"The Name of the Rose" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

William of Baskerville

William of Baskerville is the protagonist of "The Name of the Rose." He is a highly intelligent and rational Franciscan friar who is also a skilled detective. He is summoned to an Italian monastery in the 14th century to investigate a series of mysterious deaths.

Adso of Melk

Adso of Melk is the narrator of the story and the young novice monk who accompanies William of Baskerville on his investigation. Adso provides the reader with a firsthand account of the events unfolding in the monastery.

Jorge of Burgos

Jorge of Burgos is the main antagonist of the novel. He is a blind monk known for his intellectual prowess and conservative views. Jorge fiercely opposes any form of knowledge that goes against the traditional teachings of the Church.

Salvatore of Montferrat

Salvatore of Montferrat is a victim in the story. He is an apprentice in the monastery's scriptorium and is found dead under mysterious circumstances. His death becomes the central focus of William's investigation.

Remigio of Varagine

Remigio of Varagine is a suspect in the murders within the monastery. He is a subordinate monk with a troubled past. Remigio's association with subversive movements and his unorthodox behavior make him a prime suspect.

Berengar of Arundel

Berengar of Arundel is another suspect in the murders, specifically in relation to the disappearance of a forbidden book from the monastery's library. Berengar is the librarian and struggles with a dark secret that connects him to the crimes.

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano is a suspect due to his expertise in herbal medicine and his knowledge of poisons. He is portrayed as a heretic by some members of the monastery and faces suspicion throughout the investigation.

Ubertino of Casale

Ubertino of Casale is a mentor figure to William and a fellow Franciscan friar. He provides guidance and support to William during his investigation. Ubertino is known for his radical ideas and his belief in the purity of poverty.

Malachi of Hildesheim

Malachi of Hildesheim is the Benedictine abbot of the monastery. He is a strict disciplinarian who tries to maintain order within the monastery. Malachi becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious as the murders continue.

Character Descriptions

• William of Baskerville: William is depicted as a Middle Ages Sherlock Holmes, with his sharp intellect, deductive reasoning, and keen observational skills. He is a tall and thin man with a prominent nose and deep-set eyes. William has a calm and composed demeanor, often wearing a gray Franciscan habit.
• Adso of Melk: Adso is a young and naive novice monk. He is described as having a fair complexion, curly hair, and innocent blue eyes. Adso experiences a wide range of emotions throughout the story, from curiosity and admiration for William to fear and awe of the monastery's mysteries.
• Jorge of Burgos: Jorge is an elderly and blind monk, giving him an air of mystery and wisdom. He is depicted as having a hunched posture and a long white beard. Jorge's physical blindness serves as a metaphor for his intellectual rigidity and resistance to change.
• Salvatore of Montferrat: Salvatore is a young apprentice in the scriptorium, described as having a thin build and a nervous disposition. His body is found under suspicious circumstances, and his death sets off the chain of events in the novel.
• Remigio of Varagine: Remigio is a middle-aged monk with a troubled past. He has a thin and wiry frame, often wearing a hooded cowl to hide his features. Remigio's appearance and mysterious background make him a suspect in the eyes of both William and the other monks.
• Berengar of Arundel: Berengar is the librarian of the monastery, depicted as a pale and thin man with a stooped posture. He is often seen with ink-stained hands and a tense expression. Berengar's appearance reflects his obsessive nature and the guilt he carries due to his involvement in forbidden knowledge.
• Severinus of Sant'Emmerano: Severinus is an elderly monk known for his extensive knowledge of herbal medicine. He is depicted as having a frail and wizened appearance, often surrounded by jars of herbs and potions. Severinus' appearance and expertise make him a potential suspect in the murders.
• Ubertino of Casale: Ubertino is an older and emaciated Franciscan friar. He has a gaunt face and a hollow gaze, reflective of his ascetic lifestyle. Ubertino's physical appearance symbolizes his commitment to poverty and his rejection of worldly possessions.
• Malachi of Hildesheim: Malachi is the rotund and imposing abbot of the monastery. He is described as having a dark complexion and a commanding presence. Malachi's physical appearance mirrors his authoritative role within the monastery.

Character Traits

William of Baskerville

• Intelligent
• Observant
• Rational
• Analytical
• Perceptive

Adso of Melk

• Naive
• Curious
• Innocent
• Emotional
• Reflective

Jorge of Burgos

• Fanatic
• Dogmatic
• Rigid
• Cunning
• Knowledgeable

Salvatore of Montferrat

• Timid
• Nervous
• Hardworking
• Submissive
• Vulnerable

Remigio of Varagine

• Troubled
• Mysterious
• Unorthodox
• Guilty
• Manipulative

Berengar of Arundel

• Obsessive
• Knowledgeable
• Secretive
• Fearful
• Weak-willed

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano

• Wise
• Herbalist
• Suspicious
• Eccentric
• Reclusive

Ubertino of Casale

• Ascetic
• Radical
• Wise
• Frail
• Inspiring

Malachi of Hildesheim

• Paranoid
• Authoritative
• Stern
• Demanding
• Inflexible

Character Background

William of Baskerville

William of Baskerville comes from an intellectual background and has an extensive knowledge of philosophy, logic, and theology. He has traveled widely and been exposed to various ideas and cultures. As a Franciscan friar, he is committed to the Franciscan Order's principles of poverty, humility, and dedication to knowledge.

Adso of Melk

Adso of Melk hails from a small German village and comes from a simple and sheltered background. He entered the monastery as a novice seeking spiritual guidance and education. Adso has limited knowledge and experiences outside of the monastery, making him a curious and impressionable narrator.

