Poetry · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Poetry by Thomas Gray.
Agrippina
major
Also known as Agrippina Ha
Ambitious mother of Nero, central figure in the dramatic scenes.
Nero
major
Roman emperor manipulated by his mother Agrippina.
Poppaea
supporting
Also known as Otho, Poppaea Otho, the beautiful Poppaea
Beautiful woman at the center of Agrippina's political schemes.
Anicetus
supporting
Nero's trusted advisor and agent in Agrippina's downfall.
Seneca
supporting
Also known as Seneca Aceronia, Aceronia, Aceronia Did
Philosopher and advisor to Nero, caught in court intrigue.
Prophetess
supporting
Also known as Odin, Odin Prophetess
Seeress who foretells Odin's fate in the Norse poem.
Helen
minor
Also known as handy Nelly, Eleanor of Castile
Historical figure referenced in the poem's allusions.
Milton
minor
Poet invoked as a literary influence in the odes.
Edward I
minor
Also known as Edward, Edward the First
King of England referenced in historical contexts.
The Fatal Sisters
supporting
Also known as Sisters
Norse mythological weavers of fate in battle.
Thomas Gray
major
Also known as Gray
The poet himself, appearing as a reflective character.
The Valkyriur
minor
Norse warrior maidens who choose the slain.
Claudius
minor
Deceased Roman emperor, Agrippina's former husband.
Pindar
minor
Ancient Greek poet referenced as a model for odes.
Hoder
minor
Blind Norse god tricked into killing Baldr.
Lok
minor
Trickster god in Norse mythology.
Margaret of Anjou
minor
Also known as Anjou, Margaret
Queen consort of Henry VI, mentioned in historical verse.
Focus Silvanus
minor
Also known as old Focus Silvanus, old Focus
A rustic character in the comic lines.
Pluto
minor
Also known as Prince Pluto
God of the underworld in classical allusion.
Taliessin
minor
Legendary Welsh bard referenced in the odes.
Meek Newton
minor
Isaac Newton, mentioned as a figure of contemplation.
Sylla
minor
Roman dictator referenced in historical context.
Juno
minor
Roman goddess appearing in mythological allusion.
Rushy Camus
minor
Personification of the River Cam in the odes.
Gentle Mistress Anne
minor
Also known as Nancy
A beloved woman addressed in amatory lines.
Petrarch
minor
Italian poet referenced as a literary model.
Richard III
minor
Also known as Richard the Third
King of England mentioned in historical allusion.
Cowley
minor
Poet Abraham Cowley, referenced as a predecessor.
The Pensive Selima
minor
A cat who meets a watery fate in the ode.
Young Williams
minor
Subject of an epitaph, a deceased young man.
Berkley
minor
A person mentioned in the satire on heads of houses.
Holland
minor
A person referenced in the comic lines.
