Discourses · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Discourses by Epictetus.
Socrates
supporting
Philosopher frequently cited as a model of virtue and rational inquiry.
Diogenes
supporting
Also known as Philosophers Diogenes, Diogenes 581, Diogenes 535
Cynic philosopher known for his ascetic lifestyle and sharp wit.
Zeus
supporting
Also known as O Zeus
King of the gods, often invoked in discussions of providence and fate.
Epictetus
major
Stoic philosopher and former slave, the central teacher in the Discourses.
Caesar
supporting
Roman emperor, symbol of political power and tyranny in Stoic examples.
Hercules
minor
Mythological hero, exemplar of endurance and divine mission.
Epicurus
minor
Founder of Epicurean philosophy, often criticized by Epictetus.
Gaius Musonius Rufus
supporting
Also known as Rufus, Musonius Rufus, Rufus 457
Stoic philosopher and teacher of Epictetus, cited as an authority.
Chrysippus
minor
Stoic philosopher, known for his logical works and influence on Stoicism.
Agamemnon
minor
King of Mycenae, used as an example of leadership and fate in Homeric tales.
Euphrates
minor
Also known as Euphrates 510, Euphrates 743
Stoic philosopher and contemporary of Epictetus, praised for his wisdom.
Agrippinus
minor
Also known as Agrippinus 14
Stoic philosopher known for his calmness under political persecution.
Nero
minor
Roman emperor, exemplar of tyranny and moral corruption.
Achilles
minor
Greek hero of the Trojan War, used to discuss honor and rage.
Ulysses
minor
Cunning Greek hero, exemplar of endurance and resourcefulness.
Priscus Helvidius
minor
Also known as Priscus, Helvidius, Priscus Helvidius 21
Roman senator and Stoic, known for his defiance of emperors.
Epaphroditus
minor
Nero's secretary and former master of Epictetus, mentioned in passing.
Antigonus
minor
Macedonian king, used as an example of power and philosophy.
Alexander the Great
minor
Also known as Alexander
Macedonian conqueror, exemplar of ambition and worldly power.
Vespasian
minor
Roman emperor, mentioned in context of political examples.
Medea
minor
Tragic figure from Greek myth, used to discuss passion and reason.
Zeno
minor
Founder of Stoicism, cited as a philosophical authority.
Apollo
minor
God of prophecy and healing, invoked in discussions of divination.
Providence
supporting
Divine principle governing the universe, central to Stoic theology.
Plato
minor
Philosopher and student of Socrates, frequently referenced.
Dion
minor
Syracusan politician and student of Plato, used as a historical example.
Hector
minor
Trojan prince, exemplar of duty and family in Homeric epics.
Admetus
minor
King of Pherae, known for his hospitality and story with Alcestis.
Chryseis
minor
Trojan woman taken by Agamemnon, sparking conflict in the Iliad.
Eurystheus
minor
King who imposed the Twelve Labors on Hercules.
Thersites
minor
Also known as Thersites 533
Ugly Greek soldier in the Iliad, used as an example of foolishness.
Thrasonides
minor
Character from Greek comedy, used to discuss boastfulness.
Arrian
minor
Historian and student of Epictetus, compiler of the Discourses.
Patroclus
minor
Achilles' companion, used to discuss friendship and loss.
Cleanthes
minor
Stoic philosopher, successor to Zeno, known for his hymn to Zeus.
Felicion
minor
Also known as the good Felicion
A person mentioned as an example of good character.
Chrysantas
minor
Persian nobleman from Xenophon's Cyropaedia, used as a moral example.
Homer
minor
Epic poet, frequently quoted as an authority on human nature.
Eteocles
minor
Theban prince, used to discuss fraternal conflict and fate.
Crates
minor
Cynic philosopher, known for his renunciation of wealth.
Photius
minor
Byzantine scholar, mentioned in textual notes.
Archedemus
minor
Stoic philosopher, cited for his logical works.
Florus
minor
Roman historian, mentioned in passing.
Xenophon
minor
Historian and student of Socrates, used as a source of examples.
Antisthenes
minor
Cynic philosopher and student of Socrates.
Xenocrates
minor
Platonic philosopher, known for his moral strictness.
Domitian
minor
Roman emperor, known for persecuting philosophers.
Demonax
minor
Also known as the Philosopher Demonax, Philosopher
Cynic philosopher, known for his wit and wisdom.
Mrs. Elizabeth Carter
minor
Also known as Mrs. Carter
Translator of Epictetus into English, mentioned in editorial notes.
Menelaus
minor
Spartan king, used in Homeric examples of honor and war.
Antipater
minor
Stoic philosopher, cited for his ethical views.
Hellanicus
minor
Greek historian, mentioned in passing.
Phidias
minor
Sculptor of Zeus at Olympia, used as an example of craftsmanship.
Hippocrates
minor
Physician, used as an example of expertise in medicine.
Laius
minor
Theban king, father of Oedipus, used in tragic examples.
Hermes
minor
Messenger god, invoked in discussions of divine will.
Maximus
minor
Roman official or philosopher, mentioned in passing.
Quadratus
minor
Roman governor, mentioned in a historical example.
Geta
minor
Roman emperor or official, mentioned briefly.
Simplicius
minor
Neoplatonic commentator on Epictetus, mentioned in notes.
Aeolus
minor
God of the winds, used in Homeric examples.
Priam
minor
King of Troy, used in examples of grief and fate.
Anytus
minor
Accuser of Socrates, used as an example of injustice.
Melitus
minor
Accuser of Socrates, mentioned alongside Anytus.
Argus
minor
Many-eyed giant, used as a metaphor for vigilance.
Italicus
minor
Roman official or poet, mentioned in passing.
Johann Schweighäuser
minor
Also known as Johann Johann Schweighäuser, Schweighäuser
Classical scholar and editor of Epictetus, mentioned in notes.
Diodorus
minor
Greek historian, mentioned in passing.
Lucian
minor
Also known as Lucius Gellius
Satirist, mentioned in passing.
Euripides
minor
Tragic playwright, quoted for dramatic examples.
Ajax
minor
Also known as Ajax 281
Greek hero, used to discuss madness and honor.
Helen
minor
Wife of Menelaus, used in examples of beauty and conflict.
Orestes
minor
Son of Agamemnon, used in tragic examples of vengeance.
Lycurgus
minor
Spartan lawgiver, used as an example of legislation.
Polynices
minor
Theban prince, used in examples of fraternal strife.
Sardanapalus
minor
Assyrian king, used as an example of decadence.
Hephaestus
minor
God of craftsmanship, used in mythological examples.
Automedon
minor
Achilles' charioteer, used as an example of loyalty.
Aristophanes
minor
Comic playwright, mentioned in passing.
