There are only two important characters in "The Masque of the Red Death". One of which is Prince Prospero, the other being death personified. Prince Prospero is a very ironic character. His name hints of good fortune, prosperity, and happiness, however he finds his life ending in disaster when he is plagued by the "Red Death" just as everyone else in his kingdom. Prospero believes that because he is all powerful, he can save himself from the plague surrounding him. He does not realize that his riches and wealth can no longer protect him. Prospero proves himself to be very arrogant, selfish, and careless when he gates off his palace from the rest of the kingdom. Poe shows that even the most powerful people are brought down by death.
The personification of death also plays a key role in Poe's story. When death enters the prince's party, no one dares to go near him except for the ignorant prince. The power of death over ruled the power of the prince's authority, and entered against the prince's will. This role shows that anyone, no matter how wealthy or almighty, can not be protected forever.
Prince Prospero is a very ironic character. His name hints of good fortune, prosperity, and happiness, however he finds his life ending in disaster when he is plagued by the "Red Death" just as everyone else in his kingdom. Prospero believes that because he is all powerful, he can save himself from the plague surrounding him. He does not realize that his riches and wealth can no longer protect him. Prospero proves himself to be very arrogant, selfish, and careless when he gates off his palace from the rest of the kingdom. Poe shows that even the most powerful people are brought down by death.
The personification of death also plays a key role in Poe's story. When death enters the prince's party, no one dares to go near him except for the ignorant prince. The power of death over ruled the power of the prince's authority, and entered against the prince's will. This role shows that anyone, no matter how wealthy or almighty, can not be protected forever.