Character guide

Harmachis

major

Also known as Prince Harmachis, Royal Harmachis, Harmachis the Egyptian

Egyptian prince and protagonist, trained as a priest to overthrow Cleopatra.

Cleopatra

major

Also known as Queen Cleopatra, the Cleopatra

Queen of Egypt, seductive and cunning, central to the plot.

Charmion

major

Also known as Lady Charmion, Charmion the Egyptian

Cleopatra's loyal attendant, secretly in love with Harmachis.

Antony

major

Also known as Mark Antony, the Noble Antony, Roman Antony

Roman triumvir and Cleopatra's lover, a key political figure.

Sepa

supporting

Also known as Sepa the Priest, the honourable Sepa

High priest of Annu and Harmachis's uncle, guides his initiation.

Atoua

supporting

Also known as old Atoua, the old wife

Old nurse and wise woman who advises Harmachis.

Amenemhat

supporting

Also known as Noble Amenemhat

Harmachis's father, a noble Egyptian loyal to the old ways.

Olympus

supporting

Also known as Olympus the Egyptian

Learned Egyptian physician and poisoner who aids Cleopatra.

Brennus

supporting

Also known as the Captain Brennus

Gallic captain of Cleopatra's guard, loyal and blunt.

Quintus Dellius

supporting

Also known as Dellius, noble Dellius, the crafty Dellius

Antony's ambassador, a cunning Roman diplomat.

Paulus

minor

Also known as the Captain Paulus, the wretched Paulus

Roman captain tricked by Harmachis into opening the palace gates.

Iras

minor

Also known as Iras the Greek

Greek attendant of Cleopatra, dies with her.

Eudosius

minor

Also known as Eudosius the Steward

Steward of Cleopatra, poisoned by Olympus.

Caesarion

minor

Young son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.

Octavian

minor

Also known as Octavianus

Future Emperor Augustus, enemy of Antony and Cleopatra.

Canidius

minor

Roman general loyal to Antony.

Seleucus

minor

Cleopatra's treasurer who betrays her to Octavian.

Serapion

minor

Egyptian governor who betrays Cleopatra.

Dioscorides

minor

Greek scholar and friend of Olympus.

Arsinoë

minor

Cleopatra's sister, mentioned as a rival.

Ptolemy Aulêtes

minor

Also known as Ptolemy the Piper

Cleopatra's father, former king of Egypt.

Menkau-Ra

minor

Also known as Pharaoh Menkau-ra, the Divine Menkau-ra

Ancient pharaoh whose tomb holds a hidden treasure.

Nekt-nebf

minor

Also known as that Pharaoh Nekt-nebf

Pharaoh driven from Egypt by the Persians.

Khem

minor

Also known as ancient Khem

Ancient Egyptian god, personification of Egypt.

Ali

minor

Also known as Ali Baba

Servant or minor character in the narrative.

Sihor

minor

Egyptian priest or minor character.

Eros

minor

Antony's loyal servant who helps him commit suicide.

Taranis

minor

Gaulish god invoked by Brennus.

Philomel

minor

Minor character, possibly a singer or poet.