Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Joan is born near Mainz and educated in Athens. These details establish the early background given in the legend.

Joan's Birth Near Mainz — The account places Joan's birth near Mainz. Characters: Pope Joan, Joan as a Child Location: Near Mainz
Education in Athens — Joan is educated in Athens. Characters: Pope Joan Location: Athens

Joan travels to Rome disguised as a monk. Her learning impresses Pope Leo, who believes she is a man.

Disguise as a Monk — Joan goes to Rome disguised as a monk. Characters: Pope Joan Location: Rome
Impressing Pope Leo — Joan's wit and learning impress Pope Leo, who believes her to be a man. Characters: Pope Joan, Pope Leo Location: Rome
Appointment as Secretary — Pope Leo appoints Joan as his secretary. Characters: Pope Joan, Pope Leo Location: Rome

Leo appoints Joan as his secretary and then makes her a cardinal. His death sets the succession in motion.

Appointment as Secretary — Pope Leo appoints Joan as his secretary. Characters: Pope Joan, Pope Leo Location: Rome
Elevation to Cardinal — Pope Leo makes Joan a cardinal while she remains disguised. Characters: Pope Joan, Pope Leo Location: Rome
Leo's Death — Leo's death creates the succession that leads to Joan's election. Characters: Pope Joan, Pope Leo Location: Rome

Joan is elected pope, but her reign is brief. When the people discover that she is a woman, she is murdered outside the Lateran Palace.

Election as Pope — After Leo's death, Joan is elected pope. Characters: Pope Joan Location: Rome
Gender Revealed — The people discover that Joan is a woman, ending her brief pontificate. Characters: Pope Joan Location: Rome
Murder Outside Lateran Palace — After her identity is discovered, Joan is murdered outside the Lateran Palace. Characters: Pope Joan Location: Outside the Lateran Palace

Story Breakdown

Early Background — The legend gives Joan's birthplace and education.
- Near Mainz — Joan is born near Mainz.
- Athens Education — Joan is educated in Athens.
Monk's Disguise — Joan enters Rome while presenting herself as a monk.
- Journey to Rome — Joan goes to Rome.
- Male Disguise — She disguises herself as a monk.
Leo's Recognition — Joan's intellect brings her to the attention of Pope Leo.
- Wit and Learning — Joan impresses Leo with her wit and learning.
- Mistaken Identity — Leo thinks Joan is a man.
Church Advancement — Leo gives Joan positions of increasing authority within the Church.
- Secretary Appointment — Leo appoints Joan as his secretary.
- Cardinal Appointment — Leo makes Joan a cardinal.
Succession to Leo — Leo's death opens the succession that results in Joan's election.
- Leo's Death — The reigning pope dies.
- Papal Election — Joan is elected pope after Leo's death.
Exposure and Death — Joan's brief pontificate ends when the people discover her sex.
- Identity Discovered — The people discover that Joan is a woman.
- Murder at Lateran — Joan is murdered outside the Lateran Palace.