Last Reviewed on June 19, 2019, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 142

The Characters of Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy are largely Boethius himself, as well as Lady Philosophy, who consoles him as he approaches his death, and God, who is discussed throughout the book. Boethius was imprisoned on charges of treason, and he evaluates the worth of his life now that he has fallen from his position of prestige to prison. He converses with Lady Philosophy, who offers opposing views to his hopeless thoughts. He questions how an all-powerful God could allow something like this to happen; they discuss free will and the ability and power of change. Boethius feels that his dedication and commitment to his work should have spared him such a fate; Lady Philosophy counters that he cannot find happiness and fulfillment in such an external venture, and that he must try to find happiness and peace now, within himself.