# Plays explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

This chapter presents a collection of dramatic works by Roswitha, focusing on the lives and martyrdoms of saints, the power of faith, and the triumph of Christian virtue over pagan persecution and personal temptation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Martyrdom and Suffering

The plays depict the suffering and martyrdom of Christian saints, emphasizing their faith and endurance.

### Redemption and Repentance

The story of Thais highlights the possibility of redemption through penance and repentance.

## Character check-ins

### Roswitha

Author of the plays collected in this chapter.

### Gallicanus

Central figure in the play 'Gallicanus,' a general who converts to Christianity.

### Paphnutius

Main character in the play 'Paphnutius,' a monk who confronts and converts the harlot Thais.

### Thais

A harlot who is converted and does penance in the play 'Paphnutius.'

### Sapientia

Mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity, whose daughters are martyred in the play 'Sapientia.'

## Key lines

> Plays

The chapter contains dramatic works.

_The chapter title indicates a collection of plays._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/plays
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters