"A fisher," Alcippus informs Perindus of the victory of Atyches over Malorcha and, later in the play, accompanies Thalander to Olinda's supposed grave. Suspicious of Thalander's intentions, Alcippus decides against "leav[ing]" his friend at Olinda's "temple" alone and chooses to "retire" instead. He re-enters later to find Olinda alive and well, remedies Thalander's disbelief concerning Olinda's existence, and claims that the couple's love "perswades" him "to become a lover." He informs Tyrinthus, who inquires about the well-being of his son and daughter, that Perindus and Olinda are both alive "and now most happy," and summarizes the "triall[s]" of Thalander's and Olinda's relationship at the play's end.
ARMILLUS
"A Shepheard, and acquainted with Perindus" who claims that his "arrivall" in Sicely was "late," Armillus questions Perindus's decision to abandon the "Shepheards lawes" and become a Fisher at the play's beginning, inquires about Olinda, and is informed by Atyches of Olinda's proposed execution at the hands of Malorcha. Because he is "delighted" with the "accidents So strange and rare" which Atyches relates to him, Armillus decides to "make some longer stay" in Sicily and asks Perindus to inform him of "what he [Atyches] is, and what his country" (prompting Perindus to "give him all this story"). He professes his love for Cosma, claiming that her beauty "farre [. . .] excels" that of the other Nymphs, and offers Conchylio money in return for a meeting with the page's "Mistris" (during which he and Cosma are frightened away by Pas, who is disguised as a Fury). Despite the fact that when he meets Cosma again shortly after he claims that he would "rather dye, then leave [her] wisht embrace," he flees the "woods" when the disguised Pas returns.
ATYCHES
The disguise which Thalander assumes, and the name to which he answers for the majority of the play. Under this identity, Thalander has arrived in the Sicilian town (almost one year prior to the play's action) and, on his arrival, conveyed well wishes, Circe's pipe, and an engraved ruby ring to Olinda which he claims that the "dead and dying" Thalander made him swear to give to her. He becomes Perindus's friend and, when the Priest overseeing Olinda's execution "proclaimes" that anyone who "conquer[s]" the "monstrous beast" will gain Olinda as "his prize forever," Malorcha is "loos'd" and "hungry posteth to his ready feast" only to be blinded and killed by Atyches. Directly after this victory, he is married to Olinda. He is suspected by Perindus as being very much like Thalander and, despite the fact that Olinda previously scorned Thalander's love, she informs Glaucilla (after having married Atyches) that her heart lies with Thalander. Suspicious that Olinda does not truly love him, Thalander is unable to sleep and, thinking he is alone, reveals his true identity to the night. Perindus overhears this and, thus, Thalander's disguise is blown.
BOBADILLA
A "ghost character," Conchylio (disguised as Cupid) includes the Nymph Bobadilla in a list of possible love interests for Cancrone, and Cancrone claims that "Boberdil sounds like a fine play-fellow" for him. However, Conchylio assures him that Cosma is the better choice, and Cancrone agrees to make his suit to her.
CANCRONE
Along with Scrocca, Cancrone is one of the "two foolish Fishers" and "servants to old Tyrinthus" and Perindus who get lost at sea and arrive at "Circe's rocke" instead of "home." Since Scrocca is the "Master at Sea," Cancrone is the "master" of any "land voyage." He claims to be a poet and composes short poems throughout the play, shares liquor with Scrocca, repeatedly recounts the "deflouring" of his "grand-sire" by the Cyclops (Rimbombo), and takes many precautions for fear of both the Orke and Cyclops (due, in large part, to Conchylio's tricks upon him). He and Scrocca take undeserved credit for "vanquish[ing] the Orke" and he makes a "suite" concerning "whom to be in love withall" to Conchylio (who is disguised as Cupid), settling on Cosma for his love. He follows "Cupid's" foolish advice in love and, under the impression that the disguised Conchylio is actually Cosma, "mount[s] the tree" to which Conchylio (as Cosma) later binds Rimbombo. After managing to escape the Cyclops, Cancrone (along with the disguised Conchylio) makes a failed attempt to kill him which results in Rimbombo's flight from "this shore." After helping to save Perindus from drowning by assisting in conveying him safely to a "shippe That rides in the havene" after Tyrinthus's son had "fallen from the rocke" in an attempt to offer his life in exchange for Glaucilla's, Cancrone (along with Scrocca) is arrested, "manacled," and led to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" to meet "the death of slaves," during which time he is reunited with Tyrinthus and informs him of Perindus's whereabouts. After Cosma confesses to her initial "foule offence" Pas convinces Nomicus to "pardon"Cancrone and Scrocca and, after Dicaus punishes Cosma by casting a "charme" by which she may only fall in love with "fooles" and "fooles only shall affect" her, Cancrone and the Nymph confess their love for each other and the "foolish Fisher" seeks to "bedde" her.
