Encolpius

Encolpius (ehn-KOHL-pee-uhs), the narrator, who despises the artificiality of rhetoric and the poor preparation of his students. He goes off on a series of roguish adventures.

Agamemnon

Agamemnon (a-guh-MEHM-non), a teacher who agrees with Encolpius that students are ill-prepared. He places all the blame on parents who do not force their children to study.

Gito

Gito (GI-toh), Encolpius’ young slave. A handsome boy, he is by turns upset and happy because of the amorous attentions of Ascyltus. He deserts his master for Ascyltus’ service for a time.

Ascyltus

Ascyltus (as-KIHL-tuhs), Encolpius’ friend and companion on many of his adventures.

Lycurgus

Lycurgus (li-KUR-guhs), a rich man and a friend of Ascyltus.

Lichas

Lichas (LI-kuhs), a rich friend of Lycurgus. Completely taken with Encolpius, Lichas invites him and Gito to his house.

Doris

Doris, Lichas’ beautiful wife, to whom Encolpius makes love.

Tryphaena

Tryphaena (tri-FEE-nuh), a beautiful, amoral woman of Lichas’ household who makes love to both Encolpius and Gito. When they tire of her, she spitefully accuses them of making improper advances to her, and they have to flee from Lichas’ house.

Trimalchio

Trimalchio (trih-MAHL-kee-oh), a former slave who is now rich. He is unused to wealth and is very vulgar. He makes a great show of his riches to impress both himself and other people. He gives an elaborate, ostentatious banquet for which his name is still remembered.

Niceros

Niceros (NI-seh-ros), a freedman who tells a tale about a man who turns into a wolf.

Eumolpus

Eumolpus (yew-MOHL-puhs), a poet who becomes Encolpius’ friend and shares in some of his escapades.

Circe

Circe (SUR-see), a woman to whom Encolpius tries to make love.