Talkative Character Analysis in The Pilgrim’s Progress

Talkative is a man whom Christian and Faithful meet on their journey between the Valley of the Shadow of Death and Vanity Fair. He is from the City of Destruction, and Christian is familiar with Talkative’s bad reputation. Though Talkative loves talking about spirituality, religion hasn’t affected his heart or lifestyle—he’s notorious for drinking too much and mistreating his family and servants. Sure enough, when Faithful tries to engage Talkative in a conversation about the gospel’s transformative power in a human heart, Talkative avoids the subject. After this, the other pilgrims part company with Talkative.

Talkative Character Timeline in The Pilgrim’s Progress

The timeline below shows where the character Talkative appears in The Pilgrim’s Progress. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Christian and Faithful meet a tall man named Talkative, who is also headed to the Celestial City. Talkative is glad to have their company... (full context)

In an aside, Christian tells Faithful that he knows Talkative. He’s from the City of Destruction, and despite his pleasant speech, he has a poor... (full context)

The Burden of Sin and Salvation through Christ Theme Icon

Faithful wonders how to get rid of Talkative. Christian tells Faithful to initiate a conversation with Talkative about the life-changing power of religion... (full context)

Talkative says Faithful is just laying a trap for him, and at any rate, they’re not... (full context)

Faithful then asks Talkative if his religion is only in word or also in deed. Blushing slightly, Talkative declines... (full context)