Character guide

Pericles

major

Also known as Prince Pericles, Pericles of Tyre, King Pericles, noble Pericles, royal Pericles, princely Pericles

Prince of Tyre who flees Antiochus's court and endures many trials at sea.

Marina

major

Also known as Marina Alack, Marina Whither, Marina Prithee, Marina Sir, Marina Patience

Pericles's daughter, lost at birth and raised in Tarsus, later sold into a brothel.

Thaisa

major

Also known as dear Thaisa, the fair Thaisa

Daughter of King Simonides, wife of Pericles, believed dead after childbirth at sea.

King Simonides

supporting

Also known as the good King Simonides, the good Simonides, Simonides

King of Pentapolis and father of Thaisa, who tests Pericles's worth.

Cleon

supporting

Also known as Cleon O Dionyza, Cleon O, exeunt Cleon, Till cruel Cleon, savage Cleon, wicked Cleon, Cleon Heavens

Governor of Tarsus who takes in Marina but later conspires against her.

Dionyza

supporting

Also known as Dionyza, cruel Cleon

Wife of Cleon, jealous of Marina and plots her murder.

Antiochus

supporting

Also known as the great Antiochus, Antiochus Prince Pericles, Antiochus Thaliard

King of Antioch who sets a deadly riddle for suitors to his daughter.

Helicanus

supporting

Also known as Helicanus Sir, Helicanus Lord Thaliard, Helicanus For honour, Helicanus Gentlemen, Helicanus Kneeling, Old Helicanus, lord Helicanus, noble Helicane, Lord Helicane, Helicane

Loyal lord of Tyre who governs in Pericles's absence.

Lysimachus

supporting

Also known as Lysimachus Sir, the Lord Lysimachus, Lysimachus See, Lysimachus O, Enter Lysimachus

Governor of Mytilene who visits the brothel and later marries Marina.

Cerimon

supporting

Also known as Lord Cerimon Such, Thaisa Lord Cerimon, Lord Cerimon, Cerimon Philemon, Cerimon Nay

A skilled physician of Ephesus who revives Thaisa from her deathlike state.

Bawd

supporting

Also known as Bawd Boult, Bawd Marry, Bawd Who, Bawd Well, Bawd Ay, Bawd To Marina

The madam of the brothel in Mytilene where Marina is sold.

Boult

supporting

Also known as Boult Ay, Boult Performance, Pandar Boult

The servant and pimp in the Mytilene brothel.

Leonine

minor

Also known as O villain Leonine

Servant of Dionyza hired to murder Marina.

Pandar

minor

Also known as Pandar Boult

The brothel keeper in Mytilene.

Thaliard

minor

Also known as Helicanus Lord Thaliard, Antiochus Thaliard

A lord sent by Antiochus to kill Pericles.

Lychorida

minor

Nurse to Marina who raises her after Thaisa's apparent death.

Diana

minor

Also known as Dian, Pericles Celestial Dian, noble Pericles

Goddess who appears in a vision to Pericles, directing him to Ephesus.

Escanes

minor

Also known as Old Escanes

A lord of Tyre who serves with Helicanus.

Gower

minor

Chorus figure who narrates and introduces scenes throughout the play.

Philemon

minor

Also known as Cerimon Philemon

Servant to Cerimon who assists in reviving Thaisa.

Second Fisherman

minor

Also known as Fisherman

One of the fishermen who help Pericles after his shipwreck.

Tyrus

minor

A minor character, possibly a lord or messenger.

Monsieur Veroles

minor

A French knight who jousts at Simonides's court.