Ludovico Marsili Character Analysis in The Life of Galileo

Ludovico (whose name literally means “I play at the house” in Latin) is a rich young playboy whose primary interest is his horses. His mother, however, demands that he be educated broadly and by the best, which leads him to seek out Galileo Galilei as his tutor. Ludovico is something of a one-dimensional character: he cares only about himself and how others perceive him. As his name suggests, he “plays” at being one of Galileo’s students. However, unlike Andrea or the Little Monk, Ludovico continues on with Galileo in the hopes that it will make him rich. He is briefly engaged to Virginia, but this ends this when her father’s reputation as a heretic will make him look bad at Church.

Ludovico Marsili Character Timeline in The Life of Galileo

The timeline below shows where the character Ludovico Marsili appears in The Life of Galileo. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...blasphemies as the Earth revolving around the Sun. She tells Galileo that a young student, Ludovico, has come. Ludovico wants Galileo to tutor him, and Mrs. Sarti thinks it’s imperative that... (full context)

Ludovico enters with Mrs. Sarti and Galileo quizzes him. He discovers that Ludovico has been sent... (full context)

Ludovico begins describing how bad at understanding science he is. In doing so, he offhandedly mentions... (full context)

Virginia enters with Ludovico. Galileo mentions that he improved the telescope from the Danish version. Ludovico says he can... (full context)

...arrives at a ball being put on in his honor with Virginia and her date, Ludovico. They talk about how beautiful Virginia is, and how being Galileo’s daughter got Virginia special... (full context)

Meanwhile, Virginia and Mrs. Sarti discuss Virginia’s engagement to Ludovico. Sarti feels that Virginia is taking their upcoming marriage too lightly and advises the girl... (full context)

Ludovico arrives with news that the current Pope is dying. His suspected replacement is none other... (full context)

Ludovico, however, is not as happy. Ludovico reminds Galileo that he signed a declaration saying he... (full context)

...available to those who work with their hands and know how things work. At this, Ludovico leaves, asking that someone else explain their breakup to Virginia. When Virginia finds out, she... (full context)