The Faerie Queene

The Faerie Queene

by

Edmund Spenser

Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa Character Analysis

Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa are the three daughters of Dame Cœlia, who runs a holy house where the Redcross Knight recovers after his encounter with Despair. The three daughters represent faith, hope, and charity respectively, and their virtue helps the Redcross Knight heal not only physically but spiritually as well.
Get the entire The Faerie Queene LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Faerie Queene PDF

Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa Character Timeline in The Faerie Queene

The timeline below shows where the character Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa appears in The Faerie Queene. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book I: Canto X
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
At the holy house, Dame Cœlia has three daughters:  Fidelia, Speranza, and Charissa. The house has also seen many distinguished guests like Humility, Zeal, and... (full context)
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
...Dame Cœlia and praise her. Dame Cœlia responds by showing them every courtesy. She introduces Fidelia and Speranza, who are both virgins and who have many good qualities. They come out... (full context)
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
...has begun to heal, Una suggests that the knight should go to the schoolhouse where Fidelia teaches, where the Redcross Knight can learn some heavenly wisdom. The knight attends, and Fidelia... (full context)
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
The Redcross Knight still regrets to remember all his past sins, so Speranza tries to comfort him with her sweet wisdom. She teaches him how to take hold... (full context)
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
...conscience makes her kiss him and cherish him even more. She brings the knight to Charissa, who has finally recovered enough from childbirth to see visitors. Charissa is beautiful and graceful,... (full context)
Virtue, Allegory, and Symbolism Theme Icon
Protestantism Theme Icon
The Role of Women Theme Icon
Una and the Redcross Knight wish Charissa and her children well, and she is happy to host the two of them. Una... (full context)