Character Relationship Map: Pope Joan

Characters

• Pope Joan (played by Liv Ullmann) — protagonist

  Born near Mainz and educated in Athens, she disguises herself as a monk in Rome. Impressing Pope Leo with her intellect, she becomes his secretary, a cardinal, and is eventually elected pope. Her brie...

• Joan's Father (played by Jeremy Kemp) — supporting
• Joan's Mother (played by Natasa Nicolescu) — supporting
• Pope Leo (played by Trevor Howard) — supporting

  The reigning pontiff (Leo IV) who appoints the disguised Joan as his secretary and cardinal. His death triggers the succession that leads to Joan's election.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Joan's Mother → Pope Joan (mother)
• Joan's Father → Pope Joan (father)
• Pope Leo → Pope Joan (Professional Patron And Appointee) — Pope Leo advances Joan's standing in the Church without knowing that she is a woman in disguise.

  Disguised as a monk, Joan impresses Pope Leo with her wit and learning. Believing her to be a man, he appoints her his secretary and makes her a cardi...

Story Analysis

A woman disguises herself as a monk, rises through the Church, and is killed after her identity is discovered.

Plot Progression

1. From Mainz to Rome — The legend says Joan was born near Mainz and educated in Athens. She goes to Rome disguised as a monk.
2. A Scholar in Leo's Court — Joan's wit and learning impress Pope Leo, who believes she is a man. He appoints her secretary and later makes her a cardinal.
3. The Papal Succession — Pope Leo dies, creating the succession that the legend associates with a historical gap. Joan is elected pope and begins a brief pontificate.
4. Discovery and Death — The people discover that Joan is a woman. The legend says they take her outside the Lateran Palace and murder her.