Nicomachean Ethics · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.
Aristotle
major
Author and narrator, presents the ethical framework of the book.
Homer
supporting
Poet frequently cited for examples of virtue and character.
Socrates
supporting
Philosopher referenced in discussions of ethics and virtue.
Plato
supporting
Philosopher and teacher of Aristotle, cited in ethical arguments.
Eudoxus
minor
Philosopher whose views on pleasure are discussed.
Solon
minor
Athenian lawgiver cited in discussions of happiness and fortune.
Hector
minor
Trojan hero from Homer, used as example of courage.
Priam
minor
King of Troy, cited in discussions of misfortune.
Heraclitus
minor
Pre-Socratic philosopher referenced on change and flux.
Empedocles
minor
Philosopher cited in discussions of the soul and elements.
Anaxagoras
minor
Philosopher mentioned in context of intellect and causation.
Theognis
minor
Poet quoted on virtue and friendship.
Sophocles
minor
Tragedian cited for dramatic examples of character.
Euripides
minor
Playwright referenced in discussions of emotion and choice.
Pericles
minor
Athenian statesman cited in political and ethical contexts.
Zeus
minor
Chief god in Greek mythology, referenced in examples.
Aphrodite
minor
Goddess of love, mentioned in discussions of desire.
Thetis
minor
Sea nymph and mother of Achilles, cited in Homeric examples.
Diomede
minor
Greek hero in the Iliad, used as example of valor.
Glaucus
minor
Lycian leader in Homer, cited in friendship discussions.
Neoptolemus
minor
Son of Achilles, referenced in ethical dilemmas.
Ulysses
minor
Also known as Ulysses
Odysseus, Homeric hero used as example of cunning and endurance.
Calypso
minor
Nymph who detained Odysseus, mentioned in passing.
Agathon
minor
Tragic poet referenced in discussions of love and friendship.
Pittacus
minor
One of the Seven Sages, cited on moderation.
Phalaris
minor
Tyrant of Acragas, used as example of extreme cruelty.
Speusippus
minor
Plato's nephew and successor, cited in ethical debates.
Polyclitus
minor
Sculptor referenced in analogies about proportion.
Satyrus
minor
Philosopher or historical figure mentioned in passing.
Alcmaeon
minor
Mythological figure cited in discussions of justice.
Bywater
minor
Also known as Ingram Bywater
Modern editor of the Greek text, referenced in notes.
Trendelenburg
minor
Scholar cited in textual or philosophical commentary.
J. A. Stewart
minor
Also known as See J. A. Stewart
Commentator on Aristotle's ethics, referenced in notes.
Kant
minor
Modern philosopher mentioned in comparative ethical discussion.
