philicia's "chamber." Despite their attempt to fool her, Cartandes "knows [Philicia] for Philicia, and Mistris to the man she loves," and sends the pair to prison where she tests Philicia's loyalty and claims to have set up a "combat" between Arviragus and Oswald.
AGENOR'S FATHER
"A fictional character." Arviragus and Philicia attempt to convince Cartandes that the disguised Princess is actually Agenor, Prince of Scotland, "whose Father [. . .] hath power to right himself" if the "Prince" "suffer[s] injury" as the Queen's prisoner.
ALDRED
"A Danish Captaine" and part of the Queen's "Counsell," Aldred has captured Guiderius in battle with the assistance of a "multitude" and helps to present the prisoners (Arviragus and Guiderius) to Cartandes. He chides Oswald for speaking against "Arviragus government" and accuses him of hoping to "one day [. . .] get the Queene and Kingdome for himselfe" which "thus crost, begets" his "murmurings against the Queen and Arviragus." Later in the play Aldred accompanies Cartandes to the "chamber" where Arviragus and the disguised Philicia are sleeping, prepares "a Cup and a Dagger" for the Queen's visit to the imprisoned Philicia and, at the play's end, presents Eugenius, Artemia, and Guimantes (who have "fled out of the City" and "desire to be admitted to [Cartandes's] presence") to the Queen.
ARTEMIA
The daughter of Eugenius and sister of Guiderius, Artemia fears at the play's beginning that her brother has been killed in battle but sues (along with Philicia) to the King on Eugenius's and Sinatus's behalf. In order to "remove all possibility of doubt how much [he] love[s] [her]" the King (Guimantes) agrees to set Eugenius and Sinatus free from prison, although he does not do so until later in the play when Artemia begs again for "justice to [her] father and Sinatus" after receiving a letter from Eugenius which is meant to "incite [her] to a full revenge, for all [hers] and [her] fathers wrongs." Despite the warnings of Philicia and her father and the fact that Guimantes had once attempted to ravish her, Artemia reciprocates the King's love and appears distressed later in the play when Eugenius orders his daughter to "leave the City" with him. Informed by Sinatus of Artemia's and Eugenius's planned "escape to Arviragus," Guimantes disguises himself and accompanies them. At the play's end the King reveals himself and, given leave by Cartandes to "dispose all how [he] please[s]," Arviragus (at Eugenius's consent) allows the King to live and marry Artemia.
ARVIRAGUS
In love with Philicia, Arviragus (along with Guiderius) is brought as a prisoner to Cartandes at the play's beginning despite the fact that a Captain claims that his death has been reported in the "bloody Battle." Because the Queen has vowed that "the first prisoner [. . .] take[n] upon the Ile" will be "offer[ed] up to Mars, by way of Sacrifice" there is much confusion over the fact that, while attempting to save Arviragus's life, Guiderius and his "Cosen" were taken "both at once." After Arviragus reconciles with Guiderius over the latter's previous disloyalty, each sues to the Queen for the other's life until she decides that they will both be sent to prison and, later in the play, that neither man will be sacrificed. Guimantes confesses that his "thirst for Arviragus blood, is [. . .] quencht," and Philicia, Artemia, and the King are informed by a Messenger of Arviragus's approaching sacrifice. "Inspir'd" to save Arviragus's life, Cartandes appoints him to take charge of the Danish army (agreeing to his proposed conditions), sets Arviragus free, and confesses her love to him. Arviragus is visited by Sinatus (prompting Oswald to refer to him as one of "the Kings Embassadours") and, later, is visited by "a Pictish youth" who is actually Philicia in disguise and who convinces him to "lay [his] heart open" (prompting him to inform her that the King has sent Adrastus's head "as witness of his love, and reconcilement withall" and that he is "by Sinatus [. . .] invited to leave Cartandes, and [. . .] chase hence the Danes"). When Arviragus confesses that the King has also promised him Philicia, she reveals herself to him and warns her lover against the King. Although Arviragus pretends to love Cartandes, the Queen discovers him sleeping on the floor of Philicia's "chamber" and, despite the lovers' attempt to convince the Queen that the disguised Philicia is actually the Prince of Scotland, she has them each sent to prison. Although Cartandes tests Philicia's loyalty to her lover and claims to have set up a "combat" between Arviragus and Oswald (which the former must win in order to gain his and Philicia's freedom), the Queen actually matches him with Guiderius in the intention of bringing about his "destruction." However, Cartandes puts an early end to the fight, confesses her love for Guiderius, and promises to marry Arviragus and Philicia. When Eugenius arrives at the play's end to beg Arviragus's forgiveness for his former trespasses he is forgiven and, after the King is "discovered," Arviragus uses his power to give Artemia in marriage to Guimantes.