Jorge of Burgos

Jorge of Burgos is a highly respected and influential figure within the monastery. He is known for his erudition and conservative stance on matters of faith. Jorge's background is shrouded in mystery, and his past deeds and associations are gradually revealed throughout the story.

Salvatore of Montferrat

Salvatore of Montferrat is an apprentice in the monastery's scriptorium. Little is known about his background, but he is portrayed as a hardworking and obedient young man eager to learn. Salvatore's life is tragically cut short, leaving behind many questions.

Remigio of Varagine

Remigio of Varagine joined the monastery after a troubled past marked by involvement in subversive movements and questionable actions. His turbulent background and unorthodox behavior make him a target of suspicion within the monastery.

Berengar of Arundel

Berengar of Arundel has dedicated his life to the preservation and study of books as the librarian of the monastery. He harbors a dark secret related to forbidden knowledge, which becomes central to the unfolding plot.

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano is the herbalist of the monastery, revered for his extensive knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties. He lives a reclusive life and is viewed with suspicion by some members of the monastery due to his unconventional practices.

Ubertino of Casale

Ubertino of Casale is an influential and radical Franciscan friar. He has been exiled due to his unorthodox views on poverty and society. Ubertino acts as a mentor to William, offering guidance and encouragement during their encounters.

Malachi of Hildesheim

Malachi of Hildesheim is the Benedictine abbot of the monastery. He seeks to assert his authority and maintain order within the walls of the institution. Malachi's background and motivations are less explored, but his actions throughout the story reflect his desire for control.

Character Arcs

William of Baskerville

William undergoes a transformation from a detached and rational investigator to someone who questions the nature of truth and the interpretation of religious texts. As he uncovers the secrets of the monastery, his beliefs are challenged, and he begins to question the rigid orthodoxy enforced within the institution.

Adso of Melk

Adso's arc involves his gradual disillusionment with the monastery and the realization of the complexity of the world outside its walls. He loses his innocence and emerges as a more skeptical and introspective individual through his experiences alongside William.

Jorge of Burgos

Jorge's arc is marked by his desire to conceal the forbidden knowledge contained within the monastery. He becomes increasingly fanatical and desperate to protect the traditional teachings of the Church, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation with William.

Salvatore of Montferrat

Salvatore's arc is short-lived but serves as the catalyst for the investigation. His death and the subsequent events force the other characters to confront their own beliefs and motivations.

Remigio of Varagine

Remigio's arc revolves around his guilt and manipulation. As suspicion mounts against him, he grapples with his past actions and tries to manipulate others to protect himself. Ultimately, he faces the consequences of his choices.

Berengar of Arundel

Berengar's arc follows his struggle with guilt and fear as his involvement in forbidden knowledge is discovered. He is forced to confront his past and face the consequences of his actions.

Severinus of Sant'Emmerano

Severinus's arc is characterized by his increasing isolation and suspicion within the monastery. His reputation as a heretic heightens, and he becomes embroiled in the unfolding events, ultimately facing a tragic end.

Ubertino of Casale

Ubertino's arc revolves around imparting his radical ideas to William and encouraging him to challenge the authority of the Church. He serves as a mentor figure and guides William towards questioning the teachings and traditions of the religious institution.

Malachi of Hildesheim

Malachi's arc is marked by his descent into paranoia and obsession with maintaining order. He becomes increasingly authoritarian and tyrannical, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Relationships

William and Adso

The relationship between William and Adso is central to the story. William serves as a mentor and guide to Adso, while Adso provides a youthful perspective and emotional support. Their bond deepens as they navigate the labyrinthine mysteries of the monastery.

William and Jorge

William's relationship with Jorge is characterized by intellectual and ideological conflict. They engage in intense debates about theology, philosophy, and the interpretation of religious texts. Their confrontations highlight the clash between reason and dogma.

William and Salvatore

William's relationship with Salvatore is short-lived but significant. Salvatore's death propels William into the investigation, driving his determination to uncover the truth. Salvatore's death also serves as a moral awakening for William.

William and Remigio

William's relationship with Remigio is one of suspicion and investigation. As a potential suspect, Remigio is constantly under scrutiny by William. Their interactions reveal Remigio's troubled past and test William's ability to separate guilt from innocence.

William and Berengar

The relationship between William and Berengar is one of disclosure and shared guilt. Berengar confides in William about his involvement in forbidden knowledge, ultimately implicating himself in the crimes. This relationship contributes to the uncovering of the monastery's secrets.

William and Severinus

William's relationship with Severinus is a complex one. While initially suspicious of Severinus, William recognizes his knowledge and expertise. They share insights into herbal medicine and engage in discussions about the nature of poisons, forming a tenuous bond.

William and Ubertino

William's relationship with Ubertino is one of mutual respect and admiration. Ubertino serves as a mentor figure, challenging William's beliefs and encouraging him to question the institution. Their discussions inspire William to explore alternative interpretations of religious teachings.

William and Malachi

William's relationship with Malachi is marked by conflict and power struggles. Malachi represents the strict and dogmatic authority, while William challenges the status quo. Their clashes reflect a larger struggle between traditionalism and intellectual inquiry.

In "The Name of the Rose," Umberto Eco crafts a rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the intricate web of mystery and intrigue within the medieval monastery. William of Baskerville emerges as a masterful detective, navigating the complexities of the abbey alongside his loyal and impressionable apprentice, Adso of Melk. As they uncover the truth, their relationships with suspects and fellow monks shed light on the inner workings of the Church and the clash between reason and blind faith. With its meticulous characterizations, the novel captivates readers, inviting them to journey into a world of secrets and hidden knowledge.