The Conqueror Worm

Edgar Allan Poe

23 pages 46-minute read

Edgar Allan Poe

The Conqueror Worm

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1843

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Character List

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

Major Characters

The Conqueror Worm is a gigantic, writhing creature equipped with vermin fangs. It acts as the hero of the tragedy named "Man" and functions as a monstrous, highly theatrical manifestation of death. The creature invades the performance space and consumes the human actors on stage. Its violent arrival brings a swift end to the chaotic play.

Key Relationships

Violent consumer of The Mimes

Source of horror for The Angels

The Mimes are mute actors performing in the grand theater production called "Man." Fashioned in the physical form of God, they run around the stage in confused, repetitive circles without clear purpose. They operate as puppets controlled by unseen forces. Their frantic actions drive the plotless performance forward until the stage curtain falls.

Key Relationships

Hopeless puppets of Vast Formless Things

Frantic pursuers of The Phantom

Devoured prey of The Conqueror Worm

Pitied subjects of The Angels

Supporting Characters

The Angels serve as the audience for the theatrical presentation. They sit in the theater dressed in veils, weeping as they observe the tragic action unfolding before them. Their passive observation highlights their complete helplessness. They watch the gory spectacle until the heavy black curtain drops.

Key Relationships

Tearful observers of The Mimes

Terrified witnesses to The Conqueror Worm

These unseen entities operate behind the scenes of the play. They flap invisible Condor wings and dictate the frantic movements of the actors. Their hidden presence guides the otherwise chaotic events on the stage.

Key Relationships

Unseen controllers of The Mimes

The Phantom is an unnamed entity that motivates the actors. It serves as the target of endless pursuit on the stage. The chase remains futile, as the actors never catch or comprehend what they are following.

Key Relationships

Elusive target of The Mimes