Good-will/Keeper of the Gate Character Analysis in The Pilgrim’s Progress

Good-will is a solemn figure who guards the Wicket-gate. However, when Christian knocks and introduces himself as a sinner, Good-will gladly opens the gate for him. He then directs Christian on the straight and narrow path. In the book’s second part, when Christiana knocks at the Gate, the figure who admits her is referred to as the Keeper. It is implied throughout that the Keeper is Jesus Christ.

Good-will/Keeper of the Gate Character Timeline in The Pilgrim’s Progress

The timeline below shows where the character Good-will/Keeper of the Gate appears in The Pilgrim’s Progress. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The Burden of Sin and Salvation through Christ Theme Icon

...asking if a rebel like himself can be admitted. At last, a solemn person named Good-will answers and asks who’s there. Christian introduces himself as a poor sinner who’s fleeing the... (full context)

Good-will gives Christian a slight pull within the Wicket-gate, explaining that Beelzebub, whose castle is nearby,... (full context)

Good-will then shows Christian the “narrow way,” which was established by the “Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ, and... (full context)

Directed by Good-will, Christian travels next to the Interpreter’s house, where he will be shown wonderful things to... (full context)

...the sound of a fierce dog barking, but she finally perseveres in knocking until the Keeper of the Gate answers. (full context)

Christiana introduces herself and her group, and the Keeper welcomes her inside, including the children, adding, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”... (full context)

...that she, like Christiana, has come to the Wicket-gate seeking forgiveness of her sins. The Keeper of the Gate gently guides Mercy inside, saying that all who believe in him are... (full context)

...parlor, rejoicing. Christiana admires the fervor of Mercy’s knocking. She also assures Mercy that the Keeper of the Gate was not disturbed by her knock and that he smiled when he... (full context)

After the Keeper of the Gate has tended to them, the group continues on their way. They pass... (full context)

Great-heart explains that sinners’ pardon is obtained by another—namely, the Keeper of the Gate. He “has performed Righteousness to cover you, and spilt Blood to wash... (full context)