CAPTAINE
"Only mentioned," Tyrinthus claims that he was taken years before "by Persians on the Gracian seas," claims that he "did please" his "captaine and the King," and reveals some details about where he has spent the past "thrice five summers."
CHORUS
Comprised of Priests and Fishers, the Chorus delivers the Prologue and Epilogue and comments on the action of the play at the end of each Act. They also sing as they follow the procession of characters who accompany Olinda to her execution, convey Atyches home after his victory over Malorcha, singing his praises and chanting "lowd his conquest," and present a song near the end of the last scene.
CIRCE
A non-speaking character. A "plaguie witch" whom Alcippus claims can "raise the dead," Circe was previously "move[d]" to "madness" over Glaucus's "scornd love" for Scylla, "quenche[d]" Scylla's "beautie and his [Glaucus's] loves" and, thus, helped to "eas[e] his greife." Later "with charmes, and prayers and gifts" she "wone him" and, with him, conceived the twins Thalander and Glaucilla. Atyches presents Olinda with a pipe which he claims is Thalander's "mother Circes gift" to her son and, along with Glaucus, Circe leads Olinda from the "rocke" where she is supposedly buried, and "retire[s]" (leaving Olinda with the amazed Thalander).
CONCHYLIO
Cosma's page. Conchylio's chief duty is to find suitable lovers to appease the sexual appetite of the "inconstant" Cosma, whom he refers to throughout the play as his "mistress." He criticizes "fishers," makes fun of Pas's grief over Cosma's changeable affections, and taunts the old Fredocaldo by "throw[ing] down his spectacles," "snatch[ing] his verses," and making jokes about his age. When he learns that the fishers Cancrone and Scrocca are afraid of the Orke and are not aware that Atyches has killed him, he decides to frighten them. He agrees to "ridde" them of their fears if they worship him, and then delivers to them a foolish prophecy from the Oracle, tricking them into hiding under their boats. He promises both Fredocaldo and Armillus a meeting with Cosma in return for gifts, although he only fulfills his vow to the latter suitor. For the purpose of making a fool out of Cancrone, he disguises himself as Cupid, convinces the fisher to make a petition of love to Cosma, and instructs the fisher in the foolish actions he must take to win Cosma. He then disguises himself as Cosma and goes to extravagant measures to trick Fredocaldo, Rimbombo, and Cancrone. Along with Cancrone, Conchylio attempts to kill Rimbombo. After this failed attempt, Conchylio reveals his true identity to both Cancrone and Rimbombo, informs Cancrone of his previous disguise (as Cupid), and, laughing over the success of his tricks, exits the play.
COSMA
"A light Nymph of Messena". Rimbombo claims she "usd our Mountaines" and "oft would stay, / And heare me speake, and vow, and sweare, and pray," Cosma accompanies Olinda to her execution, expressing her sadness over the fisher maid's punishment despite the fact that she later claims to hate both Olinda and Glaucilla. Cosma is present at Atyches's rescue of Olinda from Malorcha and, later, provides her with a "dessamour" which the Nymph claims will "eyther quench or ease the paines of love" that Olinda feels for the presumably dead Thalander. However, unbeknownst to Cosma, Glaucilla correctly identifies the "liquor" as poisonous and tempers it with her "art," changing it into a sleeping potion. Cosma employs Conchylio, her page, to find suitable lovers to appease her sexual appetite. She is loved by many, including Pas, Fredocaldo, Rimbombo, and Armillus, but is in love with Perindus (although she entertains more than "some hundred lovers"). Pas mourns her changeableness in love, Fredocaldo writes her a sonnet, and both Armillus and Fredocaldo offer Conchylio gifts in exchange for a meeting with Cosma, though Conchylio arranges such a meeting only for Armillus. Conchylio convinces Cancrone to make a petition of love to Cosma and, after instructing Cancrone in the foolish actions which he claims the fisher must take to win Cosma (while in the disguise of Cupid), he then disguises himself as Cosma. As Cosma, Conchylio goes to extravagant measures to trick Fredocaldo, Rimbombo, and Cancrone and, along with Cancrone, attempts to kill Rimbombo. After this failed attempt, Conchylio reveals his true identity to both Cancrone and Rimbombo and exits the play. Pas is both grieved and maddened by Cosma's inconstancy and–overhearing her views on love and beauty, her plans to meet with Armillus, and her love for Perindus and intentions to win his love in return–Pas vows to "act a Devill" and "make or marre the sport." Thus, at the meeting of Armillus and Cosma, the two are frightened apart by Pas, who is disguised as a Fury and, despite the fact that when Armillus meets Cosma again shortly after he claims that he would "rather dye, then leave [her] wisht embrace," he flees the "woods" when the disguised Pas returns. At this point, Pas reveals himself to Cosma and, after lecturing each other in the laws of love, the two go offstage together. The Nymph blames Glaucilla for Olinda's apparent death and accuses her of changing Cosma's original potion into poison, which results in Dicaus's condemnation that, "by th'law," Glaucilla must fall from a certain "high rocke." When Cancrone later blames Cosma for his and Scrocca's arrest and Perindus's fall "from the rocke," the Nymph expresses regret for her "foule offence" and warns others not to "wake" their "murthering thoughts." Pas and Nomicus chide Cosma and, despite being forgiven by both Olinda and Glaucilla, Dicaus punishes her by casting a "charme" by which she may only fall in love with "fooles" and "fooles only shall affect" her. At this, Cancrone and the Nymph confess their love for each other, and the "foolish Fisher" seeks to "bedde" her.
