The plot in six lines
After defeat in Heaven, Satan wakes in Hell, rallies the rebel angels and holds a council that agrees to attack God's new creation.
Satan passes Sin and Death at the gates of Hell and crosses Chaos, while the Son offers to bear the cost of humanity's disobedience.
Reaching Eden, Satan sees Adam and Eve, learns about the forbidden tree and attempts to influence Eve before the angels discover him.
Raphael visits Adam and Eve, recounts Satan's rebellion and the creation of the world, and warns them that their happiness depends on obedience.
Satan's temptation succeeds when the first couple break God's command by eating fruit from the forbidden tree.
Michael shows Adam visions of the future and hope of rescue, then Adam and Eve leave Eden hand in hand, with Providence as their guide.
Themes
Choice and obedience: God insists that loyalty must be chosen, while Satan, Adam and Eve reveal the consequences of using their power to choose.
Pride: Satan's bold speeches make his rebellion attractive, but his changing disguises show how pride diminishes him.
Authority: Satan challenges rule based on rank, while God and the Son present goodness as the foundation of rightful authority.
Love and reason: Adam and Eve share tenderness and work, but Raphael warns Adam against allowing Eve's beauty to overwhelm his reason.
Justice and mercy: The Son's offer to bear humanity's punishment brings mercy into God's response to disobedience, while the ending preserves hope.
Characters
- SatanThe proud leader of the rebel angels, who refuses to accept defeat and sets out alone to strike at God through his new creation.
- AdamThe first man, curious and devoted to Eve, who must keep God's one command and decide how much to trust his own reason.
- EveThe first woman, quick and warm, who tends the garden with Adam and carries a dream that troubles her peace.
- God the FatherThe ruler of Heaven, who made angels and men free and explains why their loyalty has to be chosen.
- The SonGod's chosen agent, who leads the loyal angels in battle, creates the world and offers to pay the cost of mercy.
- RaphaelThe friendly archangel sent to dine with Adam and Eve and to warn them about the enemy who is near.
For the A level coursework
- AQA (Literature B): used in one of its published example student responses for the A level non-exam assessment (coursework).
From the boards' own documents (the specifications and coursework guidance listed under Sources), read on 24 October 2026. Your school chooses the coursework texts: ask your teacher before you start.
Questions
What is Paradise Lost about?
Paradise Lost is about Satan's rebellion against God and the first human disobedience in Eden. It explores why obedience must be chosen and how human wrongdoing can coexist with the hope of mercy.
Who are the main characters in Paradise Lost?
The main characters are Satan, Adam, Eve, God the Father and the Son. Raphael warns the couple about Satan, while Beelzebub helps shape the rebels' plan against God's new creation.
What are the main themes of Paradise Lost?
The main themes are choice, obedience, pride, authority, love, justice and mercy. Milton develops these ideas through Satan's persuasive speeches, Heaven's arguments and Adam and Eve's relationship.
Which boards mention Paradise Lost for A level English Literature?
AQA (Literature B): used in one of its published example student responses for the A level non-exam assessment (coursework). Your school chooses the coursework texts, so ask your teacher before you start.