Character guide

Alexander the Great

minor

Also known as Alexander

Macedonian conqueror cited as an example of ambition and moral judgment.

Zeno

minor

Also known as Zeno the Stoic, Apollonius, Augustus Caesar, Caesar

Founder of Stoicism, discussed in the context of moral systems.

Epicurus

minor

Greek philosopher whose system of virtue as prudence is examined.

Cicero

minor

Roman statesman and philosopher referenced on propriety and moral sentiments.

Dr. Mandeville

minor

Also known as Mandeville

Author of licentious system that reduces virtue to self-love.

Plato

minor

Greek philosopher whose views on virtue and the soul are discussed.

Dr. Hutcheson

minor

Also known as the late Dr. Hutcheson

Philosopher who made virtue consist in benevolence.

Aristotle

minor

Greek philosopher cited on propriety and the nature of virtue.

Turenne

minor

French military commander used as an example of self-command.

Philip

minor

Historical figure referenced in discussions of ambition and resentment.

Cato

minor

Roman Stoic senator cited as an example of virtue and self-command.

Boileau

minor

French poet and critic referenced in literary examples.

Caesar

minor

Also known as Caesar Borgia

Roman dictator and historical figure used in moral examples.

Epictetus

minor

Stoic philosopher whose teachings on self-command are discussed.

Mr. Hobbes

minor

Philosopher who derived moral approbation from self-love.

Socrates

minor

Athenian philosopher cited on virtue and moral inquiry.

Louis XIV

minor

French king used as an example of the admiration of the great.

Racine

minor

French playwright referenced in discussions of propriety.

Voltaire

minor

Also known as Mr. Voltaire

French philosopher and writer cited on moral and literary topics.

Seneca

minor

Roman Stoic philosopher referenced on virtue and self-command.

Charles I

minor

Also known as Charles II

English king used as a historical example in moral reasoning.

Mr. Pope

minor

Also known as Pope, The Dunciad of Mr. Pope

English poet referenced in discussions of literary merit.

Hercules

minor

Mythological hero used as an example of virtue and strength.

Cardinal de Retz

minor

Also known as Retz

French cardinal and political figure cited in moral examples.

Machiavel

minor

Italian political philosopher referenced on self-interest and virtue.

King William

minor

Also known as Billy

English king used as an example of popular admiration.

Parmenio

minor

Also known as the venerable Parmenio

Macedonian general cited in examples of loyalty and judgment.

Calas

minor

Also known as The unfortunate Calas

Victim of religious persecution used as an example of injustice.

Fontenelle

minor

Also known as Mr. Fontenelle

French writer referenced on literary and philosophical topics.

Mr. Addison

minor

Also known as the amiable Mr. Addison

English essayist and poet cited on moral sentiments.

Chrysippus

minor

Stoic philosopher referenced on the nature of virtue.

Scipio Nasica

minor

Roman senator cited as an example of moral judgment.

Marcus Antoninus

minor

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher referenced on self-command.

Grotius

minor

Dutch jurist and philosopher cited on natural law and morality.

Eumenes

minor

Also known as The brave Eumenes

Macedonian general used as an example of loyalty and courage.

Mr. John Smith

minor

Also known as John

Hypothetical individual used in examples of moral reasoning.