Abdiel

Abdiel is a seraph who, though originally one of Lucifer's legions in Heaven, remains faithful to God. He attempts to persuade Satan and his rebel angels to abandon their revolt and, failing, abandons them. He symbolizes true fidelity.

Adam

Adam is the first created human being and the true "hero" of Paradise Lost. The reader's first view of Adam is, significantly, seen through the eyes of Satan as he perches like a cormorant on the Tree of Life (ironically planning Adam's death). The distinction between Adam and Eve, the only humans in the garden, and the other living creatures, the animals, heightens our perception of their uniqueness as beings created in the image of God. They are "of far nobler shape erect and tall, / Godlike erect, with native Honor clad" and "In naked Majesty seem'd Lords of all" (IV.287-290). The image of God in humankind is associated...