Paradise Regained

John Milton

Paradise Regained

John Milton
29 pages58-minute read
Fiction
Novel/Book in Verse
Adult
Published in 1671

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

A young man newly recognized as the Messiah, beginning a forty-day fast in the barren desert. Aware of his role in a divine plan, he adheres strictly to a philosophical code of humility, patience, and self-denial. Unlike those who seek worldly glory, he relies on inner virtue and his deep understanding of scripture to withstand relentless trials. He views power as something that operates in gradual, subtle ways rather than through flashy displays of might.

Key Relationships

Adversary of Satan

Son of God

Son of Mary

Cousin of John The Baptist

Target of Belial

Leader of Fishermen Apostles

The archenemy of humanity who previously orchestrated the fall of Adam and Eve. Troubled by the arrival of the Messiah, he sets out to subvert his new enemy through various psychological and physical temptations. He is deeply invested in worldly concepts of power, luxury, and prestige, fundamentally misjudging the nature of his opponent's strength. He moves among men in disguises, attempting to manipulate their egos and physical needs.

Key Relationships

Tempter of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

Fallen From God

Commander of Belial

The supreme divine authority overseeing the cosmos. Supremely confident in the course laid out for creation, God observes the events unfolding on Earth with total assurance. He views the upcoming trials not as a genuine risk, but as a necessary demonstration of the Messiah's unshakable moral perfection. He formulates the plan that will reverse the historical damage caused by Original Sin.

Key Relationships

Father of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

Commander of Gabriel

Supreme Authority Over Satan

Supporting Characters

The mother of the Messiah and a model of Christian faith. She experiences deep maternal anxiety regarding her son's prolonged absence in the wilderness and the mysterious nature of the divine plan. Despite her fears, she remains steadfast and resolves to accept whatever trials have been set before her family, grounding the cosmic story in human emotion.

Key Relationships

Mother of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

Servant of God

A lustful fallen spirit who serves in the demonic ranks. Believing that all men share his own weaknesses, he advises his superior to use beautiful women to seduce the newly arrived Messiah. His strategy reflects a deep reliance on sensory pleasure and physical temptation, showing how thoroughly the demonic forces misunderstand pure virtue.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Satan

Enemy of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

A prophet and religious figure who conducts baptisms at the Jordan River. He facilitates the moment when the heavens open and public recognition is bestowed upon his younger relative, setting the epic's events in motion.

Key Relationships

Cousin of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

A heavenly angel who serves as a celestial confidant. He receives the explanation that the impending demonic temptations are actually part of a grander design meant to prove the Messiah's virtues to the cosmos.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to God

Observer of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God

A group of early followers who place their hopes in the newly recognized Messiah. Distressed by his sudden disappearance into the desert, they give voice to their unexpected sense of loss and eagerly pray for his return to save Israel from oppression.

Key Relationships

Followers of Jesus Christ, The Son Of God