Characters and relationships
This character is the head of the "Lowerarchy" of demons, who writes letters to Wormwood.
Who is Screwtape?
In Chapter 17, Screwtape instructs Wormwood to keep the patient focused on this concept, which prevents him from maturing spiritually.
What is comfort?
In Chapter 18, the patient has an encounter with this sacred act, which he grows more indifferent toward, due to Wormwood's influence.
What is prayer?
In Chapter 16, Screwtape gives this piece of advice to Wormwood about dealing with the patient’s thoughts on self-pity.
What is encourage him to indulge in it?
In Chapter 16, Screwtape mentions that this is the "most effective" tool to prevent humans from growing spiritually.
What is distraction?
In Chapter 17, this person’s actions cause the patient to begin attending church more regularly, despite Wormwood’s efforts to prevent it.
Who is the patient's grilfriend?
This vice, which is discussed in Chapter 19, is suggested by Screwtape as one that keeps people distracted and prevents spiritual growth.
What is pride?
This is the type of "enemy" relationship that Screwtape encourages Wormwood to avoid, which would lead the patient toward spiritual awakening
What is genuine Christian fellowship?
Screwtape teaches Wormwood to make the patient believe that these moments are trivial, as a way to avoid spiritual growth.
What are moments of joy?
This theme, introduced in Chapter 17, is often used by Screwtape to encourage the patient to focus on trivial matters, instead of focusing on his spiritual health.
What is pragmatism?
The relationship between these two characters is a central theme in Chapter 16, filled with irritation and resentment.
Who is the patient and his mom?
In Chapter 21, Screwtape advises Wormwood to encourage the patient to adopt this particular viewpoint in order to avoid seeing his own failings.
What is self-justification?
According to Screwtape in Chapter 22, the patient is being encouraged to see all of his spiritual trials as this, to discredit their importance.
What is coincidence or accident?
In Chapter 26, Screwtape is frustrated when the patient chooses to do this during a difficult situation.
What is pray?
In Chapter 19, this characteristic of human beings is revealed as both a strength and a weakness that Wormwood is trying to exploit.
What is free will?
This character, mentioned in Chapter 31, is one of the more “spiritual” characters, whose humility and devotion contrast sharply with Wormwood’s patient.
Who is the patient's mother (or the “Christian” woman)?
Screwtape suggests exploiting this human inclination, particularly when the patient is facing difficulty, to keep him from prayer and dependence on God
What is resentment?
Screwtape expresses frustration when the patient begins to move toward this form of spiritual awareness in Chapter 28.
What is humility?
In Chapter 27, Screwtape advises Wormwood to lead the patient to believe that the enemy (God) is this.
What is distant or uninvolved?
This concept, mentioned in Chapter 20, becomes a major stumbling block for the patient as he struggles with the complexity of his faith.
What is doubt?
In Chapter 30, Screwtape refers to this character as the "enemy’s" direct adversary, known for his "divine" qualities
Who is Christ?
In Chapter 23, Screwtape advises Wormwood to use this subtle form of distraction to prevent the patient from experiencing deep, lasting devotion.
What is busyness?
The patient experiences a brief, intense moment of spiritual clarity in Chapter 29. This moment signifies his possible salvation.
What is conversion or repentance?
At the end of Chapter 31, Screwtape gives this advice to Wormwood as the ultimate way to ruin the patient’s potential salvation.
What is keep him distracted or spiritually complacent?
In Chapter 28, this metaphor is used to represent the patient’s possible eternal fate, as he is torn between spiritual growth and damnation.
What is crossroads or the abyss?