The Song of Roland | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

Archbishop Turpin - Archbishop fighting with the Frankish forces.

Aude - Roland's fiancee.

Baligant - Emir of Babylon.

Blancandrin - Marsile's most trusted adviser.

Bramimonde - The wise wife of the Saracen King.

Charlemagne - Leader of the Prankish (French) forces.

Durendal - Roland's famous sword.

Gabriel - Leader of the angels.

Ganelon - Roland's stepfather.

King Marsile - Ruler of Saragossa.

Olivier - Roland's best friend.

Pinabel - A formidable French warrior.

Thierry - The Duke of Argonne.

Roland - The emperor's nephew.