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Video Who’s Who 

Who’s Who in Candide

Candide – He is the novel’s protagonist.  Young, good-hearted, completely naïve. He is Voltaire’s “rat” in this experiment.

Pangloss--a philosopher and Candide’s tutor. He has an absolute belief that this world is “the best of all possible worlds” and imparts that philosophy to the naïve Candide.  He represents Leibnitz’s theory of Optimism.

Martin--a cynical scholar who becomes Candide’s travel partner.  He is a confirmed pessimist, always expecting nothing but the worst. 

Cunegonde –Candide’s love interest.  She is the daughter of a German baron who acts as Candide’s benefactor until he discovers Candide and Cunegonde are more than just friends.

Cacambo –He becomes Candide’s voluntary servant when Candide travels in South America.

The old woman—She has lived a quiet and “interesting” life and becomes Cunegonde’s servant.

The Commander or the baron—He is Cunegonde’s brother.  He becomes a Jesuit priest after his family’s castle is destroyed.

Jacques (the Anabaptist)—humane, nurses Candide and Pangloss later in the novel.