Gargantua
A giant; father of Pantagruel; one of the main protagonists. Son of Grangousier and Gargamelle. Born out of his mother’s ear after 11 months gestation. (Parallel to the gods of antiquity or the virgin birth of Catholicism.)
Pantagruel
A giant; son of Gargantua and Badebec; one of the main protagonists. He was born during one of the worst droughts in recorded history so Gargantua chose his name to reflect that drought; in Greek “panta” means “all things,” and “gruel” is a word from the Hagarene language that translates into “thirsty.”
Panurge
A young man of noble birth who lost his fortunes. He speaks a plethora of languages. He becomes Pantagruel’s closest friend and companion. While he is described as a good and noble man, he is also described as a cheat, a womanizer, a lecherous lout, a thief, a gambler, and a man who is always out of money.
Friar John of the Funnels and Gobbets
A monk of Seville. When, Picrochole’s forces ransacked the country and came to Seville, Friar John took it upon himself to protect the abbey and to protect the wine. He alters his monk outfit, fashions a large wooden cross into a lance and cudgel, and then proceeds to obliterate and dismember his enemies in the most brutal ways imaginable. Friar John won the battle and supposedly killed or wounded over 13,000 men. He is more properly known as "Friar John des Entomeures." He remains a loyal friend to both Gargantua and Pantagruel.
Epistemon
The teacher and tutor of Pantagruel. They remain good friends throughout the story.
Eudemon
Page to Don Philip of Marays. He is described as a beautiful young boy who looks more like an angel than like a child. Grangousier and Don Philip of Marays decide to compare Eudemon’s knowledge to that of Gargantua’s as a way to see whether Gargantua’s years of education were worthwhile.
Ponocrates
The tutor of Eudemon. After Grangousier and Don Philip of Marays’ comparison of intellects between Eudemon and Gargantua, it is determined that Gargantua’s former tutors were ill-equipped charlatans. To train Gargantua to be as educated as Eudemon, Don Philip of Marays recommends to Grangousier that he hire Ponocrates.
Esquire Gymnast
A young man from Touraine who teaches Gargantua the true art of riding horses. He also taught him the way soldiers ride horses, and provided Gargantua with military strategies. He stays a loyal friend to both Gargantua and Pantagruel.
Grangousier
A wealthy Lord, known as a joking man and as a man who ate and drank excessively. Married to Gargamelle. Noted as being lustfully amorous with his wife; their manner of sex is described with food innuendos and puns that emphasize how their lust and gluttony fed each other. Later on he transforms into a noble ruler committed to peace.
Gargamelle
Daughter to the King of the Parpaillons. Wife of Grangousier. Described as “a jolly pug, and well-mouthed wench.” Noted as being lustfully amorous with her husband; their manner of sex is described with food innuendos and puns that emphasize how their lust and gluttony fed each other.
Lord of Breadinbag (Painensac.)
A visitor who came to see Grangousier and young Gargantua.
The Steward and the Harbinger of Lord of Breadinbag
Since many visitors have come to Grangousier’s palace, there is not much room for all of the horses. The harbinger and the steward of Lord of Breadinbag believe they can find additional stables by asking young Gargantua, since children know all the secret places. Gargantua leads them to his own chamber where he has his own stable of pretend horses. The harbinger and the steward laugh at the boy’s joke, and then realize they have been duped by a child.
Duke of Freemeal (Francrepas.)
A visitor who came to see Grangousier and young Gargantua.
Earl of Wetgullet (Mouillevent.)
A visitor who came to see Grangousier and young Gargantua.
Master Tubal Holofernes
Gargantua’s first teacher who is supposedly skilled with decades of training. The teacher dies from the French pox, which is a slang term for the sexually transmitted infection syphilis.
Master Jobelin Bride
The teacher who takes over after Master Tubal Holofernes dies.
Don Philip of Marays, Viceroy or Depute King of Papeligosse (Des Marays)
Friend to Grangousier. Grangousier confides in him, and tells him that while he believes his son, Gargantua is a good student, the lessons he has learned are not for good boys, but for brutish boys who wish to waste their days in foppish pursuits. Grangousier and Don Philip of Marays decide to compare Eudemon’s knowledge to that of Gargantua’s as a way to see whether Gargantua’s years of education were a waste.
