Character guide

Boethius

major

Also known as Manlius Severinus Boethius

The narrator and protagonist, imprisoned and seeking consolation from Philosophy.

Philosophy

major

The personified figure of wisdom who visits and instructs Boethius in his cell.

Fortune

supporting

Also known as Fortune Poured, Wanton Fortune

The personified goddess of luck, whose fickleness is a central theme.

Plato

minor

Greek philosopher frequently cited by Philosophy as an authority on virtue and governance.

Nero

minor

Roman emperor used as an example of tyranny and moral corruption.

Aristotle

minor

Greek philosopher referenced in discussions of logic and natural philosophy.

Cicero

minor

Roman statesman and philosopher, cited as an example of eloquence and political virtue.

Seneca

minor

Stoic philosopher and advisor to Nero, mentioned as a victim of tyranny.

Symmachus

minor

Boethius's father-in-law, a respected Roman senator and philosopher.

Theodoric

minor

Ostrogothic king who imprisoned Boethius, representing unjust political power.

Decoratus

minor

A corrupt official mentioned as an example of undeserved honor.

Regulus

minor

Roman general and consul, cited as a model of integrity and endurance.

Busiris

minor

Mythical Egyptian king known for sacrificing foreigners, used as a tyrant example.

Phoebus

minor

The sun god, invoked in poetic imagery for light and truth.

Phoebe

minor

The moon goddess, used in astronomical and poetic metaphors.

Hesper

minor

The evening star, personified in poetic descriptions of the sky.

Bootes

minor

A constellation mentioned in astronomical passages about cosmic order.

Siren

minor

Mythological creature symbolizing destructive pleasure, used as a warning.

Polyphemus

minor

Also known as Grim Polyphemus

Cyclops from the Odyssey, used as a metaphor for brutish ignorance.

Jowett

minor

Translator or editor referenced in the endnotes of this edition.