Characters
Pyrocles
Pyrocles (PI-rohk-leez), the Prince of Macedon, embarks on a quest for justice alongside his cousin Musidorus, engaging in numerous adventures across various lands. Upon reaching Arcadia, Pyrocles falls deeply in love with a portrait of Princess Philoclea. To be close to her, he adopts the guise of an Amazon warrior named Zelmane. His disguise complicates matters when both of Philoclea's parents become enamored with his alter ego, causing him much inner turmoil.
Musidorus
Musidorus (mew-sih-DOH-ruhs), the steadfast cousin and ally of Pyrocles, holds the title of Prince of Thessalia. Assuming the identity of Dorus, a humble shepherd, he strategically courts the not-so-attractive Mopsa. This guise allows him to pursue the esteemed Princess Pamela, whom he eventually persuades to elope with him, revealing his dedication and strategic acumen.
Basilius
Basilius (beh-SIH-lih-uhs) is the reigning monarch of Arcadia. Fearing a dire prophecy, he retreats with his Queen and daughters to the countryside. Despite efforts to avert the predicted doom, he succumbs to an inappropriate affection for Zelmane, his daughter's companion, thereby compromising his regal dignity and age.
Gynecia
Gynecia (jih-NEE-shih-uh), the youthful wife of Basilius, grapples with intense feelings of desire and jealousy towards Pyrocles, whom she correctly identifies beneath his Zelmane disguise. Her turmoil is amplified by resentment over his attention to Philoclea. Her passion is eventually extinguished following a near-fatal incident involving a love potion meant for Zelmane but almost consumed by her husband.
Pamela
Pamela, the dignified and composed elder daughter of Basilius and Gynecia, faces the courtship of Musidorus with resilience. Her eventual acceptance of his love illustrates her capacity for measured judgment and susceptibility to genuine affection.
Philoclea
Philoclea (fih-lohk-LEE-uh), characterized by her gentleness and compliance, is Pamela's younger sister. She quickly reciprocates the affection of Pyrocles, yet she lacks her sister's fortitude when confronting adversities, showcasing a contrast between the siblings' temperaments.
Amphialus
Amphialus (am-FI-eh-luhs), the valiant nephew of Basilius, becomes embroiled in a treacherous scheme at the behest of his ambitious mother, Cecropia. Driven by both filial loyalty and his love for Philoclea, he kidnaps the princesses and challenges the Arcadian throne. Despite his regret over the bloodshed caused, Amphialus remains unable to curb his combative instincts.
Cecropia
Cecropia (seek-ROH-pih-uh), the manipulative and power-hungry mother of Amphialus, harbors a deep-seated animosity towards her brother Basilius. She relentlessly propels her son toward usurping the throne of Arcadia, demonstrating her ruthless ambition.
Philanax
Philanax (fih-LA-naks), the sagacious and principled regent of Arcadia, exercises authority with a blend of insight and integrity, earning respect throughout the realm.
Dametas
Dametas (day-MEE-tuhs), assigned as Pamela's guardian, is an arrogant and simple-minded shepherd. His role, although significant in rank, is often overshadowed by his foolish demeanor.
Miso
Miso (MI-soh), the sharp-witted and envious spouse of Dametas, navigates her domestic sphere with a sharp tongue, exemplifying her contentious nature.
Mopsa
Mopsa (MOP-suh), their unattractive daughter, inadvertently becomes a pivotal figure in the romance between Musidorus and Pamela. Her lack of intelligence serves as a convenient distraction, assisting the couple's clandestine courtship.
Argalus
Argalus (AHR-guh-luhs), an honorable young noble, epitomizes loyalty and valor. Devoted to both his beloved wife Parthenia and his royal cousins, Pamela and Philoclea, he sacrifices his life defending their inheritance against Amphialus.
Parthenia
Parthenia (pahr-THEE-nih-uh), the graceful and courageous wife of Argalus, displays unwavering devotion. Overcome with grief after her husband's demise, she engages Amphialus in combat, choosing death over a life without Argalus.
Demagoras
Demagoras (deh-MA-guh-ruhs) harbors deep vengeance after being spurned by Parthenia, his feelings of rejection fueling his bitter nature.
Evarchus
Evarchus (eh-VAHR-kuhs), King of Macedon and father of Pyrocles, presides over the trial following...
(This entire section contains 1380 words.)
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Basilius' presumed death. Confronted with the harsh reality of condemning his own kin, he remains steadfast in his commitment to justice, prioritizing the law over personal anguish.
Helen
Helen, the Queen of Corinth, is captivated by Amphialus, to the extent of pursuing him obsessively. Her infatuation leads her to nurse his injuries after his duel with Musidorus, highlighting her perseverance and romantic idealism.
Philoxenus
Philoxenus (fih-lehk-ZEE-nuhs), suitor to Queen Helen, is consumed by jealousy over her affection for his foster brother, Amphialus. This envy culminates in a fatal duel where he meets his end, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked rivalry.
Timotheus
Timotheus (tih-MOH-thih-uhs) is the father of Philoxenus, whose familial bonds are tested by his son's tragic death.
