SOURCE: Walsh, Thomas. “Characters and Plot.” In Readings on Candide, edited by Thomas Walsh, pp. 25-31. San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press, 2001.

In the following essay, Walsh provides a brief summary of the plot and characters in Candide.

Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh. The master of the castle who kicks out Candide. He is soon killed when the Bulgarians invade.

Cacambo. Candide's valet and eventual traveling companion and friend. Cacambo's knowledge of South America and its people helps Candide in many ways during his travels there.

Candide. The main character, whose origin is unknown and irrelevant. His name shows who he is at the beginning of the story—a candid, innocent youth.

Cunégonde. Candide's true love, the object of his desire and of all his searches and journeys. She causes Candide's expulsion from her father's castle when she seduces him.

Cunégonde's brother (the Colonel). Never named, he's based partly on...