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Pericles, Prince of Tyre

by William Shakespeare

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Pericles

Pericles (PEHR-eh-kleez) is the intelligent and resourceful prince of Tyre. He uncovers the dark secret of King Antiochus’ incestuous desires through a riddle and realizes the danger he faces. To protect himself and his kingdom, he flees to Tarsus, bringing much-needed food for Cleon’s people. His journey is marred by a shipwreck, which casts him ashore in Pentapolis, governed by King Simonides. Here, Pericles wins a tournament and the heart of Thaisa, Simonides’ daughter. They marry, but soon circumstances separate him from his wife. After numerous trials, he is joyfully reunited with Thaisa and their daughter, Marina.

Thaisa

Thaisa (thay-IHS-uh) is the captivating daughter of King Simonides. She falls for Prince Pericles despite his shabby appearance, recognizing his valor when he emerges victorious in a tournament. They marry, and she gives birth to Marina during a storm at sea. Presumed dead, Thaisa is set adrift in a sealed casket and miraculously revived by Cerimon, a skilled healer in Ephesus. Believing Pericles lost to her, Thaisa dedicates herself to a life of chastity at the temple of Diana, where she ultimately reunites with her family.

Marina

Marina (mah-REE-nuh) is the beautiful and virtuous daughter of Pericles and Thaisa. Born during a perilous storm at sea, she is separated from her father and raised in Tharsus under the guardianship of Cleon and Dionyza. Her beauty and talents arouse Dionyza’s jealousy, who plots Marina’s death. Pirates abduct Marina, saving her from Dionyza’s scheme, only to sell her into a brothel in Mytilene. Her purity, however, transforms the establishment, frustrating Pandar and Bawd, the brothel keepers. Eventually, Marina finds a more respectable life, using her skills in singing, dancing, and teaching, and is finally reunited with her father, Pericles, and later, her mother.

Helicanus

Helicanus (hehl-ih-KAY-nuhs) is a loyal lord of Tyre and a steadfast friend to Pericles. When Pericles flees from Antiochus, Helicanus takes charge of Tyre, rejecting offers to become king himself. He remains dedicated to Pericles, accompanying him later to Tharsus and comforting him during his despair over Marina’s presumed death.

Simonides

Simonides (si-MON-eh-deez) is the wise and benevolent king of Pentapolis. Accepting his daughter Thaisa's choice, he supports her marriage to Pericles. Simonides plays a genial role in uniting Thaisa and Pericles, further endearing him as a ruler who values his subjects’ happiness.

Antiochus

Antiochus (an-TI-eh-kuhs), the king of Antioch, is a sinister ruler guilty of incest with his daughter. To protect this secret, he challenges her suitors with a lethal riddle. Pericles, solving the riddle, becomes a threat Antiochus seeks to eliminate. His viciousness is met with divine retribution when a heavenly fire consumes him and his daughter.

The daughter of King Antiochus

Equally complicit in her father's sinful conduct, Antiochus’ daughter is a tragic figure destroyed by the same divine punishment that befalls her father. Her beauty attracts suitors, but her fate is sealed by the forbidden relationship they maintain.

Cleon

Cleon (KLEE-on) is the despondent governor of Tharsus. Grateful for Pericles’ aid during a famine, he welcomes him with open arms. However, Cleon is weak and fails to stop his wife Dionyza’s malicious plot against Marina. His inaction leads to his downfall, as the citizens of Tharsus eventually kill him and Dionyza for their transgressions.

Cerimon

Cerimon (SEHR-ih-mon) is an esteemed lord and gifted healer in Ephesus. Revered for his medical prowess, he revives Thaisa when her body washes ashore in a casket. His intervention allows Thaisa to live, ultimately reuniting her with Pericles and Marina.

Dionyza

Dionyza (di-oh-NI-zuh), Cleon’s wife, is driven by envy and pettiness. Her animosity towards Marina, who outshines her own daughter,...

(This entire section contains 1322 words.)

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prompts her to plot Marina’s assassination. Her duplicitous nature disguises her intentions with false concern for Marina's wellbeing. Her treachery is avenged by the townspeople of Tharsus, who execute her and Cleon.

Dionyza’s daughter

Dionyza’s daughter is a lackluster young girl, overshadowed by Marina’s brilliance and beauty.

