# Philosophical Works — Character guide

> Key figures in Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

- [Narrator](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/narrator.md): The first-person philosophical voice guiding the reader through meditations and arguments.
- [René Descartes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/descartes.md): Author and central philosopher, presenting his method of doubt and metaphysical proofs.
- [God](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/god.md): The perfect being whose existence Descartes seeks to prove through clear and distinct ideas.
- [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/aristotle.md): Ancient philosopher whose works are frequently referenced and critiqued by Descartes.
- [Democritus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/democritus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher whose atomist theory is discussed in relation to materialism.
- [Epicurus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/epicurus.md): Hellenistic philosopher whose hedonistic ethics are contrasted with Cartesian rationalism.
- [Plato](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/plato.md): Classical philosopher whose theory of Forms is compared to Descartes' innate ideas.
- [Archimedes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/archimedes.md): Ancient mathematician used as an example of certain knowledge and method.
- [Henricus Regius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/regius.md): Dutch philosopher and correspondent of Descartes, known for his mechanistic views.
- [Antoine Arnauld](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/arnaud.md): French theologian and philosopher who raised objections to Descartes' Meditations.
- [Garnier](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/garnier.md): Editor or commentator referenced in the text's apparatus.
- [Hamilton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/hamilton.md): Philosopher or critic mentioned in passing in the text.
- [Louis de La Forge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/de_la_forge.md): French Cartesian physician and commentator on Descartes' physiology.
- [The Cartesians](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/cartesians.md): Followers of Descartes' philosophy, discussed as a school of thought.
- [The Atheists](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/atheists.md): Opponents of religious belief criticized by Descartes as superficial thinkers.

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