Kestrel Character Analysis in The Alchemist

Dame Pliant’s brother. A kestrel is a type of falcon that is known to aggressively beat its wings while hunting for prey on the ground, and Jonson’s Kestrel is similarly aggressive. Kestrel’s friend, Abel Drugger, takes him to see Subtle because they believe Subtle is an accomplished alchemist and mystic who can teach Kestrel to quarrel and live by his wits. Kestrel basically wants to be independently wealthy and intimidate others, like he does to his sister, whom he intends on marrying off to a rich aristocrat. Kestrel is cruel to Dame Pliant and threatens to beat and “maul” her if she doesn’t do as he says. He forces her to kiss and entertain Face and Subtle, and when Surly arrives disguised as a Spanish count, Kestrel makes Dame Pliant agree to marry him. After Surly admits that he isn’t really Spanish and that Subtle and Face are really conmen, Kestrel uses his new quarreling skills to chase Surly away. He chases Surly down the street, where he presumably learns the truth about Subtle and Face’s scam. Kestrel returns to the house to get his sister, but he is met by Lovewit, who has already married Dame Pliant in his absence. Kestrel is furious and attempts to use his quarreling skills on Lovewit, but Kestrel is quickly intimidated and shut up. Kestrel represents gullibility and greed in Jonson’s play. He easy falls for Subtle and Face’s con, and he seeks Subtle’s help as an alchemist to selfish ends. Kestrel’s greed is also mirrored in his despicable treatment of his sister, whom he sees largely as an object that can bring him increased wealth and status.

Kestrel Character Timeline in The Alchemist

The timeline below shows where the character Kestrel appears in The Alchemist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...She will have her pick of suitors, Face says, but Drugger claims the Dame’s brother, Kestrel, has said she must marry an aristocrat. Drugger says Kestrel is young and rich, and... (full context)

Face tells Drugger that Kestrel is in luck, because Subtle is the wittiest man in London. Subtle has a table... (full context)

...what he took from Drugger, plus whatever he manages to get from Dame Pliant and Kestrel—Face can’t image his share will be anything less than 40 pounds. Doll enters, and Face... (full context)

...his cues. Face looks out the window and notices a second man. It must be Kestrel, Face says, the man who wants to quarrel. Dame Pliant, Subtle says, isn’t with them. (full context)

...Face says, he has convinced Subtle to give Dapper the “familiar.” Suddenly, Drugger enters with Kestrel. Kestrel has come to see Subtle, and Drugger has more tobacco for Subtle, too. Face... (full context)

Face points to Dapper as an example for Kestrel. Dapper will soon meet with Subtle and be “initiated,” and afterward, he will have nothing... (full context)

Kestrel tells Drugger to go and fetch Dame Pliant, but Face informs Kestrel that Subtle is... (full context)

...and, after a hearty laugh with Face, tells him that Dame Pliant and her brother, Kestrel, have arrived. Face says he must hurry into his captain’s disguise, but first they must... (full context)

Face opens the door, and Kestrel and Dame Pliant enter. Kestrel asks Face where the Captain is, and Face says he... (full context)

Kestrel asks if Subtle can tell Dame Pliant’s fortune, and Subtle confirms he can. He can... (full context)

Face greets Kestrel and asks about Dame Pliant. Kestrel introduces them and tells Face he must kiss her,... (full context)

...Pliant at any cost. Subtle enters, too, and says he has distracted Dame Pliant and Kestrel. Face immediately repeats that he must have Dame Pliant, but Face tells him to be... (full context)

Face enters with Kestrel and Dame Pliant. Face is telling Kestrel all about Subtle’s fortune and says Dame Pliant... (full context)

...could I abide ‘em,” she says, even though she wasn’t born until three years later. Kestrel turns to his sister. “God’s lid, you shall love him,” Kestrel says, “or I’ll kick... (full context)

...Spanish count, and Face welcomes him warmly. Surly begins speaking to them in Spanish, and Kestrel notes he isn’t speaking English. He asks Face if the Count is speaking French, and... (full context)

Face enters with Kestrel, and, pointing him in the direction of Surly, tells Kestrel it is now his chance... (full context)

...for “lotium,” and Drugger confirms he does, in addition to “six syringes.” Face quietly tells Kestrel he must quarrel Surly right out the door, so Kestrel continues insulting and threatening him. (full context)

...brethren have concluded that casting dollars is lawful. Subtle tells Ananias to be quiet, and Kestrel asks if Ananias is a constable. Face assures Kestrel that Ananias is no constable, and... (full context)

Lovewit again asks Face what is going on, and Kestrel knocks on the door. Kestrel threatens to call the police, and Face asks him who... (full context)

...the cloak. Lovewit takes off the disguise and opens the door. Mammon enters with Surly, Kestrel, Ananias, Tribulation Wholesome, and the police. Everyone begins talking at once about “Captain Face” and... (full context)

...tells the police they may go in and search, but they will find no criminals. Kestrel again asks where Dame Pliant is and threatens to “thump her” when he finds her.... (full context)

...but Lovewit threatens to beat them, so Ananias and Tribulation exit. Dame Pliant enters, and Kestrel says he will kill her for marrying without his permission. Lovewit draws his sword and... (full context)