Palamede

Palamede (pah-lah-MEH-dee) is a courtier who initially finds himself bound by his father’s command to wed Melantha. Despite this obligation, he develops feelings for Doralice, the wife of Rhodophil, and openly professes his love for her. However, when Doralice reconciles with her husband, Palamede shifts his attention back to Melantha, and they mutually agree upon marriage.

Rhodophil

Rhodophil (ROH-doh-fihl) serves as the captain of the King’s Guard. Though married to Doralice, his desires gravitate towards Melantha. The pressure from Palamede’s father, who insists on an immediate marriage between Palamede and Melantha, prompts Rhodophil to mend his relationship with Doralice. Subsequently, both Rhodophil and Palamede pledge to honor the sanctity of each other's marriages, respecting each other's wives.

Doralice

Doralice (doh-rah-lees) is the wife of Rhodophil. Her allure captivates Palamede, who declares his affection for her. Nonetheless, her marriage to Rhodophil endures through reconciliation, which ultimately prompts Palamede to redirect his romantic aspirations.

Melantha

Melantha (meh-LAN-thuh) is the woman Palamede is destined to marry. She also attracts the attention of Rhodophil, who harbors a desire for her despite his own marital commitments. In the end, it is Palamede who wins her heart and hand in marriage.

Polydamus

Polydamus (po-lee-DAM-uhs) is the usurper of the Sicilian throne. His quest to find his long-lost son leads him to accept Leonidas, whom Hermogenes convinces him is his heir. Polydamus acknowledges Leonidas and welcomes Palmyra, the youth's foster sister, into his family. Eventually, the revelation that Leonidas is the true heir compels Polydamus to surrender the throne. The new king, Leonidas, generously forgives Polydamus, who then facilitates the union of Leonidas and Palmyra, now revealed as his own daughter.

Hermogenes

Hermogenes (hurm-AH-jeh-neez) is a humble fisherman who assumes the role of guardian to Leonidas and Palmyra, raising them as his own children. His belief in Leonidas’s noble lineage plays a pivotal part in the young man's eventual ascension to kingship.

Leonidas

Leonidas (lee-o-NIH-duhs), originally raised as Hermogenes’ child, is the rightful heir to the Sicilian throne. His royal lineage is ultimately uncovered, enabling him to reclaim his birthright from the usurper Polydamus. With his true identity recognized, he not only assumes the throne but also marries Palmyra, consolidating his rule.

Palmyra

Palmyra (pahl-MIHR-ah) is raised alongside Leonidas under the care of Hermogenes. She is later revealed to be the daughter of Polydamus. This revelation paves the way for her marriage to Leonidas, the legitimate king, further intertwining the fates of the two families.

Argaleon

Argaleon (AHR-gah-LEE-ohn) is a favored courtier of Polydamus, who harbors ambitions of marrying Palmyra. He schemes to have Leonidas exiled to clear his path, yet his plans are thwarted by the revelations of Leonidas’s true heritage and rightful claim to the throne.

Amalthea

Amalthea (am-al-THEE-ah) is the sister of Argaleon, deeply in love with Leonidas. Her affections complicate her brother’s ambitious endeavors as the political landscape shifts under the revelation of Leonidas’s true identity.

Philotis

Philotis (fihl-OH-tihs) serves as Melantha’s loyal maid. She aids Melantha amidst the romantic and political entanglements surrounding her mistress's impending marriage with Palamede.

Eubulus

Eubulus (EE-ew-bew-luhs), a former governor, plays a crucial role in unveiling the true lineage of Leonidas to Palmyra. His revelation is instrumental in the restoration of the rightful heir to the Sicilian throne.