Table of contents:

Robert Langdon

Robert Langdon is the protagonist of Dan Brown’s novel “Angels and Demons.” He is a Harvard professor of symbology, specializing in the study of religious symbols and iconography. Langdon is described as a tall, lean middle-aged man with a thick mop of brown hair and piercing blue eyes long, thin fingers. He is often portrayed as wearing a Harris Tweed jacket, a turtleneck sweater, and khakis, which has become his signature look. He is physically fit, with a keen intellect and an analytical mind. He is depicted as being in good physical shape due to his love of swimming and daily calisthenics.

Langdon’s character is portrayed as highly intelligent, thoughtful, and remarkably courageous, especially given the perilous circumstances he finds himself in. He demonstrates his intellect and resourcefulness by deciphering the clues that lead him to the Altars of Science. Similar to Vittoria, Langdon feels a deep sense of responsibility to protect the Vatican and the people within its complex. He also develops a strong desire to safeguard Vittoria personally.

In his pursuit to ensure their safety, Langdon repeatedly puts himself in harm’s way without hesitation or regard for his own life. Despite the fact that the crisis is not of his own making, he willingly involves himself in assisting Vittoria and the Swiss Guard in their hunt for the Hassassin and the recovery of the antimatter canister. Throughout the course of the night, Langdon consistently prioritizes the well-being of others over his own, willingly risking his life to save them.

Even though his acquaintance with Vittoria is brief, Langdon becomes determined to track down the Hassassin at the Church of Illumination in order to rescue her. His singular focus is on her safety, seemingly without considering the potential danger he faces by confronting the assassin. Langdon’s selfless actions reflect his unwavering commitment to preserving the lives of those around him, even at great personal risk.

Throughout the novel, Langdon shows his expertise in symbology, using his knowledge of ancient symbols and hidden meanings to decipher clues left by the Illuminati. He also demonstrates his resourcefulness, using his wits and his physical abilities to overcome various obstacles and challenges.

(Click here for Robert Langdon’s detailed biography.)

 

Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca 

Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca is a key character in “Angels and Demons”. Ventresca has a slender build and a handsome, youthful face with sharp features. He has piercing blue eyes that seem to be full of intensity and intelligence. His hair is black and slicked back, and he has a small, well-groomed goatee. As a devout Catholic, Ventresca often wears the traditional black cassock of the clergy, and is rarely seen without his white zucchetto, or skullcap. Despite his religious attire, he is also noted for his athleticism and physical prowess, having spent time training as a firefighter prior to his entry into the priesthood.

He is initially introduced as the trusted aide to the recently deceased Pope. He is a man of deep faith and conviction but also has a dark past that is revealed as the story unfolds. Throughout the novel, he plays a significant role in helping Langdon and Vittoria Vetra uncover the plot to destroy the Vatican. However, towards the end of the novel, it is discovered that he was actually the illegitimate son of the former Pope and had orchestrated the entire plot to become the next Pope. This revelation shocks both the characters in the novel and the readers and creates a sense of ambiguity around his character.

Ventresca is portrayed as a conflicted character, torn between his loyalty to the Church and his desire to become the next Pope. Ventresca’s character adds complexity and depth to the novel, and serves to highlight the corrupt and secretive nature of the Vatican hierarchy. His portrayal as a conflicted and ultimately tragic figure also serves to add a human element to the story, as the reader is left to ponder the morality of his actions and the motivations behind them. Additionally, Ventresca’s character serves as a commentary on the power dynamics within the Catholic Church.

His character is a crucial element of “Angels and Demons”, adding depth and complexity to the novel’s themes and serving as a catalyst for the events that unfold. His ultimate fate is tragic, in desperation and shock, the camerlengo runs out and eventually sets himself on fire, dying in front of the masses in St. Peter’s Square.

 

Vittoria Vetra

A scientist at CERN who helps develop the antimatter, Vittoria is a strong, independent woman who is haunted by her father’s death. She is also deeply committed to her work and will do whatever it takes to protect it. She is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman with a strong passion for science.

Vittoria Vetra is described as a beautiful, intelligent woman with striking features. She has long, dark hair that falls in loose waves around her face, and bright green eyes that are often described as sparkling with intelligence and passion. Her physical appearance is noted for its strength and athleticism, as she is a trained physicist and has spent many hours in the laboratory. She is often described as having a lean, toned physique, with strong arms and legs. She is typically seen wearing practical, comfortable clothing that allows her to move freely and focus on her work. She is not overly concerned with fashion or style, but still manages to look elegant and put-together.