Lysimachus

Lysimachus (li-SIHM-uh-kuhs), the governor of Mytilene, initially encounters Marina in the brothel. Impressed by her virtue, he helps free her from Pandar and Bawd. Lysimachus later plays a pivotal role in reuniting Marina with Pericles and eventually seeks her hand in marriage, a union unexpectedly supported by Pericles.

Lychorida

Lychorida (lih-KO-rih-duh) is Marina’s devoted nurse. Present at Marina’s birth, she remains a protective figure until Dionyza orchestrates her death to further her plot against Marina.

Thaliard

Thaliard (THAL-yurd) is a lord assigned by Antiochus to assassinate Pericles. Unsuccessful in his mission due to Pericles’ timely escape, Thaliard’s failure underscores Antiochus’ ruthless attempts to silence his threat.

Leonine

Leonine (LEE-eh-nin) is Dionyza’s servant, coerced into attempting Marina’s murder. His efforts are thwarted by pirates who abduct Marina, leading him to falsely report her death to Dionyza.

Gower

Gower (GOW-ur) serves as the chorus throughout the play, guiding the audience through the unfolding narrative with insights and moral reflections.

Pandar

Pandar (PAN-dur) is the proprietor of the brothel in Mytilene, where Marina is taken. Frustrated by her resistance and impact on his business, he represents the seedy underbelly of the play’s world.

Bault

Bault works under Pandar, tasked with enforcing the brothel’s exploitative practices. Marina’s unyielding virtue challenges his efforts, eventually leading to her empowerment.

Bawd

Bawd, Pandar’s wife, co-manages the brothel in Mytilene. Her attempts to corrupt Marina fail, resulting in Marina’s relocation to a more respectable environment where her talents can flourish. Her name has become synonymous with "prostitute" or "madam."

Diana

The goddess Diana, revered for her chastity, appears to Pericles in a dream. She instructs him to recount his life’s trials at her temple in Ephesus, guiding him toward the eventual reunion with Thaisa.

Escanes

Escanes is a confidante of Helicanus, entrusted with overseeing Tyre during Pericles’ absence. His role underscores the loyalty and stability in Pericles’ circle.

Fishermen

These fishermen find Pericles after a shipwreck, engaging in philosophical discussions that reflect their simple yet profound understanding of life. They aid Pericles by providing him with armor, facilitating his entry into King Simonides’ tournament.

Gentlemen

The gentlemen in the play serve various roles, including bringing Thaisa’s casket to Cerimon and witnessing Marina’s transformative influence in Mytilene. They represent the broader societal impact of the main characters’ actions.

Knights

These knights compete against Pericles in Simonides’ tournament. Their presence highlights Pericles’ skill and fortune, both in martial prowess and in winning Thaisa’s affection.

Ladies

The ladies of Simonides’ court participate in the celebratory banquet following the tournament. They, along with a silent lady accompanying Pericles at Diana’s temple, signify the social backdrop against which the personal dramas unfold.

Lords

The various lords of Tyre and other regions illustrate the political dynamics surrounding Pericles. Their interactions with Helicanus and Cleon reveal the shifting loyalties and pressures within the play’s kingdoms.

Lychordia

Thaisa’s attendant and Marina’s nurse, Lychordia is a nurturing presence. Her murder by Dionyza marks a pivotal moment in the play’s darker turns.

Marshal

The marshal oversees the tournament in Pentapolis, contributing to the play's depiction of chivalric contest and courtly tradition.

Messengers

Messengers in the play bear critical news, such as Pericles’ flight from Antioch, advancing the plot and linking the various locations and events.

Philomen

Philomen, Cerimon’s servant, aids in the revival of Thaisa. His role, though minor, supports the miraculous turn of events at Cerimon’s household.

Pirates

The pirates, serving "the great pirate Valdes," abduct Marina, inadvertently saving her from Dionyza’s plot and setting her on a path to Mytilene and eventual redemption.

Sailors

The sailors aboard Pericles’ ship embody the perils of sea travel. Their insistence on disposing of Thaisa’s body reflects maritime superstitions and practicalities.

Servant

A servant seeking aid for his ailing master, he appears at Cerimon’s house, demonstrating the lord’s reputation and the reliance of the townsfolk on his skills.

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