Fayoles, the Fourth King of Numidia
Sends Grangousier an amazing gift, which is a great horse that was found in Africa. Its equal had never been seen, for it was the size of six elephants, had cloven fingers for hooves, slouched ears, a horn on its rear, and a tail so massive it was the size of a steeple pillar.
Master Janotus de Bragmardo
A faculty member of the Parisian school. He was chosen to reason with Gargantua and try to convince Gargantua to give back the bells that Gargantua stole.
Philotimus
Steward of Gargantua’s house in Paris.
Master Theodorus
A well-respected physician who Ponocrates consults concerning the best and safest strategy to improve Gargantua’s health and lifestyle, assuming any strategy is possible.
Anagnostes
A young page employed to read Scripture passages to Gargantua during the early hours of the morning.
Rizotomos
Gargantua’s young page in charge of handling the plants and herbs that Gargantua brings to the household.
Forgier
One of the shepherds who tries to negotiate with the cake bakers to trade goods. The cake bakers harass and belittle the shepherds. Forgier explains that all the shepherds will treat the cake bakers with the same disrespect in the future. One of the cake bakers, Marquet, pretends to show sympathy, but instead whips Forgier. Forgier cries for help, and then uses a cudgel to hit Marquet’s head, knocking him out. Forgier’s cries for help institute a riot, and all of the surrounding farmers knock the cake bakers unconscious. The crowd then takes the cake bakers’ goods and leave a fair payment of trade items.
Marquet
One of the cake bakers. He pretends to be remorseful for treating the shepherds so poorly, but then whips Forgier. Forgier cries for help, and then uses a cudgel to hit Marquet’s head, knocking him out. Forgier’s cries for help institute a riot, and all of the surrounding farmers knock the cake bakers unconscious. The crowd then takes the cake bakers’ goods and leave a fair payment of trade items.
Picrochole
King of Lerne. The cake bakers work and live within his lands. After the assault on Marquet, they beg the King to do something about the shepherds. The shepherds are servants to Gargantua’s father, Grangousier.
Picrochole’s Military Leaders
Vanguard commander, Lord Shagrag; ordinance charge commander, Touquedillon; rearguard commander, Duke of Scrapegood; and, commander of first Battalion of horsemen to enter the skirmish, Captain Swillwind.
Pillot
One of Grangousier’s shepherds. He informs Grangousier about the horrors that King Picrochole and his armies have committed.
Ulric Gallet
Grangousier’s master of the requests. He is sent to Picrochole as an emissary for peace.
Duke of Smalltrash
Member of Picrochole’s counsel and court. He urges Picrochole to split his army and have part of his army takeover Grangousier’s lands and fortunes. With the victory of Grangousier’s lands and fortunes, Picrochole will surely have enough money and military might to take over the world. He flees the battlefield before Picrochole’s forces fall.
Earl Swashbuckler
Member of Picrochole’s counsel and court. He urges Picrochole to split his army and have part of his army takeover Grangousier’s lands and fortunes. With the victory of Grangousier’s lands and fortunes, Picrochole will surely have enough money and military might to take over the world. He flees the battlefield before Picrochole’s forces fall.
Captain Dirt-tail
Member of Picrochole’s military. He urges Picrochole to split his army and have part of his army takeover Grangousier’s lands and fortunes. With the victory of Grangousier’s lands and fortunes, Picrochole will surely have enough money and military might to take over the world. He flees the battlefield before Picrochole’s forces fall.
Lord of Vauguyon
Noblemen within Grangousier’s lands and longtime friend of Grangousier’s family. He provides aid to Gargantua and his company of compatriots.
Prelingot
A gentleman who oversees Lord of Vauguyon’s horses. He knows the land very well, and offers his knowledge and services to Gymnast to form a two-man scouting party.
Captain Tripet
One of the captains in Picrochole’s army.
Fourniller and Sweer-to-go
Two of the six pilgrims that Gargantua nearly eats by accident.