In the story, Vittoria’s father is killed by an assassin who steals a highly dangerous and powerful substance called antimatter, which can be used as a weapon of mass destruction. Vittoria works with Langdon to try to locate the stolen antimatter and prevent it from causing a catastrophic explosion. She is also instrumental in deciphering the clues left by the Illuminati, an ancient secret society that is suspected to be behind the theft and murder. Her intelligence, passion, and determination make her a memorable character.

Throughout the course of the novel, Vittoria is instrumental in helping Robert Langdon unravel the mysteries of the Illuminati and prevent a catastrophic attack on the Vatican. Her scientific expertise, combined with her bravery and quick thinking, make her a valuable ally in the fight against the novel’s villains.

Vittoria’s character is also defined by her personal history. She is the daughter of a Catholic priest, and her conflicted relationship with her faith is a central theme in the novel. Despite the trauma and pain she has experienced as a result of her religious upbringing, Vittoria ultimately proves to be a force for good, using her skills and knowledge to prevent a terrible tragedy and save countless lives. Her intelligence, courage, and compassion all contribute to her strength as a character, and make her a memorable and inspiring figure in the world of literature.

 

Maximilian Kohler

Maximilian Kohler is a key character in this novel, serving as the director of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. He became disabled due to a degenerative disease that affected his nervous system. The exact nature of the disease is not specified, but it is described as a “progressive paralysis” that left Kohler confined to a wheelchair.

Despite his disability, Kohler has continued to pursue his scientific career with great determination and has developed a reputation as a brilliant and innovative researcher in the field of cutting-edge technologies. His disability has not prevented him from making significant contributions to the scientific community, nor has it dampened his passion for discovery and innovation. He is a brilliant scientist and engineer who is responsible for developing some of the most advanced technology in the world, including the antimatter used in the novel’s plot. He is a fiercely independent and determined individual, who has overcome significant obstacles to achieve success in his field.

Kohler’s disability also serves as a metaphor for the theme of overcoming limitations and pushing the boundaries of human achievement. His work at CERN represents a pursuit of knowledge and understanding that transcends traditional boundaries, and his determination to succeed in spite of his disability is emblematic of the novel’s overarching themes.

 

Hassassin

In “Angels and Demons,” the Hassassin (also spelled “Assassin”) is a hired killer who works for the Illuminati. The Hassassin is portrayed as a highly skilled and dangerous assassin who is willing to kill anyone who stands in the way of the Illuminati’s goals. He is described as a tall and slender man with piercing black eyes and sharp features.

He is of Middle Eastern descent and has a beard that is neatly trimmed. He is often dressed in black robes and a mask that hides his face including a black hood that covers his head and face, leaving only his eyes visible. His movements are described as graceful and precise as he is a skilled assassin trained in various combat techniques. He is skilled in martial arts and carries a variety of weapons, including a knife and a handgun. Throughout the course of the novel, the Hassassin carries out a number of brutal assassinations in order to further the Illuminati’s plot.

He is engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with Robert Langdon, as Langdon seeks to decipher clues and stop the Illuminati’s plot. The Hassassin’s character adds to the tension and suspense of the story, and his actions play a significant role in the novel’s climax.

Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that the Hassassin plays a significant role in the plot of “Angels and Demons,” and his actions have a major impact on the outcome of the story. His character adds to the sense of danger and suspense in the novel, and his relentless pursuit of his targets creates a sense of urgency for the main characters.

 

Janus

In this novel, Janus is the name adopted by the main antagonist, who is a member of the Illuminati, a secret society that seeks revenge against the Catholic Church.

Janus takes his name from the Roman god of beginnings and endings, who is often depicted as having two faces looking in opposite directions. This name is fitting for the character, as he embodies the duality of good and evil, and his actions throughout the novel have both positive and negative consequences.

Janus is depicted as an intelligent and cunning adversary, who uses his knowledge of science and history to carry out his plans. His ultimate goal is to use a powerful antimatter device to destroy Vatican City and symbolically avenge the persecution of scientists by the Catholic Church in the past.

Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that Janus’s character and actions play a significant role in the plot of the novel, and his identity and motivations are a key mystery that the protagonist, Robert Langdon, must unravel in order to save Vatican City.