Kalander
Kalander (kah-LAN-dur), a benevolent Arcadian nobleman, extends hospitality to Musidorus following the latter's shipwreck ordeal, demonstrating his compassion and generosity.
Clitophon
Clitophon (KLI-tuh-fon) is the son of Kalander, involved in the unfolding events through his familial connections.
Ismenus
Ismenus (ihs-MEE-nuhs), the devoted squire to Amphialus, ultimately sacrifices his life in combat against Philanax, underscoring his loyalty and valor.
Phalantus
Phalantus (fuh-LAN-tuhs), a Corinthian knight, is swayed by his self-centered lady to champion her beauty in a contest. His defeat leads to her scorn, yet he remains a pivotal figure in the beauty contest narrative.
Artesia
Artesia (ahr-TEE-shih-uh), Phalantus’ haughty mistress, dismisses him post-defeat. She later becomes a pawn in Cecropia’s machinations against Basilius, ultimately meeting a grim fate through execution.
The King of Paphlagonia
The King of Paphlagonia (pa-fluh-GOH-nee-uh), serves as an archetype for Shakespeare’s Gloucester in King Lear. Betrayed and blinded by his illegitimate offspring, he is eventually rescued by his more virtuous progeny.
Leonatus
Leonatus (lee-uh-NAY-tuhs), the loyal son of the King of Paphlagonia, epitomizes filial devotion, aiding his father during his tribulations.
Plexirtus
Plexirtus (plehk-SUR-tuhs), the illegitimate usurper, conspires to eliminate his virtuous sibling, representing the theme of familial betrayal.
Tydeus
Tydeus (TI-dih-uhs), an affiliate of Plexirtus, plays a supporting role in the political intrigue and familial conflict that characterize the Paphlagonian narrative.
Telenor
Telenor (teh-LEE-nur), another ally of Plexirtus, similarly becomes embroiled in the power struggles, reflecting the turbulent factionalism of the era.
Erona
Erona (eh-ROH-nuh), a Lydian princess, defies her father’s authority to wed her nurse’s son, illustrating themes of romantic defiance and the social upheaval it can inspire.
Antiphilus
Antiphilus (an-TIH-fih-luhs), Erona's spouse, displays selfishness and treachery, manifesting his duplicitous nature within their union.
Tiridates
Tiridates (ti-rih-DAY-teez), the merciless king of Armenia, jilted by Erona, his unrequited passion fuels his ruthless demeanor.
Artaxia
Artaxia (ahr-TAK-sih-uh), sister and successor to Tiridates, inherits the throne, continuing the legacy of power and authority her brother established.
Plangus
Plangus (PLAN-guhs), the son of the Iberian king, faces turmoil after an ill-fated liaison with a married woman. Upon returning to find her married to his father, he seeks sanctuary in Arcadia, underscoring themes of betrayal and redemption.
Andromana
Andromana (an-DROH-muh-nuh), Plangus' indulgent stepmother, further complicates his familial relationships, highlighting the intricacies of courtly life and alliances.
Pamphilus
Pamphilus (PAM-fih-luhs), a knight infamous for his cruelty towards women, his actions painting a dark portrait of knightly conduct and its consequences.
Dido
Dido (DI-doh), one of Pamphilus' victims, exemplifies the suffering inflicted by his callousness, shedding light on the plight of women victimized by such figures.
Chremes
Chremes (KRAY-meez), the parsimonious father of Dido, whose frugality and miserliness affect his familial relationships.
Palladius
Palladius (puh-LA-dih-uhs), the half-brother of Plangus, experiences the curse of ill-fated love, his name adopted by Musidorus during his own exploits.
Zelmane
Zelmane (zehl-MAY-nee), Palladius' beloved, harbors deep affection for Pyrocles. She follows him in the guise of a page, driven by her unwavering dedication until her demise.
Clinias
Clinias (KLIH-nih-uhs), a cunning and eloquent shepherd in service to Cecropia, embodies the archetype of the clever subordinate, navigating the plots and schemes of higher powers.
Anaxius
Anaxius (eh-NAK-shih-uhs), a formidable and towering knight, fights valiantly for Amphialus’ cause, epitomizing the might of martial prowess.
Zoilus
Zoilus (ZOY-luhs), a warrior who assumes leadership of Amphialus’ forces with his sibling Lycurgus after Amphialus is incapacitated, showcasing familial solidarity in times of crisis.
Lycurgus
Lycurgus (li-KUR-guhs), along with Zoilus, sustains the fight in Amphialus' name, exemplifying brotherly alliance and military strategy.
Timautus
Timautus (tih-MOH-tuhs), an ambitious noble, attempts to unseat Philanax, reflecting the themes of ambition and political maneuvering.
Sympathus
Sympathus (SIHM-puh-thuhs), an articulate advocate for Philanax, counters the political aspirations of Timautus with eloquence and reason.
Kalodulus
Kalodulus (kuh-LOH-joo-luhs), a steadfast ally of Musidorus, symbolizes unyielding friendship and loyalty amidst trials.
Dorilaus
Dorilaus (doh-rih-LAY-uhs), the father of Musidorus, meets his end in battle, a testament to the era's brutal conflicts and the personal losses they incur.
