# On Liberty — Character guide

> Key figures in On Liberty by John Stuart Mill.

- [John Stuart Mill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/john_stuart_mill.md): Author and central figure, arguing for individual liberty against societal coercion.
- [Harriet Taylor Mill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/harriet_taylor_mill.md): Mill's wife and intellectual collaborator, influencing his ideas on liberty.
- [Cicero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/cicero.md): Roman statesman cited as an example of intellectual independence and persecution.
- [Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/marcus_aurelius.md): Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher referenced in discussions of moral authority.
- [Wilhelm von Humboldt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/wilhelm_von_humboldt.md): German philosopher whose ideas on individuality are quoted by Mill.
- [Thomas Carlyle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/thomas_carlyle.md): Scottish essayist and historian, mentioned in context of opposing views.
- [Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/jesus_christ.md): Central figure of Christianity, referenced as a moral exemplar.
- [Lord Stanley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/lord_stanley.md): British statesman cited in a parliamentary context regarding liberty.
- [George Barnwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/george_barnwell.md): Fictional character from a moralizing play, used as an example of societal pressure.
- [Auguste Comte](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/auguste_comte.md): French philosopher and founder of positivism, discussed in relation to social systems.
- [James Mill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/james_mill.md): John Stuart Mill's father and utilitarian philosopher, briefly referenced.
- [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/socrates.md): Ancient Greek philosopher, cited as a victim of intolerance and a model of free thought.
- [Rousseau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_liberty_se/characters/jean_jacques_rousseau.md): Genevan philosopher referenced in discussions of social contract and liberty.

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