CAPTAIN
Claims to be "most happy" with "Arviragus government," and agrees with Aldred when the "Danish Captaine" accuses Oswald of hoping to "one day [. . .] get the Queene and Kingdome for himselfe" which, "thus crost, begets" his "murmurings against the Queen and Arviragus."
CAPTAIN, FIRST
Along with Aldred, The First Captain presents the prisoners (Arviragus and Guiderius) to Cartandes at the play's beginning, recounts the capture of Arviragus for her, and is ordered by her to bear Arviragus away and tend to his "wounds."
CARTANDES
"Queene of the Danes" and "in love with Arviragus," Cartandes is loved by her "Cosen" (the Danish Captain,Oswald) who discusses her "conquest of [the] Isle" with another Danish Captaine at the play's beginning. Because she has vowed that "the first prisoner [. . .] take[n] upon the Ile" will be "offer[ed] up to Mars, by way of Sacrifice" there is much confusion over the fact that, while attempting to save Arviragus's life, Guiderius and his "Cosen" were taken "both at once." After Arviragus and Guiderius reconcile, each sues to the Queen for the other's life until she decides that they will both be sent to prison and, later in the play, that neither man will be sacrificed. "Inspir'd" to save Arviragus's life, Cartandes appoints him to take charge of the Danish army (agreeing to his proposed conditions), sets Arviragus free, and confesses her love to him. Suspicious that "Arviragus faith's engaged unto another" Cartandes questions Guiderius and, after he confesses his own love to her, rejects his advances. Although Arviragus pretends to love Cartandes, the Queen discovers him sleeping on the floor of Philicia's "chamber" and, despite the lovers' attempt to convince the Queen that the disguised Philicia is actually the Prince of Scotland, she has them each sent to prison. Although Cartandes tests Philicia's loyalty to her lover and claims to have set up a "combat" between Arviragus and Oswald due to the latter's request since she has "made a vow never to marry any man, but Arviragus, yet hee alive," Cartandes actually matches Arviragus with Guiderius in the intention of bringing about his "destruction" and preventing him from gaining his and Philicia's freedom. However, the Queen puts an early end to the fight, confesses her love for Guiderius, and promises to marry Arviragus and Philicia at the play's end.
CARTANDES'S BROTHER
Formerly "oppose[d]" by Arviragus, the Queen's brother is the "dead Soveraigne" and previous King of the Danes whose hatred of Arviragus grew from "the sad newes [. . .] of such defeates as [. . .] his men received" in battle with the warrior. "At his death" he "engaged [Cartandes] in a promise, of passing with the Army then in readinesse into th[e] Ile," and "appointed that inhumane sacrifice to Mars" which the Queen vows to go through with at the play's beginning.
CLEANTHES
A Lord and Arviragus's friend, Cleanthes's name is considered in the wounded warrior's attempt to identify the man who saved his life in battle. He also accompanies Arviragus throughout the play, introduces Arviragus to the "Pictish youth" whom he "cannot call [. . .] to memory," is appointed to "make all things ready" in the "chamber" for Philicia and her lover, and is unsuccessful when attempting to bar Cartandes's entrance into the room where Philicia and Arviragus are sleeping.
COURTIER, FIRST AND SECOND
Having previously "mockt [Eugenius] in his disgrace," the First and Second Courtiers are chided by Eugenius for flattering him when he comes into good fortune.
DANE
Warns the disguised Philicia and Liriana to "avoyd [the] place" where "the Queene is coming," but "permit[s]" them "to see the Queen [. . .] as she passe by."
DANISH CAPTAIN
The Danish "Captaine" welcomes Oswald to the "Ile" from Denmark at the play's beginning, discusses the war and Cartandes's well-being with him, and informs him of the "vow" which the Queen "made upon her landing."