CUMA
A non-speaking character. Cuma is "Perindus his boy" whom Perindus orders at the play's beginning to "beare home [their] spoyles, and conquering weapons" and ("when Cancrone returnes") "returne to [him]."
CUPID
Cupid is both a "ghost character" and a disguise.
The winged god of love which many characters allude to throughout the play.
Conchylio disguises himself as Cupid in order to trick Cancrone. As Cupid, Conchylio convinces the fisher to make a petition of love to Cosma and instructs Cancrone in the foolish actions he must take to win the Nymph.
DICAUS
"Neptune's chiefe Priest" and Tyrinthus's friend. Dicaus is called by Neptune with "thrice a thundring voice" after Olinda is tempted by Mago (who has taken on the "shape and habit" of Glaucilla in the garden near "Neptunes temple") to take one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden." Dicaus "beares" the "halfe dead" Olinda to Neptune's temple, where Neptune sentences her to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha. Dicaus presides over her execution and, after finishing "all rites," he "proclaimes" that anyone who "conquer[s]" the "monstrous beast" will gain Olinda as "his prize forever." At this point, Malorcha is "loos'd" and "hungry posteth to his ready feast" only to be blinded and killed by Atyches. Tyrinthus is cheered to hear from Pas, on his return to Sicily, that Dicaus still lives. Dicaus "condemnes" Glaucilla to fall from a "high rocke" after learning of Olinda's death and Cosma's (undisputed) vow that Glaucilla changed the "water" given by Cosma to Olinda meant to cure the maid's griefs over her love for Thalander to poison. Thus, he also presides over Glaucilla's execution. Perindus pleads with Dicaus to allow him to exchange his own life for Glaucilla's and, although "both loath to live, and both contend to die," Dicaus decides that Perindus may "buy" Glaucilla's life with the "losse" of his own. At such news, Perindus bids goodbye to his love and jumps from the rock. Perindus is rescued from drowning in the sea by Cancrone and Scrocca, who disregard Dicaus's "threatning voyce" and are, thus, arrested, "manacled," and led to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" to meet "the death of slaves" for their interference with the law. Nomicus informs Cosma, while transporting Cancrone and Scrocca to the "hils" that "the stay is onely in Dicaus, / At whose returne" Cancrone and Scrocca will "suffer" death by the Cyclops. However, when it becomes evident that Olinda is alive and that Cosma is behind the attempts to kill both Glaucilla and Olinda, Dicaus punishes her by casting a "charme" by which she may only fall in love with "fooles" and "fooles only shall affect" her.
EXECUTIONERS
Listed in the Dramatis Personae. However, they do not appear explicitly in the text. The Executioners are, presumably, non-speaking characters who assist Dicaus with the executions of Olinda and Glaucilla.
FATHER, SCROCCA'S
A "ghost character." Scrocca claims that his father was "translate[d]" by Circe "into an hogge."
FREDOCALDO
"An old Fisher" and Pas's "old rivall." Fredocaldo is in love with Cosma and is repeatedly mocked by Conchylio. He enters the play reading a sonnet which he has composed for Cosma, and continually congratulates himself on his excellent health and fit mind. "Conchylio throws down his spectacles," "snatches his verses," and promises Fredocaldo a meeting with Cosma in return for gifts, although he never fulfills this vow. Pas, disguised as a Fury, "runs upon" Fredocaldo after the old man claims that "if furies should out-front" him he'd "out-stare them," and at this "hee falls and lyes." Immediately after, Conchylio (disguised as Cosma) "stumbles" upon him and, after being assured that the man is not dead, proceeds to execute his final prank upon him by inviting him to "the rocky cave" and then stealing away after Fredocaldo "was ready, all unready" and "'gan to put on his spectacles."
