Everyman by Anonymous has been praised for its timeless exploration of morality and the human condition, resonating with readers' introspection on life and death. Its allegorical characters effectively depict universal virtues and vices. However, some critics find the didactic nature and archaic language challenging, potentially alienating modern audiences. Nonetheless, its moral lessons remain impactful.

A reader who would enjoy Everyman by Anonymous is likely interested in medieval literature, allegorical tales, and moral lessons. Similar to fans of The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, they appreciate exploring human virtues, vices, and the journey towards salvation and self-discovery.

Everyman is a 15th-century English morality play in which God summons Everyman to account for his life and his sins. Everyman, desperate to find someone to accompany him to his reckoning, is abandoned by Fellowship, Kindred, Cousin, and Goods. Ultimately, only Good Deeds, strengthened by Everyman's repentance and guided by Knowledge, remains with him to face God's judgment, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of living a life of moral integrity.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic / Dark / Challenging

**Everyman**  
A central figure in the narrative representing the typical human experience, often preoccupied with worldly matters and facing a reckoning as the story unfolds. He embarks on a journey to seek companions for a significant task.

**God**  
Appears briefly to set the story in motion, reflecting the attributes of the traditional Christian deity who evaluates human actions and initiates the main character's journey towards accountability.

**Death**  
An allegorical figure serving as a messenger of God, tasked with bringing Everyman to his reckoning. Death is depicted as a powerful force that emphasizes the inevitability of mortality.

**Messenger**  
Initiates the play with an introductory speech that prepares the audience for the unfolding moral narrative. The role is similar to that of a prologue.

**Fellowship**  
A representation of the friendships enjoyed in life, initially promising support to Everyman but later illustrating the transient nature of such bonds when faced with dire circumstances.

**Kindred (and Cousin)**  
Personifications of familial ties who, like Fellowship, initially express commitment to Everyman but reveal their unreliability in critical moments.

**Goods**  
Embodies the material wealth and possessions valued by Everyman. This character highlights the futility of earthly riches in spiritual matters.

**Good Deeds**  
Represents the positive actions and moral choices made by Everyman, depicted as the only enduring companion in his quest.

**Knowledge**  
Acts as a guide to Everyman, offering insight and direction towards achieving spiritual understanding and preparing for the eventual journey.

**Confession**  
A symbolic figure associated with the act of repentance, providing guidance on how Everyman can make amends for past actions.

**Beauty**  
Part of the group that joins Everyman after his repentance, representing physical allure and its temporary nature.

**Strength**  
Another companion joining Everyman post-repentance, illustrating the concept of physical and inner strength needed during life's trials.

**Discretion**  
Part of Everyman’s supportive circle after his repentance, characterized by careful judgment and wisdom in decision-making.

**Five Wits**  
Personifies human senses and is part of the entourage accompanying Everyman on his journey, reflecting earthly attachments through sensory perception.

**Angel**  
Appears towards the conclusion of the play, symbolizing divine grace and the transition to the afterlife, heralding Everyman's acceptance into a higher realm.

**Doctor**  
Concludes the play with a summarizing speech that reinforces the story's moral lesson. The character provides a learned perspective on the narrative.

Anonymous

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Everyman reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Everyman | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Everyman and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Everyman

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Everyman?

Reading Age

Book Details