DANISH CENTINEL
Is taken prisoner and informs the Messenger to Philicia and Artemia that Arviragus is "taken by the Danes" and "design'd for sacrifice," and that Guiderius "strives with Arviragus which should dye."
EGLON
The Witch's "Spirit," Eglon is questioned by the Witch concerning "why all the mischiefes [she] designe[s] of late move slowly" and "yeeld [her] no pleasure as they had wont." Eglon informs her that the "sadnesse" that "possesses [her] of late" is "lessen[ing]" her power, refers to her as his "Princesse favourite," and sends away the Masque which the Witch conjures in order to repair her spirits.
EUGENIUS
Arviragus's "Cosen" and the father of Guiderius and Artemia, Eugenius is imprisoned at the play's beginning for his supposed involvement in the former King's murder. His life is sued for by Artemia (who promises to haunt Guimantes forever if Eugenius is killed) and, in order to "remove all possibility of doubt how much [he] love[s] [her]," the King agrees to set Eugenius and Sinatus free from prison (although he does not do so until later in the play when Artemia begs again for "justice to [her] father and Sinatus"). He sends Artemia a letter meant to "incite [her] to a full revenge, for all [hers] and [her] fathers wrongs," and (although Sinatus warns the King of Eugenius's hatred) he is appointed as Guimantes's "substitute [. . .] touching the Government and safety of the City." Furthermore, he chides "the two that mockt him in his disgrace" for flattering him when he comes into good fortune, concocts a plan by which he and Artemia may "leave the City," and instructs his daughter to follow him and not to love or "trust" the King. His escape is leaked to Guimantes via the Lord and Sinatus and, after receiving Arviragus's forgiveness for his previous disloyalties, Eugenius discovers that the King (in disguise) had accompanied he and his daughter in their flight from the city. At the play's end he makes amends with the King and consents to Guimantes's marriage to Artemia.
GUARD
A "ghost character," Cartandes calls upon a Guard to "seise" Arviragus when she discovers him asleep on the floor of Philicia's "chamber."
GUIDERIUS
The son of Eugenius and brother of Artemia, Guiderius is "feare[d]" dead at the play's beginning by Philicia and Artemia but is presented (along with Arviragus) as a prisoner to Cartandes by Aldred and 1 Captain. Because the Queen has vowed that "the first prisoner [. . .] take[n] upon the Ile" will be "offer[ed] up to Mars, by way of Sacrifice" there is much confusion over the fact that, while attempting to save Arviragus's life, Guiderius and his "Cosen" were taken "both at once." After Guiderius discusses his previous "disloyalties" with Arviragus, each sues to the Queen for the other's life until she decides that they will both be sent to prison and, later in the play, that neither man will be sacrificed. Guiderius commits himself to the Queen's "service," is questioned by Cartandes concerning "Arviragus faith," and expresses his love for her (which she denies). Although Cartandes claims to have set up a "combat" between Arviragus and Oswald (which the former must win in order to gain his and Philicia's freedom), the Queen actually matches him with Guiderius in the intention of bringing about Arviragus's "destruction." However, Cartandes puts an early end to the fight and confesses her love for the overjoyed Guiderius. The warrior is present at the arrival of his father, sister, and the King, and participates in the matching of Guimantes and Artemia at the play's end.
GUIMANTES
Son of the former King, Guimantes is Philicia's brother and the present King who is in love with Artemia. At the play's beginning Guimantes discusses the Pictish army's recent victory with Adrastus and agrees to Philicia's and Artemia's request that he "hear" the "cause" of the imprisoned Eugenius and Sinatus. He charges 1 Souldier and 2 Souldier with the duty of "seiz[ing]" Adrastus for "questioning" and "tortures" which are meant to garner his confession to the former King's murder and, in order to "remove all possibility of doubt how much [he] love[s] [Artemia]," Guimantes agrees to set Eugenius and Sinatus free from prison (although he does not do so until later in the play when Artemia begs again for "justice to [her] father and Sinatus"). He admits to the audience that his "thirst for Arviragus blood, is [. . .] quencht" and offers to kill himself over his love of Artemia. Furthermore, the King sends "Adrastus head" to Arviragus "as witnesse of his love, and reconcilement withall" and charges Sinatus to "invite" the warrior "to leave Cartandes, and joyning with Guimantes, and the Princes of the Ile, chase hence the Danes." By also offering Arviragus "possess[ion]" of Philicia which, the Princess claims, is "not in his power to give," he gains his sister's mistrust and she warns her lover not to "yeeld unto the Kings desires." The King informs Sinatus of Philicia's flight from the kingdom, appoints Eugenius as his "substitute [. . .] touching the Government and safety of the City," and is plotted against by Artemia's father (who warns his daughter not to trust Guimantes). He is informed about Eugenius's and Artemia's planned "escape" by Sinatus and the Lord and, disguised, accompanies them on their journey to Arviragus. Revealing himself at the play's end, the King asserts his love for Artemia, reconciles with Eugenius, and is instructed by Arviragus to "receive" Eugenius's daughter.