FURY
A disguise assumed by Pas. He is maddened and vows to "act a Devill" and "make or marre the sport" after overhearing Cosma's views on love and beauty, her plans to meet with Armillus, and her love for Perindus and intentions to win his love in return. Thus, at the meeting of Armillus and Cosma, the two are frightened apart by Pas, who is disguised as a Fury, and he "runs upon" Fredocaldo after the old man claims that "if furies should out-front" him he'd "out-stare them," which causes Fredocaldo to fall. Despite the fact that when Armillus meets Cosma again shortly after he claims that he would "rather dye, then leave [her] wisht embrace," he flees the "woods" when the disguised Pas returns. At this point, Pas reveals himself to Cosma and, after lecturing each other in the laws of love, the two go offstage together.
GLAUCILLA
The daughter of Glaucus and Circe, Thalander's twin sister, and Olinda's friend. Glaucilla is included in a list of possible love interests which Conchylio (disguised as Cupid) presents to Cancrone, and is in love with Perindus. Because Mago takes on the "shape and habit" of Glaucilla in the garden near "Neptunes temple" and tempts Olinda to take one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden," Olinda is sentenced by Neptune to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha. In preparation for her death, Olinda gives Glaucilla her belongings. Glaucilla repeatedly asks Perindus why he no longer loves her, but is continuously ignored by her lover who refuses to answer her questions. Olinda confides in her that she is in love with Thalander despite the fact that the maid previously scorned his love, and Glaucilla, correctly suspecting that the "glasse" of "liquor" which Cosma has given to Olinda to cure her griefs is poisonous, tempers it with her "art" and changes it into a sleeping potion. After another unsuccessful attempt to uncover the reason why Perindus's feelings for her have changed, Glaucilla implies that she will kill herself over her griefs. At this threat, Perindus offers to "tell [her] all." He then informs her of the Oracle Proteus's prophecy, part of which states that either he or Glaucilla "shall from a rocke be cast," and also of the hopeful prophecy of "the Pythian maid." At these stories, Glaucilla reassures Perindus of her love for him and he, in turn, assures her that he still loves her. Glaucilla is accused by Cosma of effecting the death of Olinda and is "condemne[d]" by Dicaus to fall from a "high rocke." Although she does not dispute this sentence, Perindus pleads with Dicaus to allow him to exchange his own life for Glaucilla's. Although "both loath to live, and both contend to die," Dicaus decides that Perindus may "buy" Glaucilla's life with the "losse" of his own. At such news, Glaucilla "fell" and "wak'd againe," began to "chide and rave," and "vowe[d] to live no further than his [Perindus's] grave." Nevertheless, Perindus bids goodbye to his love and jumps from the rock. Perindus is rescued from the sea by Cancrone and Scrocca, both Glaucilla and Perindus are set free when it is discovered that Olinda is not dead, and Pas later claims that "Perindus to Glaucilla are to be married." At the play's end, Olinda speaks on both her own and Glaucilla's behalf as she forgives Cosma for her "foule offence."
GLAUCUS
A non-speaking character. Glaucus was once in love with Scylla and was stricken with grief when her feelings for him "coole[d]." Circe was then "move[d]" to "madness" over Glaucus's "scornd love," "quenche[d]" Scylla's "beautie and his [Glaucus's] loves" and, thus, helped to "eas[e] his greife." Later "with charmes, and prayers and gifts" she "wone him" and, with Glaucus, conceived the twins Thalander and Glaucilla. Along with Circe, Glaucus leads Olinda from the "rocke" where she is supposedly buried, and "retire[s]" (leaving Olinda with the amazed Thalander).
GRANDSIRE, CANCRONE'S
A "ghost character." The drunken Cancrone writes "an Epitaph" for his "grandsire" who was "eate[n] [. . .] up crust and crum" by the Cyclops (Rimbombo) and expresses his fear over the rumour that "deflouring goes in a blood." Cancrone makes an unsuccessful attempt (along with Conchylio, who is disguised as Cosma) to kill Rimbombo in revenge of his grandfather's death, and later claims that he "care[s] not much" if Rimbombo eats him, since he "might have some hope to see the good old man once againe before [he] die[s]."
GRYPHUS
A non-speaking character. Grypus is Tyrinthus's "man" who is sent by his master to their "shippe" in order to "fetch [. . .] the vestments vowd to Neptune, and the chest" in which Tyrinthus has "lockt [his] other offerings."
KING
A "ghost character." Tyrinthus claims that he was taken years before "by Persians on the Gracian seas," claims that he "did please" his "captaine and the King," and reveals some details about where he has spent the past "thrice five summers."
LILLA
A "ghost character." Conchylio (disguised as Cupid) includes the Nymph Lilla in a list of possible love interests for Cancrone.
LOVERS, COSMA'S
"Ghost characters." Conchylio claims that the Nymph, Cosma, has loved many men: "This for his sprightly wit, and that for Musicke, / Him cause hee's faire, another for his blackness / Some for their bashfulnes, more for their boldnesse, / The wiseman for his silence, the foole for his bibble babble."
