10 Marvel Characters Who Know Peter Parker Is Spider-Man

Plenty of people in the Marvel Universe have crossed paths with Spider-Man, but a select group actually knows the guy under the mask is Peter Parker. These reveals happened in all kinds of ways, from surprise unmaskings to careful detective work. Some learned during heated battles while others were trusted with the truth during quiet conversations. A few even lost and regained that knowledge as reality shifted in classic comic events. Here are ten characters who know exactly who Spider-Man is in the comics.

Mary Jane Watson

Mary Jane confronted Peter and revealed she had known his secret for years after seeing clues he could not hide. Later stories detailed how she first put it together after spotting him slipping out in costume near Aunt May’s home. Their on and off relationship never erased that knowledge, and she has continued to protect his identity. She remains one of the few people Peter has consistently trusted with the truth.

Aunt May

Aunt May discovered the secret when she walked in on Peter injured and still in the suit. The moment reshaped their relationship and led to more honest conversations between them. She has since become a steady confidante who keeps the secret while worrying about his safety. Her awareness often guides Peter’s choices when home life and hero duties collide.

Black Cat

Felicia Hardy learned Peter’s identity during their romance when he chose to remove the mask and be honest with her. She has kept that knowledge through many twists in their on and off history. Even during periods where circumstances strained their trust, she remained linked to both Peter and Spider-Man. Their shared past means she understands the risks he faces better than most.

J. Jonah Jameson

Peter personally revealed his identity to Jonah in an effort to reset their combative history. The confession forced Jonah to rethink years of editorials that painted Spider-Man as a menace. Since then he has shifted from relentless critic to complicated ally who now knows the person behind the headlines. That knowledge has led Jonah to help in unexpected ways, including using his media reach to assist Spider-Man.

Norman Osborn

Norman discovered Peter’s identity during an early clash where he captured and unmasked Spider-Man. Memory loss once buried that knowledge, but it eventually returned along with his obsession. Knowing the face under the mask has fueled Norman’s targeted attacks on Peter’s friends and family. Their history remains one of the most dangerous hero and villain entanglements in Marvel comics.

Doctor Octopus

Otto Octavius learned Peter’s identity when he swapped minds with him and briefly lived as the Superior Spider-Man. Access to Peter’s memories gave Otto a full understanding of his life and responsibilities. Even after their bodies were restored, Otto retained crucial insights about Peter. That experience permanently changed both men and still affects their confrontations.

Eddie Brock

Venom knows Peter is Spider-Man because the symbiote once bonded with Peter and retained his secrets. When the symbiote later joined Eddie Brock, it shared that intimate knowledge. This made Venom a uniquely personal threat who could bypass Parker’s usual defenses. Over time their relationship has evolved, but the identity secret has never been in doubt.

Miles Morales

Peter and Miles operate as close allies who share their identities to coordinate as Spider heroes. Their partnership began with tentative trust and grew through joint missions across neighborhoods and universes. Knowing each other’s civilian lives helps them cover for one another when crises hit. It also lets them compare notes on balancing school, work, and masked duties.

Cindy Moon

Cindy Moon, also known as Silk, was bitten by the same spider that bit Peter and was hidden away for years. When they finally met, their spider senses resonated and the truth about their identities came out immediately. Since then they have coordinated on patrols and investigations that tap into their shared origin. Cindy’s knowledge fits into a tight inner circle that understands Peter’s life on both sides of the mask.

Carlie Cooper

Carlie Cooper, a forensic investigator and Peter’s former girlfriend, pieced together his identity through careful evidence and keen observation. Her training made her notice patterns that others missed, from injury timing to unusual absences. After confirming the truth she confronted Peter and demanded honesty between them. Even when their relationship ended, her understanding of his double life never disappeared.

Share your favorite moments when a character figured out Spider-Man’s secret in the comments.