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Overview

Synopsis

Doctor Faustus (sometimes referred to with its original title, The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus) follows the dark, twisted path of the restless scholar of the title. Yearning for infinite knowledge and questioning his faith, Doctor Faustus forsakes his scholarly studies for the dark world of magic and sorcery. He makes a pact with the devil. If the evil spirit, Mephastophilis, will serve him for 24 years, Faustus will bequeath the devil his soul after his death and spend eternity damned in hell. Despite warnings from colleagues, Faustus is blind to the terrifying extent of his actions until it is too late. Going on a journey with Mephastophilis and displaying his magic to a host of influential and important figures, Faustus finally realizes that he has come to the end of his allotted time on earth and learnt nothing. Regretting his deal--signed in his own blood--but unable to do anything about it, Faustus is hauled off down to hell by Mephastophilis and other evil spirits. Highly entertaining, energetic, and darkly funny, Doctor Faustus has a timeless quality, exploring mankind’s insatiable desire for knowledge and power.

Editor’s Note: There are two versions of Marlowe’s play in common usage today. This guide refers to the original play, but there is a second, updated version (also published in the Jacobean era) which includes additional minor characters and short, additional scenes.

Show Information

Book
Christopher Marlowe
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1592
Genres
Drama, Dark Comedy, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
Settings
Period, Fantasy/Imaginary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
germany, sixteenth century
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
Large Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Doctor Faustus

Lead

Male

Spoken

Mephastophilis

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Wagner

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Lucifer

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Good Angel

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

Evil Angel

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

Three Scholars

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Valdes

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Cornelius

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Clown

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

Emperor Charles V

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Knight

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Old Man

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Horse-courser

Featured

Male

Spoken

Robin

Featured

Male

Spoken

Rafe

Featured

Male

Spoken

Pope

Featured

Male

Spoken

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher