# Discourses — Character guide

> Key figures in Discourses by Epictetus.

- [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/socrates.md): Philosopher frequently cited as a model of virtue and rational inquiry.
- [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/diogenes.md): Cynic philosopher known for his ascetic lifestyle and sharp wit.
- [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/zeus.md): King of the gods, often invoked in discussions of providence and fate.
- [Epictetus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/epictetus.md): Stoic philosopher and former slave, the central teacher in the Discourses.
- [Caesar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/caesar.md): Roman emperor, symbol of political power and tyranny in Stoic examples.
- [Hercules](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/hercules.md): Mythological hero, exemplar of endurance and divine mission.
- [Epicurus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/epicurus.md): Founder of Epicurean philosophy, often criticized by Epictetus.
- [Gaius Musonius Rufus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/gaius_musonius_rufus.md): Stoic philosopher and teacher of Epictetus, cited as an authority.
- [Chrysippus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/chrysippus.md): Stoic philosopher, known for his logical works and influence on Stoicism.
- [Agamemnon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/agamemnon.md): King of Mycenae, used as an example of leadership and fate in Homeric tales.
- [Euphrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/euphrates.md): Stoic philosopher and contemporary of Epictetus, praised for his wisdom.
- [Agrippinus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/agrippinus.md): Stoic philosopher known for his calmness under political persecution.
- [Nero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/nero.md): Roman emperor, exemplar of tyranny and moral corruption.
- [Achilles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/achilles.md): Greek hero of the Trojan War, used to discuss honor and rage.
- [Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/ulysses.md): Cunning Greek hero, exemplar of endurance and resourcefulness.
- [Priscus Helvidius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/priscus_helvidius.md): Roman senator and Stoic, known for his defiance of emperors.
- [Epaphroditus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/epaphroditus.md): Nero's secretary and former master of Epictetus, mentioned in passing.
- [Antigonus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/antigonus.md): Macedonian king, used as an example of power and philosophy.
- [Alexander the Great](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/alexander_the_great.md): Macedonian conqueror, exemplar of ambition and worldly power.
- [Vespasian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/vespasian.md): Roman emperor, mentioned in context of political examples.
- [Medea](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/medea.md): Tragic figure from Greek myth, used to discuss passion and reason.
- [Zeno](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/zeno.md): Founder of Stoicism, cited as a philosophical authority.
- [Apollo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/apollo.md): God of prophecy and healing, invoked in discussions of divination.
- [Providence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/providence.md): Divine principle governing the universe, central to Stoic theology.
- [Plato](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/plato.md): Philosopher and student of Socrates, frequently referenced.
- [Dion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/dion.md): Syracusan politician and student of Plato, used as a historical example.
- [Hector](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/hector.md): Trojan prince, exemplar of duty and family in Homeric epics.
- [Admetus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/admetus.md): King of Pherae, known for his hospitality and story with Alcestis.
- [Chryseis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/chryseis.md): Trojan woman taken by Agamemnon, sparking conflict in the Iliad.
- [Eurystheus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/eurystheus.md): King who imposed the Twelve Labors on Hercules.
- [Thersites](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/thersites.md): Ugly Greek soldier in the Iliad, used as an example of foolishness.
- [Thrasonides](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/thrasonides.md): Character from Greek comedy, used to discuss boastfulness.
- [Arrian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/arrian.md): Historian and student of Epictetus, compiler of the Discourses.
- [Patroclus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/patroclus.md): Achilles' companion, used to discuss friendship and loss.
- [Cleanthes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/cleanthes.md): Stoic philosopher, successor to Zeno, known for his hymn to Zeus.
- [Felicion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/felicion.md): A person mentioned as an example of good character.
- [Chrysantas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/chrysantas.md): Persian nobleman from Xenophon's Cyropaedia, used as a moral example.
- [Homer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/homer.md): Epic poet, frequently quoted as an authority on human nature.
- [Eteocles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/eteocles.md): Theban prince, used to discuss fraternal conflict and fate.
- [Crates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/crates.md): Cynic philosopher, known for his renunciation of wealth.
- [Photius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/photius.md): Byzantine scholar, mentioned in textual notes.
- [Archedemus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/archedemus.md): Stoic philosopher, cited for his logical works.
- [Xenophon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/xenophon.md): Historian and student of Socrates, used as a source of examples.
- [Antisthenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/antisthenes.md): Cynic philosopher and student of Socrates.
- [Xenocrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/xenocrates.md): Platonic philosopher, known for his moral strictness.
- [Domitian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/domitian.md): Roman emperor, known for persecuting philosophers.
- [Demonax](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/demonax.md): Cynic philosopher, known for his wit and wisdom.
- [Mrs. Elizabeth Carter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/mrs_elizabeth_carter.md): Translator of Epictetus into English, mentioned in editorial notes.
- [Menelaus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/menelaus.md): Spartan king, used in Homeric examples of honor and war.
- [Antipater](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/antipater.md): Stoic philosopher, cited for his ethical views.
- [Phidias](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/phidias.md): Sculptor of Zeus at Olympia, used as an example of craftsmanship.
- [Hippocrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/hippocrates.md): Physician, used as an example of expertise in medicine.
- [Laius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/laius.md): Theban king, father of Oedipus, used in tragic examples.
- [Hermes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/hermes.md): Messenger god, invoked in discussions of divine will.
- [Maximus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/maximus.md): Roman official or philosopher, mentioned in passing.
- [Quadratus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/quadratus.md): Roman governor, mentioned in a historical example.
- [Geta](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/geta.md): Roman emperor or official, mentioned briefly.
- [Simplicius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/simplicius.md): Neoplatonic commentator on Epictetus, mentioned in notes.
- [Aeolus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/aeolus.md): God of the winds, used in Homeric examples.
- [Priam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/priam.md): King of Troy, used in examples of grief and fate.
- [Anytus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/anytus.md): Accuser of Socrates, used as an example of injustice.
- [Melitus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/melitus.md): Accuser of Socrates, mentioned alongside Anytus.
- [Argus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/argus.md): Many-eyed giant, used as a metaphor for vigilance.
- [Italicus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/italicus.md): Roman official or poet, mentioned in passing.
- [Johann Schweighäuser](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/johann_schweighauser.md): Classical scholar and editor of Epictetus, mentioned in notes.
- [Euripides](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/euripides.md): Tragic playwright, quoted for dramatic examples.
- [Ajax](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/ajax.md): Greek hero, used to discuss madness and honor.
- [Helen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/helen.md): Wife of Menelaus, used in examples of beauty and conflict.
- [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/orestes.md): Son of Agamemnon, used in tragic examples of vengeance.
- [Lycurgus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/lycurgus.md): Spartan lawgiver, used as an example of legislation.
- [Polynices](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/polynices.md): Theban prince, used in examples of fraternal strife.
- [Sardanapalus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/sardanapalus.md): Assyrian king, used as an example of decadence.
- [Hephaestus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/hephaestus.md): God of craftsmanship, used in mythological examples.
- [Automedon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters/automedon.md): Achilles' charioteer, used as an example of loyalty.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/characters