MAGO
A "ghost character." He was "begot by Saturne, on a Sea-borne witch," Mago is Thalander's rival for Olinda's love and is described by Perindus as "all blacke and foule, most strang and ugly fram'd." Because Olinda "affected" Mago and "banisht" Thalander in order to "shew how much he [Thalander] was neglected," the fisher left Sicily and took refuge in the woods. Since Alcippus makes a reference to "Magoe's charmes," he seems to be the same character who is referred to as "Nago" at the play's beginning–a "deformed enchanter" and "subtill witch" who takes on the "shape and habit" of Glaucilla in the garden near "Neptunes temple" and tempts Olinda to take one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden" (a deed for which she is sentenced to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha).
MAID, PYTHIAN
A "ghost character." Perindus informs Glaucilla that the Pythian maid whom he visited at his "father's shrine: / Comming to Delphos" imparted to him a promising prophecy.
MALORCHA
A "ghost character." Olinda is sentenced by Neptune to die at the hands of Malorcha (the Orke who is described by Atyches as "more monstrous then the seas that bred him") for taking one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden." When the Priest overseeing Olinda's execution "proclaimes" that anyone who "conquer[s]" the "monstrous beast" will gain Olinda as "his prize forever," Malorcha is "loos'd" and "hungry posteth to his ready feast" only to be blinded and killed by Atyches. Because Cancrone and Scrocca are unaware that the Orke has been slain, they are afraid of being eaten by him. Conchylio takes advantage of this to scare them by pretending that the Orke is near and convincing them to hide under their boats. Even though they later discover that Atyches killed the Orke, they take some credit for the deed.
MOTHER, CONCHYLIO'S
Only mentioned. Conchylio informs Armillus that he knows that he is "Cosmae's boy" because his mother "told [him] so."
MOTHER, OLINDA'S AND PERINDUS'S
A "ghost character." Tyrinthus claims that Olinda's and Perindus's mother died during Olinda's birth in order "to give her infant breath."
MOTHER, RIMBOMBO'S
A "ghost character." Rimbombo assures Conchylio (who is disguised as Cosma) that he will not "disclose" the "sacred mysterie" which "she" imparts to him, not even to his mother.
NAGO
A "ghost character." Probably a misprint for "Mago." Since Alcippus makes a reference to "Magoe's charmes," he seems to be the same character who is referred to as "Nago" at the play's beginning–a "deformed enchanter" and "subtill witch" who takes on the "shape and habit" of Glaucilla in the garden near "Neptunes temple" and tempts Olinda to take one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden" (a deed for which she is sentenced to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha).
NEPTUNE
A "ghost character." Neptune sentences Olinda to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha, for taking one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden" near his temple. Dicaus is Neptune's "chiefe Priest." The newly-returned Tyrinthus sends Gryphus back to their ship to get "vestments vowd to Neptune, and the chest" in which he has locked his "other offerings," and promises to reward Neptune with riches after he has seen his children.
NOMICUS
A Priest "inferior" to Dicaus. Nomicus leads the bounded Cancrone and Scrocca to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" in order to meet "the death of slaves." While waiting for Dicaus to arrive and preside over the executions of the two fishers, Nomicus informs Cosma of Dicaus's decision that Perindus may exchange the loss of his life for that of Glaucilla's, Perindus's fall from the rock, and his rescue by Cancrone and Scrocca. After it has become evident that Olinda is alive and Cosma confesses to her initial "foule offence," Pas convinces Nomicus to "pardon"Cancrone and Scrocca and Nomicus allows Pas to "call back" the "Prisoners."