GUIMANTES'S FATHER
A "ghost character," the former King's deeds and murder are mentioned and discussed by various characters throughout the play.
HERALD
A "ghost character," Oswald informs Cartandes that a Herald "from the besieged King desires safe conduct for an Embassadour" who is, most likely, Sinatus.
LIRIANA
Accompanying Philicia (who is dressed "in the habit of a man"), Liriana and the Princess had been "resolv[ed] to be taken prisoners" before discovering "all freedome in the Camp." Along with Philicia, Liriana expresses delight in the assurance that Arviragus will not be sacrificed by the Queen.
LORD
Eugenius's "Captaine [. . .] to whom [he] did commit the keeping of the Westerne-gate of the City," the Lord promises to "assist" the "flight" of Eugenius and Artemia and "provide trusty Servants to be [their] guides." However, the Lord reveals Eugenius's plan to Sinatus, Sinatus discloses the information to the King, and the King disguises himself and accompanies Artemia and her father on their journey to Arviragus. For leaking Eugenius's plan to Sinatus the King orders his "Embassadour" to "send straight to fetch that Captaine to [him]," presumably for the purpose of rewarding him.
LUCIFER
A "ghost character," the Witch claims that Lucifer has "promist [her] power by vertue of [their] contract" as long as she has "being on the earth." Furthermore, when Adrastus kills her, the Witch claims that "false Lucifer" has "deceived" her.
MASK
"Non-speaking character," the Witch conjures a "Masque" in order to lift her "sadnesse" which her Spirit, Eglon, sends away.
MESSENGER
Informs Philicia and Artemia that Arviragus is "taken by the Danes" and "design'd for sacrifice" and that Guiderius "strives with Arviragus which should dye," which he claims he heard from an imprisoned Danish Centinel.
MISTRESS
"A fictional character." Cartandes invents a possible Mistress in order to find out, from Guiderius, if Arviragus has "ever love[d]."
OSWALD
"A Captaine, Cosen to Cartandes, [and] in love with Cartandes," Oswald is welcomed from Denmark at the play's beginning by another "Danish Captaine" who informs him of the Queen's "conquest." He consents to Cartandes's wish that Arviragus be granted charge of the Danish army, is chided by the Queen for warning her about her "safety," claims that he is a part of the Queen's "Counsell," and is reprimanded by Aldred for his "murmurings against the Queen and Arviragus" due to his "crost" hopes of "get[ting] the Queene and Kingdome for himselfe." Near the play's end Cartandes claims that Oswald loves her and informs Philicia that he "doth presse a combat" with Arviragus due to the Queen's former vow "never to marry any man, but Arviragus, yet hee alive," which battle she claims to have granted due to her love to him. However, despite Arviragus's belief that he is fighting with Oswald near the play's end, it is Guiderius who is sent by the Queen "to meet" the "unknowne foe" rather than the promised Danish Captain.
