Discuss the role of Mephistopheles - How much of a role does he play in Faustus' damnation? How does Marlowe complicate his character and inspire our sympathy?

Have a little read: ... Discuss the role of Mephistopheles. How much of a role does he play in Faustus' damnation? How does Marlowe complicate his character and inspire our sympathy? James Batchelor Dr. Faustus isn't a one-character play. Though Faustus is undoubtedly the main and most important character, he is closely followed by Mephistopheles. The name 'Mephistopheles' is originally from the Hebrew language, derived from the two words 'mephiz', meaning 'destroyer', and 'tophel', meaning liar. This suits his character reasonably well; at least, it fits the character given to him by medieval beliefs. The people of Marlowe's time would have believed that Mephistopheles would have been a deceitful, strong, intimidating and destructive monster. However, Marlowe presents him as a very different figure. Mephistopheles is a fallen archangel, much like Lucifer himself. He is one of the highest-ranking devils in Hell, and is a servant, agent and messenger to Lucifer. His loyalty to Lucifer is unquestionable, mainly because Mephistopheles understands and respects the Satanic law, i.e. Lucifer is ruler of Hell and none shall oppose him. His main job is to secure and bargain for souls for Lucifer's kingdom, so he arrives immediately as Faustus attempts to summon him. He pretends to be Faustus' servant, knowing that he can't back out of the contract that Faustus signed for Lucifer, but is always loyal to Lucifer. This is what a medieval audience would expect from the second most important devil. However, Marlowe complicates the character by making him more emotional, and much more of a human figure. The most obvious thing about the character is that he is very unhappy. He doesn't like being condemned to Hell, and deprived of the joys of heaven, and regrets his fall from heaven. Think'st thou that I who saw the face of God And tasted the eternal joys of heaven Am not tormented with ten thousand hells In being depriv'd of everlasting bliss? Scene 3, lines 77-80 This is an interesting element of a character that, according to medieval beliefs, should be entirely evil and largely emotionless. Mephistopheles' misery actually stirs our sympathy for him. We begin to pity him, and this pity grows during throughout the play as we see that his unhappiness even spreads to his job - he doesn't enjoy it, and he certainly doesn't enjoy life in hell. There is also a possibility that he wants to prevent Faustus from making the same mistake. The most eloquent warning against the consequences of Faustus' deed