OLINDA
Perindus's sister, Tyrinthus's daughter, Cosma's enemy, and Glaucilla's friend. Olinda is a "poore fisher maid" who is loved by Thalander (as well as Atyches) and is included in a list of possible love interests which Conchylio (disguised as Cupid) presents to Cancrone. Because Olinda had previously voiced her hatred for Thalander, banished him from her sight, and "affected" his rival (Mago), Thalander exiled himself to the woods, became a "stranger," and, according to Atyches, died. In the disguise of Atyches, Thalander returned to the Sicilian town (almost one year prior to the play's action) and, on his arrival, conveyed well wishes, Circe's pipe, and an engraved ruby ring to Olinda which he claims that the "dead and dying" Thalander made him swear to give to her. Because Mago takes on the "shape and habit" of Glaucilla in the garden near "Neptunes temple" and tempts Olinda to take one of the "golden apples" from the "Hyperian tree" situated in the "sacred garden," she is sentenced by Neptune to die at the hands of the sea monster, Malorcha. In preparation for her death, she gives Glaucilla her belongings; however, when the priest Dicaus, who is overseeing Olinda's execution, "proclaimes" that anyone who "conquer[s]" the "monstrous beast" will gain Olinda as "his prize forever," Atyches blinds and kills Malorcha. Directly after this victory Olinda and Atyches are married. Despite the fact that Olinda previously scorned Thalander's love, she later informs Glaucilla that her heart lies with him. Cosma gives Olinda a "glasse" of "liquor" which she claims will cure her griefs and Glaucilla, correctly suspecting that the drink is poisonous, tempers it with her "art" and changes it into a sleeping potion. After Perindus learns that Atyches is actually Thalander in disguise, he informs him that Olinda loves him and the two set out to find her only to learn that she is dead. At this discovery, Thalander voices his desire to kill himself. Alcippus accompanies the distraught lover to Olinda's supposed grave but, suspicious of Thalander's intentions, he decides against "leav[ing]" his friend at Olinda's "temple" alone and chooses to "retire" instead. After mourning Olinda's death Thalander "lies down by the rocke" to sleep and, much to his amazement, is awakened after "the Rocke opens" and Olinda is led from it by Glaucus and Circe. Alcippus re-enters to find Olinda alive and well, remedies Thalander's disbelief concerning Olinda's existence, and claims that the couple's love "perswades" him "to become a lover." Olinda delivers her story to the two fishermen, Thalander forgives Olinda for her past behaviour, and the two proclaim their love for each other. Pas incorrectly informs Tyrinthus (much to the father's grief) that Olinda is dead, accusing Glaucilla of the murder but, later, orders Nomicus to set Cancrone and Scrocca free since it has become evident that Olinda is alive. Tyrinthus is reunited with his children, Olinda forgives Cosma for her "foule offence," Alcippus summarizes the "triall[s]" of Thalander's and Olinda's relationship at the play's end, and Thalander (again) expresses his nagging concern that he is only dreaming such a favourable outcome.
ORACLE
A fictional character. Conchylio delivers a foolish prophecy to Cancrone and Scrocca that he claims comes from his "deities oracle" after they promise to worship him if he "ridde[s]" them of their Orke-fear.
ORC
The word used to describe Malorcha (the "Orke" who is described by Atyches as "more monstrous then the seas that bred him").
PAS
"A Fisher." He is in love with Cosma and is one of Perindus's friends, Pas mourns Cosma's inconstancy and is made fun of by Conchylio. After overhearing Cosma's views on love and beauty, her plans to meet with Armillus, and her love for Perindus and intentions to win his love in return–Pas is maddened and vows to "act a Devill" and "make or marre the sport." Thus, at the meeting of Armillus and Cosma, the two are frightened apart by Pas, who is disguised as a Fury, and he "runs upon" Fredocaldo after the old man claims that "if furies should out-front" him he'd "out-stare them," which causes Fredocaldo to fall. Despite the fact that when Armillus meets Cosma again shortly after he claims that he would "rather dye, then leave [her] wisht embrace," he flees the "woods" when the disguised Pas returns. At this point, Pas reveals himself to Cosma and, after lecturing each other in the laws of love, the two go offstage together. He recognizes Tyrinthus and informs him that Olinda is dead–at which news Tyrinthus is so distressed that "he falls." Grief-stricken over his daughter's apparent death, Tyrinthus presses Pas for more details which he (unaware of their falseness) reveals. He identifies Glaucilla as Olinda's murderer, informs Tyrinthus that the man's friend, Dicaus, still lives, and (in an attempt to comfort the man) claims that he has left Perindus only "two houres since, sad [. . .] but safe." He follows Tyrinthus when the father flees to "the shore" in order to find Perindus. Pas later convinces Nomicus to "pardon"Cancrone and Scrocca, joins Nomicus in chiding Cosma for her deeds, and "call[s] back" Scrocca and Cancrone.