Rashcalf and Touchfaucet
Members of Picrochole’s counsel and army. Touchfaucet is taken prisoner by Friar John. Grangousier encourages Touchfaucet to return to his King and convince his King to stop making war. Touchfaucet agrees, returns to his King, and begs him to make peace. Rashcalf accuses Touchfaucet of treason, so Touchfaucet kills Rashcalf. Picrochole then orders his men to kill Touchfaucet and toss his body in a ditch.
Count Drawforth
Member of Picrochole’s court and army.
Alpharbal, King of Canarre
A former enemy of Grangousier. Like Picrochole, Alpharbal was obsessed with conquest and pillaging. Upon being captured, other kings might have imprisoned Alpharbal forever, but Grangousier treated him well, clothed him, and allowed him to go back to his homelands. To repay the kindness, Alpharbal came back to Grangousier with many great gifts, and offered himself in eternal servitude. Grangousier would not accept such service, and instead the two countries made allegiances to each other. Alpharbal also sent gratuity payments to Grangousier’s kingdom every year to show his eternal gratitude.
Alcofribas
The servant of Pantagruel and the narrator of the second book. His name is not provided until Book 2, Chapter 32.
Badebec
Daughter to the king of the Amaurots in Utopia; wife to Gargantua; and, mother of Pantagruel. Little is known about her from the text, since she reportedly dies during childbirth.
Limousin
A young scholar who Pantagruel and his friends meet in Paris. Limousin speaks in some ill-gotten mishmash of French and Latin. Pantagruel takes it upon himself to beat the young man to teach him to speak properly.
Eusthenes
One of Pantagruel’s servants are fellow scholars.
Carpalim
Pantagruel's footman.
Lord Kissbreech
The plaintiff in a highly convoluted legal case that has gone up to the highest courts in France. Some of the most intelligent men have been brought in to make a decision on his case.
Lord Suckfist
The defendant in a highly convoluted legal case that has gone up to the highest courts in France. Some of the most intelligent men have been brought in to make a decision on his case.
Du Douhet
One of the most learned and intelligent men in France who was on the committee to judge the difficult case between Lord Kissbreach and Lord Suckfist. As none of the council could reach a decision, he suggests consulting with Pantagruel.
Thaumast
A scholar from England who has come to Paris to see if Pantagruel is as brilliant as people say. He wishes to challenge Pantagruel to an argument, and if he should lose, he will be a servant to Pantagruel for all of his days.
Loupgarou
A giant as well, though not as large as Pantagruel. He is the leader of the armies of the Dipsodes. These armies started to invade Pantagruel’s homelands after Pantagruel’s father goes to visit Avalon. Loupgarou possesses an enchanted mace that allows him to defeat almost anyone in combat.
Anarchus
King of the Dipsodes
Raminagrobis
An old man who is dying and who, because he is so close to death, is believed to have the powers of a prophet or seer. He is married to Lady Broadsow, who is his second wife. He and his second wife are the parents of a pretty daughter by the name of Basoche. After talking with Raminagrobis, Panurge believes him to be a sinner plagued by devils, and therefore argues that Raminagrobis’ prophecies are those of a heretic.
Lady Broadsow
The second wife of Raminagrobis and the mother of Basoche.
Basoche
A pretty young woman and the daughter of Raminagrobis and Lady Broadsow
Herr Trippa
A man skilled in the divination arts of astrology, geomancy, chiromancy, and metopomancy. Although many people respect divination skills, Panurge points out that the man does not seem to see how his own wife cheats on him regularly.
Father Hippothadee
A theologian Pantagruel has invited over for dinner to help Panurge make his decision concerning whether he should get married and risk being a cuckold. Epistemon notes that this man has never been married, nor will he, so he should have some sound opinions on the matter.
Master Rondibilis
A physician Pantagruel has invited over for dinner to help Panurge make his decision concerning whether he should get married and risk being a cuckold. Epistemon notes that this man is recently married, so he should have some sound opinions on the matter.