 

Gunther Glick & Chinita Macri

Gunther Glick and Chinita Macri are two characters in the novel “Angels and Demons” who are journalists reporting on the events taking place at the Vatican. Gunther is an American journalist, while Chinita is an Italian journalist. They work for different news organizations but end up collaborating and reporting together on the events surrounding the election of a new Pope and the threat posed by the Illuminati.

Glick and Macri serve as important secondary characters in the novel, providing a different perspective on the unfolding events compared to the primary characters, such as Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra. They bring a journalistic approach to the story, seeking out sources and leads to uncover the truth behind the Illuminati’s plot and the Vatican’s response to it.

Their inclusion in the novel also highlights the importance of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of major events. Through their reporting, Glick and Macri provide insight into how the events are being perceived by the wider public, and the impact that the Vatican’s actions have on the world stage.

 

Leonardo Vetra

He is a brilliant scientist who specializes in the field of antimatter and works at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. He is also the adoptive father of Vittoria Vetra.

He is also a devout Catholic and has a close relationship with the Catholic Church, often engaging in dialogue and debate with members of the clergy.

In the novel, Leonardo Vetra is murdered, and his death sets off a chain of events that leads to the discovery of a plot to destroy the Vatican.

Throughout the novel, the legacy of Leonardo Vetra is a central theme. His research on antimatter not only drives the plot forward, but also explores the scientific elements of the story. Moreover, Vetra’s character embodies the relationship between science and religion, with his beliefs and his work serving as a bridge between the two seemingly opposing forces.

 

Cardinal Saverio Mortati

Cardinal Saverio Mortati is a key character in the novel “Angels and Demons.” He is the Dean of the College of Cardinals and plays an important role in the selection of the new pope after the death of Pope Pius XVI.

Mortati is depicted as a wise and respected leader, with a deep commitment to the Church and its traditions. He is highly respected within the Vatican and is known for his diplomatic skills and his ability to navigate complex political situations. He plays a key role in the selection of the new Pope. He is portrayed as a man of great intellect and political savvy, as well as a deeply spiritual and compassionate individual.

Mortati is initially suspicious of Robert Langdon, but he gradually comes to see him as an ally in the fight against the Illuminati. Throughout the novel, he works tirelessly to maintain the Church’s reputation and protect its interests. He is torn between his duty to the Church and his desire to do what is right, and this inner conflict gives depth to his character.

 

Commander Ernesto Olivetti

Commander Ernesto Olivetti is a character in “Angels and Demons.” He is the head of the Swiss Guard, the military organization responsible for protecting the Vatican and the Pope. Olivetti is a loyal and dedicated leader who takes his duty to protect the church and its leaders very seriously. He is depicted as a skilled and experienced soldier, with a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of intuition.

Throughout the novel, Olivetti plays a significant role in the investigation into the theft of antimatter and the murder of several cardinals. He works closely with Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra to uncover the clues and solve the mystery, often putting himself in danger to protect them and others. Olivetti’s character is portrayed as a man of honor and integrity, who is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his duty and protect those in his care.

 

Captain Elias Rocher

Rocher is the second-in-command after Commander Olivetti, responsible for the security of the Vatican and the Pope. Maximilian Kohler contacts him about his understanding of the true cause of the events.

Lt. Chartrand kills Captain Rocher, because he believed Rocher is an Illuminatus.

 

Lieutenant Chartrand

Lieutenant Chartrand is a young Swiss Guard, who serves as the personal bodyguard of Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca. He is described as a tall and muscular man with short-cropped hair and piercing blue eyes.

Throughout the novel, Chartrand is shown to be a loyal and skilled member of the Swiss Guard, willing to put himself in harm’s way to protect his charge.

He shoots and kills Captain Rocher after he is mistaken as an Illuminatus. Near the end of the novel, he is sent by the new pope to give the Illuminati Diamond to Langdon on indefinite loan.

 

INTRODUCTION  THEMES AND MOTIFS  CURIOSITY & SUSPENSE  PLOT SUMMARY

CRITICAL ANALYSIS   STRESSFUL MOMENTS & CLIFFHANGERS

DESCRIPTIONS OF KEY OBJECTS, PLACES, ORGANIZATIONS & PROCESSES  MOVIE ADAPTATION