Pangloss -  Pangloss is a philosopher and Candide's tutor. His optimistic belief that this world is “the best of all possible worlds” is the primary target of the novel's satire. Pangloss's own experiences contradict this belief, but he remains faithful to it nonetheless. Like Candide, Pangloss is not a three-dimensional character. Instead, he is an exaggerated parody of overly optimistic Enlightenment philosophers.