Bridlegoose
A lawyer Pantagruel has invited over for dinner to help Panurge make his decision concerning whether he should get married and risk being a cuckold. Epistemon notes that this man was married before, but is not now, so he should have some sound opinions on the matter. Unfortunately, Bridlegoose was being put on trial and unable to attend the dinner.
Trouillogan
A philosopher Pantagruel has invited over for dinner to help Panurge make his decision concerning whether he should get married and risk being a cuckold. Epistemon notes that this man is presently married to a woman who had already been married once before, so he should have some sound opinions on the matter.
Kyne
Gargantua’s dog.
Triboulet
A local fool. Pantagruel explains to Panurge that sometimes fools can prove the wisest of judges. Since Panurge has been dissatisfied with every other person he has consulted concerning his fears about becoming a cuckold, Pantagruel insists that Panurge should try consulting a fool on the matter.
Trinquamelle
Grand-president over the court where Bridlegoose stands trial.
Xenomanes
“The great traveller and thwarter of dangerous ways” (Book 3, Chapter 69, part 1). A friend of Panurge who leads Panurge, Pantagruel, and company to the Oracle of the Holy Bottle in the country of Lantern Land.
Lord Debitis at Calais
Whilst deciding how to get to Lantern Land safely, Carpalin suggests taking this man along, because he is a good fellow and skilled with a lantern.
Rhizotome
A member of the entourage accompanying Pantagruel and his companions on the adventure to Lantern Land.
Thalamege
Pantagruel’s flagship for the voyage to Lantern Land.
James Brayer
The chief pilot of the Thalamege.
Malicorne
Gargantua's esquire carver, who was sent by Gargantua by means of a small, speedy ship, known as the Chelidonia, to discover how well Pantagruel is doing on his adventure.
Dingdong
A sheep merchant on the ship. Upon noticing that Panurge was wearing no codpiece and had spectacle attached to his hat, Dingdong whispers to those near him about how Panurge has a cuckold’s medal on his head, which starts a rather heated argument between Dingdong and Panurge.
Lord of Basche
A wealthy Lord who was being troubled by catchpoles bringing him writs and legal summonses. He devises a clever yet brutal way to stop catchpoles from coming to his door.
Loire and his spouse
Bakers of the Lord of Basche
Oudart
The vicar of the Lord of Basche’s parish, and also Basche’s butler.
Trudon
Lord of Basche’s drummer.
Master Francis Villon
To entertain the masses, Villon decides to put on a play of the passion. He asks Friar Stephen Tickletoby if he can borrow some monk’s clothing, but Tickletoby refuses to help. To get even with Tickletoby for not helping, Villon arranges for his players to dress as devils and scare Tickletoby and his horse. The prank works, and Tickletoby accidentally gets killed in the process.
Friar Stephen Tickletoby
A friar who decides not to help Master Francis Villon. As a consequence of not helping Villion, Tickletoby becomes the victim of a deadly prank.
Wide-nostrils
A giant who lives on the island of Tohu. He eats all manner of things, including windmills and whatever else his physicians instruct him to eat. He apparently accidentally torments the people of the island of Ruach, since their diet consists of nothing but wind, which is why they have so many windmills, which Wide-nostrils destroys. Recently, however, after being advised by his physicians, Wide-nostrils ate a large amount of butter that was heated upon a hot oven. Somehow in the midst of eating, Wide-nostrils choked and died.
Macrobius
The eldest of the elder men on the island of the Macreons. He acts as a guide and liaison for Pantagruel and his companions.
Shrovetide
Ruler of the Sneaking Island, and known as a horrendous young ruler who is paranoid and shrewd, but somewhat industrious, since his people make skewers. Apparently, he is always at war with the Chitterlings, who are strange pig-people who reside on Wild Island. He is described as a man full of contradictions and odd quirks.
Chitterlings
A group of pig-people who live on the Wild Island. They are enemies of Shrovetide. The narrator notes that the Chitterlings’ protector, Carnival, has kept them from being annihilated. The Chitterlings are described as serpent-like and as great tempters and temptresses. It is difficult to discern whether they physically have the lower body of serpents, like Gorgons, or something else. The Chitterlings are also described as pig-like, as if they are anthropomorphized sausages. This might explain why they are cured and healed by the balm of mustard sauce.
