Young Goodman Brown Character Analysis

Goodman Brown

A young man from Salem, Massachusetts and the descendent of a long line of Puritans, Goodman Brown was raised to be a pious Christian and is terrified of being thought a sinner. When the story… read analysis of Goodman Brown

Faith

Faith, Goodman Brown’s young wife, initially seems like the embodiment of innocence, as symbolized by the pink ribbons in her cap. Goodman thinks that she is angelic and worthy of the name “Faith.” She… read analysis of Faith

The Devil

The devil first appears in the guise of Goodman’s grandfather, carrying a staff that resembles a serpent. He later appears as a dark figure. He meets Goodman Brown in the woods, reveals the hypocrisy of… read analysis of The Devil

Goodman Brown’s Father

Goodman Brown’s father, who died before the story’s start. The devil tells Goodman that he and Goodman’s father were close friends, and describes helping his father set fire to an Indian village during King… read analysis of Goodman Brown’s Father

Minor Characters

Goody Cloyse

Goody Cloyse is a respected Salem Puritan who taught Goodman Brown his catechism, serves as his spiritual advisor, and was a good friend of Goodman’s grandfather. Goodman is shocked to see her at the devil’s conversion ceremony.

The minister

Salem’s minister is one of the Puritans who Goodman Brown deeply respects and who he is troubled to see at the devil’s conversion ceremony.

Deacon Gookin

Salem’s deacon is one of the Puritans who Goodman Brown deeply respects and who he is troubled to see at the devil’s conversion ceremony.

Goodman Brown’s Mother

Goodman Brown’s mother, who died before the story’s start. Goodman Brown thinks he sees her form in the smoke at the devil’s conversion ceremony warning him to resist the devil.

Goodman’s Grandfather

Goodman Brown’s grandfather, who died before the story’s start. The devil tells Goodman that he and Goodman’s grandfather were close friends, and describes helping his grandfather to whip a Quaker woman (Quakers were a different Christian religious sect from the Puritans) through the streets of Salem.