PHILICIA
The daughter of the former King, Guimantes's sister, and "in love with Arviragus," Philicia sues to the King (along with Artemia) for the lives of Eugenius and Sinatus at the play's beginning and expresses concern for Guiderius's safety. Although the King "grant[s]" her "sute," Eugenius and Sinatus remain in prison until Artemia begs again for "justice to [her] father and Sinatus" later in the play. Arviragus confronts Guiderius concerning his relationship to Philicia and then chides himself for "suspect[ing] his lover of inconstancy, and Philicia warns Artemia of the King's "lust" which she claims "prompts him to dissemble" his love to her. The Princess is deeply saddened by the news that Arviragus will be offered by Cartandes as a sacrifice to the Gods, disguises herself as a "Pictish youth" and, accompanied by Liriana, is "resolv[ed] to be taken prisoner" until they find that the Queen has pardoned Arviragus and there is "freedome in the Campe." Suspicious of the relationship between Cartandes and Arviragus, Philicia visits her lover in disguise and convinces him to "lay [his] heart open," prompting him to inform her that the King has sent Adrastus's head "as witness of his love, and reconcilement withall" and that he is "by Sinatus [. . .] invited to leave Cartandes, and [. . .] chase hence the Danes." When Arviragus confesses that the King has also promised him Philicia, she reveals herself to him and warns her lover against the King. Although Arviragus has pretended to love Cartandes, the Queen discovers him sleeping on the floor of Philicia's "chamber" and, despite the lovers' attempt to convince the Queen that the disguised Philicia is actually the Prince of Scotland, she has them each sent to prison. Although Cartandes tests Philicia's loyalty to her lover and claims to have set up a "combat" between Arviragus and Oswald (which the former must win in order to gain his and Philicia's freedom), the Queen actually matches him with Guiderius in the intention of bringing about his "destruction." However, Cartandes puts an early end to the fight, confesses her love for Guiderius, and promises to marry Arviragus and Philicia at the play's end.
PICTISH YOUTH
Disguise used by Philicia (q.v.) when she is "resolv[ed] to be taken prisoner" until she finds that the Queen has pardoned Arviragus and there is "freedome in the Campe."
PRIEST
"A fictional character." the Priest is named various times throughout the play in relation to the Queen's sacrifice to Mars and the marriage of Arviragus and Philicia.
PRINCES
"Ghost characters." Adrastus informs Guimantes at the play's beginning that "they of Scots and Wales, are hasting to [his] rescue, prompted by generall interest against the Dane [their] common foe" since, "should the Dane once settle here, those Princes soone would be subdued."
SERVANTS
"Ghost characters." Eugenius claims that the "Captaine [. . .] to whom [he] did commit the keeping of the Westerne-gate of the City" has promised to "assist" the "flight" of he and Artemia and "provide trusty Servants to be [their] guides."
SINATUS
A Lord, "Counsellor," and, according to Oswald, one of "the Kings Embassadours," Sinatus is imprisoned (along with Eugenius) at the play's beginning for his supposed involvement in the former King's murder. His life is sued for by Artemia and Philicia and, in order to "remove all possibility of doubt how much [he] love[s] [Artemia]," the King agrees to set Eugenius and Sinatus free from prison (although he does not do so until later in the play when Artemia begs again for "justice to [her] father and Sinatus"). He discusses Guimantes's "virtue[s]" and "vice[s]" in prison with Eugenius, is sent by the King to "invite" Arviragus to "leave Cartandes [. . .] and chase hence the Danes" ("with tender of Philicia for his wife"), and is informed by the King of Philicia's flight from the Kingdom. Although Sinatus warns the King of Eugenius's hatred, Guimantes appoints Artemia's father as his "substitute [. . .] touching the Government and safety of the City." He is informed by the Lord of the planned escape of Artemia and her father, is given leave by him to inform the King of the plot, and is entrusted with Guimantes's plan to disguise himself and accompany the two in their flight from the City.
SOLDIER, FIRST AND SECOND
The two "Souldiers" are ordered by the King to seize Adrastus. Despite the fact that Adrastus suspects them of "com[ing] to murther [him]" and attempts to bribe them "from [their] Duty," the two soldiers present the warrant "seal'd by the Kings command" and Adrastus agrees to go with them.
SPIRITS
"Ghost characters." the Witch complains that her "Spirits" are "dull and heavy" and, though she attempts to call on them "to defend [her] from [Adrastus]," her "feare takes away [her] power" and she is murdered.
WITCH
Complaining that her "Spirits" are "dull and heavy," the Witch questions her Spirit Eglon as to "why all the mischiefes [she] designe[s] of late move slowly" and "yeeld [her] no pleasure as they had wont." After he informs her that the "sadnesse" that "possesses [her] of late" is "lessen[ing]" her power, the Witch conjures up a Masque which Eglon sends away. Sought out by Adrastus so that he might know his "own fate," the Witch threatens him to "be gone" or she will inform the King that he "kill'd his father" which prompts Adrastus to kill her.