Candide

The main protagonist and titular character of the book, Candide is a young German boy at the outset of the book. He is raised in his uncle’s care and lives a sheltered existence, educated by Pangloss, who teaches him to believe that all is for the best in the world. Upon leaving his childhood home, Candide experiences a physical and personal journey that challenges those early teachings, as he tries to understand the nature of happiness and suffering. Candide, as his name suggests, speaks candidly and without guile, taking the world at face value and naively believing that all will work out for the best. It is important to note that while Candide is naïve, he is not stupid, for while his trusting nature leads him to be easily tricked, he is usually savvy enough to spot the ruse after the fact. He is curious and a polyglot, conversing easily with most of the foreigners he meets during his travels. Candide is in love with Cunégonde and is primarily driven by his desire to reunite with her. He travels with multiple companions and enjoys debating with each one as they journey together. Candide sometimes returns to Pangloss’ doctrine of optimism to justify the tragic events of the world, while in other moments he doubts its legitimacy.