Jesus

Most often referred to as the "Son of Mary," occasionally the "Son of the Carpenter" (aged, bed-ridden Joseph), and later by the Messianic titles: Son of David," "Son of Man" and "Son of God"—and calling himself God—Jesus is the central figure in Nikos Kazantzakis' novel The Last Temptation of Christ.

As the novel opens, Jesus suffers nightmares about being pursued by would-be followers of the Messiah, flagellates himself before bedtime to prevent dreams. He has deep feelings of guilt about Joseph's condition, Mary Magdalene's fall into prostitution, and the Roman occupation. Jesus conquers other sins, including sexual temptations, but cannot conquer fear. He is obstinate, proud, emaciated, pale, with a coal-black, curly beard, hooked nose, thick lips, white teeth, luxurious thick eyelashes, and large, black, intimidating, snake-like eyes—a face not beautiful but having a "disquieting charm." Besides scourging himself to keep dreams...