Zaïre: Analysis of Major Characters
"Zaïre" is a dramatic narrative that explores themes of love, identity, and familial loyalty through its central characters. The story revolves around Zaïre, a slave of the Muslim sultan Orosmane, who finds herself torn between her love for him and her newfound devotion to her Christian heritage upon discovering her true lineage. As Zaïre learns that her father is the Christian leader Lusignan and that her brother is Nerestan, she grapples with her sense of duty and the implications of her choices. Nerestan, a brave and devout Christian, attempts to counsel Zaïre against marrying Orosmane, highlighting the conflict between personal desires and familial loyalty. Orosmane, unaware of Zaïre's familial ties, becomes consumed by jealousy, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. Other characters, such as Fatima, a fellow Christian slave, and Chatillon, a French captive, enrich the narrative by adding layers of complexity to issues of faith and devotion. The interplay of these characters against the backdrop of cultural and religious tensions offers a poignant examination of love's challenges in a divided world.
Zaïre: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Voltaire
First published: 1733 (English translation, 1736)
Genre: Play
Locale: Jerusalem
Plot: Tragedy
Time: During the reign of Osman, Sultan of Jerusalem
Zaïre (zah-EER), a slave of the sultan Orosmane, captured in infancy. Zaïre finds that she can love the Muslim ruler in spite of his religion. She discovers, however, that the Christian leader, Lusignan, is her father and Nerestan is her brother. She then vows to become a Christian and, counseled by her brother, postpones her nuptials. Torn between her love for Orosmane and her loyalty to her family, Zaïre goes to meet her brother and is killed by the jealous Orosmane.
Nerestan (nay-reh-STAHN), Zaïre's brother. A prisoner of the Muslims since the age of four, Nerestan escaped to fight against the Turks, only to be captured at Damas. Because of his bravery, he is released to secure the ransom of the Christian prisoners. He learns that Lusignan is really his father and that Zaïre is his sister. A devout Christian, Nerestan attempts to persuade Zaïre to abandon her plans to marry the sultan.
Orosmane (oh-rohs-MAHN), also called Osman, the sultan of Jerusalem. Captivated by his slave Zaïre, he decides to make her his sultana. Ignorant of the relationship between Zaïre and Nerestan, he thinks they are lovers and murders her in a fit of jealousy.
Lusignan (lew-zeen-YAHN), a French prince in the line of the kings of Jerusalem. Because of Lusignan's title, Orosmane refuses to ransom him, but Zaïre is able to secure his release. After he is liberated, he learns that Nerestan and Zaïre are his long-lost children.
Chatillon (shah-tee-YOHN), a French captive ransomed by Nerestan.
Fatima (fah-TEE-mah), a slave of the sultan, captured in adulthood. Fatima is a devout Christian who exerts her influence on Zaïre.
Corasmin (koh-rahs-MAN) and Meledor (may-lay-DOHR), officers of the sultan.