Dicaeopolis

Dicaeopolis (dih-kee-AH-poh-lihs) is an Athenian farmer, whose name translates to "honest citizen." He is a sharp, practical individual who has grown weary of the pretenses propagated under the guise of patriotism. He longs for peace with the Spartans, even at great personal cost. Despite his loyalty to Athens, he perceives that the Spartans are not solely responsible for the woes afflicting his homeland. Frustrated by the assembly’s unwillingness to entertain peace negotiations, he independently strikes a truce and opens a marketplace for Athens' foes to trade. When confronted by a chorus of Acharnian charcoal burners who brand him a traitor, he passionately defends the pursuit of peace. Near the play's conclusion, his wisdom is highlighted as he prepares for the Feast of the Cups with two courtesans, contrasting sharply with the militaristic Lamachus, who readies himself for battle.

Lamachus

Lamachus (LA-muh-kuhs) is a general resolute in his intention to combat the Spartans to the bitter end. Known for his boastfulness, his bravado is ultimately undermined when he incurs injuries not from enemy hands but from an unfortunate leap over a ditch.

Euripides

Euripides (yew-RIH-pih-deez), the tragic poet, plays a pivotal role in aiding Dicaeopolis. He provides him with the rags of Telephus, one of the most pitiful characters from his tragedies, to evoke the sympathy of the Acharnians for Dicaeopolis’ peace plea. Dicaeopolis borrows not only the rags but also other items like a beggar’s staff and a battered cup, leaving Euripides to lament the loss of materials adequate for an entire play.

Amphitheus

Amphitheus (am-FIH-thih-uhs) claims immortality yet is ironically afflicted by hunger due to wartime scarcities. He is instrumental in negotiating a truce with the Spartans on behalf of Dicaeopolis, highlighting his resourcefulness despite personal hardships.

A Megarian

A Megarian, hailing from a city allied with Sparta, is similarly plagued by famine. In a desperate attempt to survive, he opts to trade his daughters, disguised as pigs, for garlic and salt with Dicaeopolis. This transaction gives rise to a humorous and risqué exchange between them.

A Boeotian

A Boeotian trader engages in barter with Dicaeopolis, exchanging his goods for Nicharus, an Athenian informer. This interaction underscores the opportunistic nature of wartime commerce.

A Husbandman and a Bridesmaid

A husbandman and a bridesmaid approach Dicaeopolis in search of his precious balm of peace. The husbandman is denied, but the bridesmaid’s plea, rooted in keeping a bride's husband home from war, resonates with Dicaeopolis. He empathetically grants her request, asserting that women should not bear the brunt of wartime sacrifices.

The Chorus of Acharnian Elders

The chorus of Acharnian elders consists of veterans who valiantly fought at Marathon. They are incensed to find Dicaeopolis celebrating a Bacchic sacrifice after securing his truce. These elders have endured Spartan raids and initially exhibit zero tolerance for pacifism. However, Dicaeopolis, clad in the attire procured from Euripides, delivers a compelling argument for peace that divides their opinion, preventing any action against him.

An Ambassador

An ambassador, back from a diplomatic mission to Persia, presents Pseudartabas, allegedly an envoy from the Persian king, alongside two Athenians masquerading as eunuchs. This diplomatic farce highlights the absurdity of political posturing.

Pseudartabas

Pseudartabas (sew-DAHR-teh-buhs), known as the King’s Eye, feigns delivering a message to Dicaeopolis from the Persian monarch. His involvement symbolizes the deceptive nature of international relations.

Theorus

Theorus (thee-OH-ruhs), an envoy dispatched to Thrace, returns proudly announcing the arrival of a ragtag group he claims to be the Odomanti, Thrace’s fiercest warriors, ready to support Athens. Dicaeopolis is unimpressed by Theorus’ pretentiousness and hollow boasts.