The Cask of Amontillado

Main Characters and Their Development

• Montresor - the protagonist and narrator, driven by a desire for revenge for perceived insults inflicted by Fortunato. He meticulously plans and coldly executes his revenge, luring Fortunato into the catacombs under the guise of tasting a rare wine, Amontillado. Throughout the narrative, his cunning, calculation, and ruthlessness are revealed.
• Fortunato - the victim of Montresor's revenge, a man proud of his wine expertise and easily ensnared by Montresor's ruse. He is portrayed as overconfident and trusting, which ultimately leads to his demise. As the plot unfolds, his demeanor shifts from merriment and self-assurance to horror and despair as he realizes his fate.