PERINDUS
"A Fisher, sonne to Tyrinthus," Olinda's brother, and a friend to Thalander, Atyches, Pas, and Armillus. Perindus is in love with and is loved by Glaucilla. Armillus questions Perindus's decision to abandon the "Shepheards lawes" and become a fisher at the play's beginning, and both are informed by Atyches of Olinda's proposed execution at the hands of Malorcha. Because Armillus is "delighted" with the "accidents So strange and rare" which Atyches relates to him, he asks Perindus to inform him of "what he [Atyches] is, and what his country" (prompting Perindus to "give him all this story"). Perindus is informed by Alcippus of the victory of Atyches over Malorcha and suspects Atyches of being very much like Thalander. Glaucilla repeatedly asks Perindus why he no longer loves her, but is continuously ignored by him as he refuses to answer her questions. After an unsuccessful attempt to uncover the reason why Perindus's feelings for her have changed, Glaucilla implies that she will kill herself over her griefs. At this threat, Perindus offers to "tell [her] all." He then informs her of the Oracle Proteus's prophecy, part of which states that either he or Glaucilla "shall from a rocke be cast," and also of the hopeful prophecy of "the Pythian maid." At these stories, Glaucilla reassures Perindus of her love for him and he, in turn, assures her that he still loves her. Perindus overhears Atyches reveal his true identity to the night and, thus, Thalander's disguise is blown. Perindus then informs Thalander that Olinda is in love with him and the two set out to find her only to learn that Olinda is dead. In an attempt to comfort his friend, Perindus refuses to leave Thalander alone with his grief. In an attempt to comfort the recently returned Tyrinthus, Pas informs him that he has left Perindus only "two houres since, sad [. . .] but safe." When Glaucilla is accused by Cosma of effecting the death of Olinda and is "condemne[d]" by Dicaus to fall from a "high rocke," Perindus pleads with Dicaus to allow him to exchange his own life for Glaucilla's. Although "both loath to live, and both contend to die," Dicaus decides that Perindus may "buy" Glaucilla's life with the "losse" of his own. At such news, Perindus bids goodbye to his love and jumps from the rock. He is rescued from drowning in the sea by Cancrone and Scrocca, who are arrested, "manacled," and led to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" to meet "the death of slaves" for interfering with the law. When Tyrinthus learns of this information from Cancrone, he flees to "the shore" in order to find Perindus. Both Glaucilla and Perindus are set free when it becomes evident that Olinda is not dead. Perindus is reunited with his father, and Pas claims that "Perindus to Glaucilla are to be married."
PERSIANS
"Ghost characters." Tyrinthus claims that he was taken years before "by Persians on the Gracian seas" and reveals some details about where he has spent the past "thrice five summers."
PROTEUS
A "ghost character." Proteus is the Oracle from which Perindus claims he is "late arriv'd" at the play's beginning, and Proteus's prophecy is the reason why Perindus ignores Glaucilla throughout the play. However, when Glaucilla implies that she will kill herself over her griefs, Perindus offers to "tell [her] all." Perindus claims that he only went to the Oracle in order to inquire about the "certaine time" of his "marriage" to Glaucilla, but informs her that Proteus prophesied that either he or Glaucilla "shall from a rocke be cast."
RIMBOMBO
The Cyclops. He has eaten Cancrone's grandfather. Rimbombo mourns why the heavens "frame" women in such a way that men must love them. Due to a promise which he has apparently made with Conchylio, and in search of Cosma, whom he claims "usd our Mountaines" and "oft would stay, / And heare me speake, and vow, and sweare, and pray," Rimbombo comes down from the mountains. However, he is tricked by Conchylio (who is disguised as Cosma) and ends up tied fast to a tree trunk by a girdle. Furthermore, Cancrone and Conchylio (as Cosma) attempt to kill him and, though they fail, Rimbombo is ashamed of falling for Conchylio's disguise and "flye[s] this shore," vowing to "never deale with fisher-Nymph-lad more." Furthermore, after helping to save Perindus from drowning by assisting in conveying him safely to a "shippe That rides in the havene" after Tyrinthus's son had "fallen from the rocke" in an attempt to offer his life in exchange for Glaucilla's, Cancrone and Scrocca are arrested, "manacled," reunited with Tyrinthus, and led to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" to meet "the death of slaves." Though Cancrone claims that "Rimronce" will be "busie [. . .] about [him]" for the fisher's previous attempt to kill him, Pas convinces Nomicus to "pardon" Cancrone and Scrocca and the Cyclops remains unfed.
SATURNE
A "ghost character" and the father of Mago. Saturne "begot" his son "on a sea-borne witch."
SCROCCA
Scrocca is the "Master at Sea." He, along with Cancrone, is one of the "two foolish Fishers" and "servants to old Tyrinthus" and Perindus who get lost at sea and arrive at "Circe's rocke" instead of "home." When Conchylio learns that Cancrone and Scrocca are afraid of the Orke and are not aware that Atyches has killed him, he decides to frighten them. He agrees to "ridde" them of their fears if they worship him, and then delivers to them a foolish prophecy from the Oracle, tricking them into hiding under their boats. He shares liquor with Cancrone and takes undeserved credit, along with Cancrone, for "vanquish[ing] the Orke." Scrocca leaves to retrieve his fishing nets and is accused on his return by Cancrone of ruining "the goodest verse." When Scrocca departs for the boat, Cancrone vows to follow him but remains, only to be tricked by Conchylio at length. After helping to save Perindus from drowning by assisting in conveying him safely to a "shippe That rides in the havene" after Tyrinthus's son had "fallen from the rocke" in an attempt to offer his life in exchange for Glaucilla's, Scrocca (along with Cancrone) is arrested, "manacled," and led to the "hils [. . .] to the greedy Cyclops" to meet "the death of slaves," during which time he is reunited with Tyrinthus. After Cosma confesses to her initial "foule offence," Pas convinces Nomicus to "pardon"the two fishers.