Colonel Maul-chitterling
Commander of one of Pantagruel’s eleven ships. Specifically, he is the commander of the ship known as the Cup galley.
Colonel Cut-pudding the younger
Commander of one of Pantagruel’s eleven ships. Specifically, he is the commander of the ship known as the Vine-tub frigate.
Niphleseth
Queen of the Chitterlings. She is one of the few named female characters in the entire story who is not a mother or wife of one of the main characters. She claims that her forces went to battle against Pantagruel’s due to false intelligence reports of their true enemy, Shrovetide, being spotted on the beach.
Young Niphleseth
Daughter of the Queen of the Chitterlings. As part of the peace treaty with Pantagruel, young Niphleseth and several of her people were sent to Gargantua to work for him for a period of months. She was reportedly married off and had many good children.
Homenas
Bishop of Papimany. The people of Papimany are so religiously devoted to the church that they will practically bend over backwards for anyone who has even been in contact with the Pope, which is why they are so welcoming to Pantagruel and his colleagues.
Master Gaster
The first master of arts in the world. He is described as having no ears, and it is said that he only speaks through use of signs, yet somehow his commands are heard throughout the entire land, and everyone does what he commands without fail. He somehow still lives on the island, and because of his great power and, no doubt, great age, he is believed by some inhabitants to be a god.
Engastrimythes
On the island where Master Gaster’s ancient throne exists, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Eurycles. They practice the arts of divination, such as fortune-telling, but they do so as charlatans.
Gastrolaters
On the island where Master Gaster’s ancient throne exists, this group of people moves around like gangs of thugs and robbers. Some of them wear masks and costumes that are highly individualized and elaborate. This group worships Master Gaster as their deity and offer him sacrifices and offerings. Master Gaster often sends back the offerings, for he does not wish to be a god.
Rodilardus
A cat on the ship who Panurge confuses for a small devil.
Braguibus
An older hermit, small in size, who lives on The Ringing Island.
Albian Camar
Master Aedituus of the Ringing Island
Gripe-men-all
The Archduke of the Furred Law-cats. He also appears in the form of a monstrous three headed creature similar to a Cerberus, but each of the heads are different creatures.
Double-fee
One of the inhabitants on the island of the Apedefers
Twofold
A treasured two-headed monster creature that the keepers of the wine presses keep locked up. They feed him costs. The monster’s wife and partner is a four-headed monster called Fourfold.
Fourfold
A frightening, four-headed creature considered one of the most dangerous beasts in the land. She is paired with Twofold, and her mother is called Refusing-of-fees, although her mother is considered crazy, and therefore locked in the dungeons.
Review
An ignorant, barely aware creature kept in chains. He supposedly feeds on appeals, but since there are none in this place, he remains starving.
Harry Cotiral
A good friend of the narrator. He is not a part of Pantagruel’s fleet, and is instead riding on a different ship that is passing by. Harry Cotiral is a strange looking man with a greasy hat, a cabbage stump in one hand, and a horse’s penis attached to his belt.
Queen of Whims
Also known as Lady Quintessence, but her true name is Entelechy, as given to her by her godfather, Aristotle. Although she looks very young, she is supposedly over 1,800 years old, and she possesses a beautiful body with an exceedingly royal frame. She cures the sick by playing an organ.
Geber
The Queen of Whims' principal Tabachin.
Benius the Third
King of the island Sandals, which is an island where the inhabitants live on nothing but ling-broth.
Hearsay
This misshapen old man dwells in the land of Satin near the country of Tapestry. He is noted as being small, with a mouth that literally goes from ear to ear. He also has seven tongues, and each individual tongue is split into seven different parts, so that he could continuously talk in multiple languages. His head is covered in ears. He is blind. Also his legs shake with some sort of palsy.
Queen of Lantern Land
The sovereign ruler of Lantern Land. She has the power to grant Pantagruel and his friends safe passage to the Oracle of the Holy Bottle.
Bacbuc
The priestess and lady in charge at the Oracle of the Holy Bottle.
