Candide: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in Candide, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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CandideCandide lives in a noble household, trusts Pangloss’s teaching, and quietly admires Cunegonde.First seen in chapter 1
CunegondeCunegonde is a young woman in the noble household who seeks intimacy with Candide.First seen in chapter 1
PanglossPangloss teaches Candide that everything serves the best purpose.First seen in chapter 1
JamesJames is an Anabaptist who gives Candide shelter, money, and help finding work.First seen in chapter 3
PaquettePaquette is a woman Pangloss names while tracing the history of his infection.First seen in chapter 4
the old womanThe old woman approaches the suffering Candide with encouragement and asks him to follow.First seen in chapter 6
the BaronCunegonde’s brother belongs to the noble family whose household Candide once lived in.First seen in chapter 7
Don IssacharDon Issachar shares control of the captive Cunegonde with the Grand Inquisitor.First seen in chapter 8
the Grand InquisitorThe Grand Inquisitor threatens Don Issachar into sharing control of Cunegonde and a country house.First seen in chapter 8
CacamboCacambo guides Candide toward the Jesuits and explains their government.First seen in chapter 14
MartinMartin is an unhappy philosopher whom Candide chooses as his companion for a voyage.First seen in chapter 19
Friar GirofléeFriar Giroflée appears cheerful with Paquette, but describes deep suffering when Candide invites them to dinner.First seen in chapter 24
PococurantePococurante is a senator whom Candide asks to visit in Venice.First seen in chapter 24

Chapter 1
The Baron expels Candide from his household after Candide and Cunegonde kiss.
Chapter 2
Two strangers force Candide into the Bulgarian army, where he suffers savage punishment.
Chapter 3
Candide escapes the battle and reaches Holland, where James gives him shelter and help.
Chapter 4
Candide recognizes the sick Pangloss, hears his account of the castle’s destruction, and secures treatment for him.
Chapter 5
James drowns during the storm, while Candide and Pangloss survive and reach Lisbon as an earthquake strikes.
Chapter 6
Authorities punish Candide and execute Pangloss in a ceremony intended to prevent further earthquakes.
Chapter 7
The old woman treats Candide’s wounds and brings him to Cunegonde, whom he discovers alive.
Chapter 8
Cunegonde recounts her captivity and explains how Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor share control over her.
Chapter 9
Candide kills Don Issachar and the Grand Inquisitor, then escapes with Cunegonde and the old woman.
Chapter 12
The old woman finishes recounting her suffering and urges Cunegonde to question the other passengers about their misfortunes.
Chapter 13
The governor proposes to Cunegonde, while approaching officers force Candide to flee Buenos Aires.
Chapter 14
Cacambo leads Candide to the Jesuits, where the Commandant proves to be Cunegonde’s brother.
Chapter 15
Candide stabs the Baron after a dispute over marrying Cunegonde, and Cacambo helps him escape.
Chapter 16
The Oreillons threaten to eat the travelers, but Cacambo persuades them that Candide is not a Jesuit.
Chapter 18
Candide and Cacambo explore El Dorado, then leave with treasure to seek Cunegonde.
Chapter 19
Candide rejects optimism, sends Cacambo to retrieve Cunegonde, suffers theft, and chooses an unhappy philosopher as his companion.
Chapter 20
Candide and Martin debate evil during their voyage, while a naval battle destroys the pirate who robbed Candide.
Chapter 22
An Abbé exploits Candide’s longing for Cunegonde in Paris, and Candide buys his freedom after arrest.
Chapter 24
Candide searches Venice without success and learns that the apparently cheerful Paquette and Friar Giroflée suffer deeply.
Chapter 25
Candide and Martin visit Pococurante, who dismisses his paintings, music, books, and garden.
Chapter 26
Cacambo finds Candide and reports that Cunegonde is in Constantinople.
Chapter 27
Candide buys Cacambo’s freedom, discovers Pangloss and the Baron among galley slaves, and pays their ransom.
Chapter 29
Candide ransoms Cunegonde and the old woman, but the Baron again rejects his proposed marriage.
Chapter 30
Candide marries Cunegonde, and the household eventually turns from endless argument toward useful work.
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