# Poetry — Character guide

> Key figures in Poetry by Thomas Gray.

- [Agrippina](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/agrippina.md): Ambitious mother of Nero, central figure in the dramatic scenes.
- [Nero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/nero.md): Roman emperor manipulated by his mother Agrippina.
- [Poppaea](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/othopoppaea.md): Beautiful woman at the center of Agrippina's political schemes.
- [Anicetus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/anicetus.md): Nero's trusted advisor and agent in Agrippina's downfall.
- [Seneca](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/seneca.md): Philosopher and advisor to Nero, caught in court intrigue.
- [Prophetess](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/prophetess_odin.md): Seeress who foretells Odin's fate in the Norse poem.
- [Helen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/helen.md): Historical figure referenced in the poem's allusions.
- [Milton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/milton.md): Poet invoked as a literary influence in the odes.
- [Edward I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/edward_first.md): King of England referenced in historical contexts.
- [The Fatal Sisters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/fatal_sisters.md): Norse mythological weavers of fate in battle.
- [Thomas Gray](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/thomas_gray.md): The poet himself, appearing as a reflective character.
- [The Valkyriur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/valkyriur.md): Norse warrior maidens who choose the slain.
- [Claudius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/claudius.md): Deceased Roman emperor, Agrippina's former husband.
- [Pindar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/pindar.md): Ancient Greek poet referenced as a model for odes.
- [Hoder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/hoder.md): Blind Norse god tricked into killing Baldr.
- [Margaret of Anjou](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/margaret_anjou.md): Queen consort of Henry VI, mentioned in historical verse.
- [Pluto](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/pluto.md): God of the underworld in classical allusion.
- [Taliessin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/taliessin.md): Legendary Welsh bard referenced in the odes.
- [Meek Newton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/meek_newton.md): Isaac Newton, mentioned as a figure of contemplation.
- [Sylla](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/sylla.md): Roman dictator referenced in historical context.
- [Juno](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/juno.md): Roman goddess appearing in mythological allusion.
- [Rushy Camus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/rushy_camus.md): Personification of the River Cam in the odes.
- [Gentle Mistress Anne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/gentle_mistress_anne.md): A beloved woman addressed in amatory lines.
- [Petrarch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/petrarch.md): Italian poet referenced as a literary model.
- [Richard III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/richard_third.md): King of England mentioned in historical allusion.
- [Cowley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/cowley.md): Poet Abraham Cowley, referenced as a predecessor.
- [The Pensive Selima](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/pensive_selima.md): A cat who meets a watery fate in the ode.
- [Young Williams](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/young_williams.md): Subject of an epitaph, a deceased young man.
- [Berkley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/berkley.md): A person mentioned in the satire on heads of houses.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_23_se/characters