SCYLLA
A "ghost character." Scylla was once the lover of Glaucus whose feelings for him "coole[d]." In order to "eas[e]" Glaucus's "griefe" over her, Circe "quenche[d]" Scylla's "beautie" (making her "a proofe of jealous spite" and a "loath'd" creature).
A ñghost character,Ñ Scylla was once the lover of Glaucus whose feelings for him ñcoole[d].Ñ In order to ñeas[e]Ñ Glaucusís ñgriefeÑ over her, Circe ñquenche[d]Ñ Scyllaís ñbeautieÑ (making her ña proofe of jealous spiteÑ and a ñloathídÑ creature).
THALANDER
"Disguised and called Atyches" for the majority of the play, Thalander is in love with Olinda. He is "a Fisher," the son of Glaucus and Circe, Glaucilla's twin brother, and Perindus's friend. Because Olinda had previously voiced her hatred for him, banished him from her sight, and "affected" his rival (Mago), Thalander exiled himself to the woods, became a "stranger," and, according to Atyches, died. In the disguise of Atyches, Thalander returned to the Sicilian town (almost one year prior to the play's action) and, on his arrival, conveyed well wishes, Circe's pipe, and an engraved ruby ring to Olinda which he claims that the "dead and dying" Thalander made him swear to give to her. He becomes Perindus's friend and, when the Priest overseeing Olinda's execution "proclaimes" that anyone who "conquer[s]" the "monstrous beast" will gain Olinda as "his prize forever," Malorcha is "loos'd" and "hungry posteth to his ready feast" only to be blinded and killed by Atyches. Directly after this victory he is married to Olinda. He is suspected by Perindus as being very much like Thalander and, despite the fact that Olinda previously scorned Thalander's love, she informs Glaucilla that her heart lies with him. Suspicious that Olinda does not truly love him, Atyches is unable to sleep and, thinking he is alone, reveals his true identity to the night. Perindus overhears him and, thus, Thalander's disguise is blown. Perindus informs Thalander that Olinda is in love with him and the two set out to find her. However, they learn that Olinda is dead and Thalander voices his desire to kill himself. Alcippus accompanies the distraught lover to Olinda's supposed grave but, suspicious of Thalander's intentions, he decides against "leav[ing]" his friend at Olinda's "temple" alone and chooses to "retire" instead. After mourning Olinda's death Thalander "lies down by the rocke" to sleep and, much to his amazement, is awakened after "the Rocke opens" and Olinda is led from it. Alcippus re-enters to find Olinda alive and well, remedies Thalander's disbelief concerning Olinda's existence, and claims that the couple's love "perswades" him "to become a lover." Olinda delivers her story to the two fishermen, Thalander forgives Olinda for her past behaviour, and the two proclaim their love for each other. Alcippus summarizes the "triall[s]" of Thalander's and Olinda's relationship at the play's end, and Thalander (again) expresses his nagging concern that he is only dreaming such a favourable outcome.
TYRINTHUS
The father of Perindus and Olinda. Tyrinthus enters with Gryphus near the play's end and begins to inquire about the well-being of his children. He sends Gryphus back to their ship to "fetch [. . .] the vestments vowd to Neptune, and the chest" in which he has locked his "other offerings." Tyrinthus claims that he was taken years before "by Persians on the Gracian seas," reveals some details about where he has spent the past "thrice five summers," and brings to mind the "two infants" (and their deceased mother) whom he had left behind when he took to the sea. He promises to reward Neptune with riches after he has seen his children, but is informed shortly after by Pas that Olinda is dead–at which news Tyrinthus is so distressed that "he falls." Thus, grief-stricken over his daughter's death, Tyrinthus presses Pas for more details which the Fisher (unaware of their falseness) reveals to him. When informed that his friend, Dicaus, still lives and that Pas had left Perindus only "two houres since, sad [. . .] but safe," Tyrinthus is somewhat comforted. He is reunited with Scrocca and Cancrone only to find out that his son is "doom'd to die," and sets out immediately for "the shore" to find him. However, at the play's end, Tyrinthus is reunited with both of his children.
URINA
A "ghost character." Conchylio (disguised as Cupid) includes the Nymph Urina in a list of possible love interests for Cancrone, but Cancrone claims that he will have "none of her" because "shee's too high colourd."
WITCH, SEA-BORNE
A "ghost character" and Mago's mother. She "begot" her son with Saturne, Perindus claims that the "Sea-borne witch['s] [. . .] furies have their darkest hell" within Mago's "heart."