Character guide

Marcus Aurelius

major

Also known as Marcus, M. Antoninus, Antoninus

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, author of the Meditations.

Claudius Maximus

supporting

Also known as Maximus

Stoic philosopher and mentor to Marcus Aurelius.

Antoninus Pius

supporting

Also known as Pius, Antoninus, the Emperor Antoninus Pius

Roman emperor and adoptive father of Marcus Aurelius.

Socrates

supporting

Classical Greek philosopher frequently cited as a model of virtue.

Epictetus

supporting

Stoic philosopher whose teachings heavily influence Marcus.

Junius Rusticus

supporting

Also known as Rusticus

Stoic philosopher and teacher of Marcus Aurelius.

Alexander the Great

minor

Also known as Alexander, Alexander the Macedonian

Macedonian king and conqueror, used as an example of mortality.

Plato

minor

Greek philosopher, founder of the Academy, cited occasionally.

Augustus

minor

Also known as Sucton, Augustus

First Roman emperor, referenced as a historical figure.

Hadrian

minor

Roman emperor and predecessor of Antoninus Pius.

Euripides

minor

Greek tragedian, quoted in the Meditations.

Heraclitus

minor

Pre-Socratic philosopher known for his doctrine of change.

Xenophon

minor

Greek historian and philosopher, student of Socrates.

Plutarch

minor

Greek biographer and essayist, referenced for moral examples.

Marcus Cornelius Fronto

minor

Also known as M. Cornelius Fronto, Fronto

Rhetorician and tutor to Marcus Aurelius.

Diognetus

minor

Also known as this Diognetus

Painter and philosopher who taught Marcus Aurelius.

Annius Verus

minor

Also known as Verus

Marcus Aurelius' biological father or grandfather.

Apollonius of Chalcis

minor

Also known as Apollonius

Stoic philosopher who taught Marcus Aurelius.

Caius Caesar

minor

Also known as Caius, Caesar

Roman emperor, possibly Caligula, mentioned as a negative example.

Cicero

minor

Roman statesman and orator, quoted occasionally.

Sertorius

minor

Roman general and rebel, used as a historical example.

Dion Cassius

minor

Also known as Dion, Dion Cassius

Roman historian, referenced for historical anecdotes.