Faust

Main Characters and Their Development

• Faust - A scholar exploring many sciences, yet feeling his life is meaningless and empty. As a result, he makes a deal with Mephistopheles to find true satisfaction in earthly pleasures and the knowledge of the world. Over time, he re-evaluates many of his views and finds meaning in dedicating himself to serving people and the universe.
• Mephistopheles - The devil who makes a wager with God regarding Faust's soul. He offers Faust his services in exchange for his soul after death if Faust ever feels completely satisfied. Mephistopheles acts as Faust's guide in his quest for life's pleasures. He behaves cunningly and ironically, yet plays a crucial role in Faust's life journey.
• Gretchen (Margarete) - A young girl who falls in love with Faust and becomes his beloved through Mephistopheles' trickery. She suffers deeply due to the death of her brother, killed by Faust, and because she abandons the newborn child born from Faust. Her innocence and purity contrast with the dark and complex motives of other characters. Her story evolves from innocent love to a tragic fate.