Characters
Timon
Timon (TI-muhn), a noble Athenian, squandered his wealth through relentless generosity towards his companions. Despite numerous warnings from his loyal steward, Flavius, about his dwindling fortune, Timon persisted in hosting lavish feasts and providing aid to those in distress. However, when he fell into financial ruin and sought assistance, he found himself abandoned by those he had once supported. This betrayal drove Timon to renounce humanity, retreating into the wilderness to live as a misanthrope. Before departing, he invited his supposed friends to a final banquet, serving them only bowls of water, symbolizing their empty friendship. Discovering a hidden cache of gold, he used it to further his disdain for mankind, supporting Alcibiades’ attack on Athens. Timon’s epitaph serves as a final act of defiance against humanity's ingratitude: “Pass by, and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here thy gait.”
Alcibiades
Alcibiades (al-sih-BI-uh-deez) is a distinguished Athenian general and a friend of Timon. Known for defending his state, he was exiled by the senate after attempting to save one of his soldiers from execution. Resentful of the city’s betrayal, he later returned with an army to exact revenge, purging the city of its corruption.
Flavius
Flavius (FLAY-vee-uhs), Timon's faithful steward, repeatedly cautioned his master about the imminent financial disaster but was ignored. When creditors began to swarm, Flavius attempted to fend them off, remaining the sole virtuous figure around Timon. Despite Timon's suspicion that Flavius might also betray him, Flavius followed him into exile, offering money and companionship. Timon, still skeptical, sent him away with funds, advising him to avoid society.
Apemantus
Apemantus (ap-eh-MAN-tuhs) is a self-proclaimed misanthrope who roams Athens, criticizing its citizens and their frivolities. He encounters Timon in the wilderness, seeing him as a kindred spirit, but Timon rejects his company, pointing out that Apemantus lacks the experience of betrayal, having never extended kindness to others.
Lucullus
Lucullus (lew-KUHL-uhs) is one of the Athenian lords who gladly accepted Timon's generosity but refused to aid him when he faced financial ruin. When Timon's servant Flaminius approached him for help, Lucullus attempted to bribe him into lying about their encounter. His hypocrisy was exposed when Flaminius denounced him and returned his bribe.
Lucius
Lucius (LEW-shee-uhs) is another Athenian lord who benefited from Timon's gifts but declined to help when Timon was in dire need. Despite claiming he would have supported Timon, Lucius excused himself, citing supposed financial constraints. His duplicity continued as he later demanded repayment of a debt from Timon.
Sempronius
Sempronius (sem-PROH-nee-uhs) joined the ranks of Athenian lords who deserted Timon. When approached for assistance, he complained about being the last to be asked for help and refused aid, despite having been one of Timon's first benefactors.
A Poet
The poet, alongside other craftsmen, thrived on Timon's patronage, vanishing when his fortune faded. On hearing rumors of Timon's new wealth, they sought him out in the wilderness. Yet, their greed met Timon's wrath, as he saw through their hypocrisy and drove them away.
A Painter
A painter, part of the group of artists benefiting from Timon's earlier wealth, also sought him out for gold upon learning of his newfound treasure. Like the poet, he was rebuffed by Timon, who saw their visit as a mere attempt to exploit him once again.
A Merchant
The merchant, included among Timon's initial circle of flatterers, disappeared when Timon's financial situation deteriorated. His opportunistic nature aligned with the others who sought Timon's favor only when it benefited them.
A Jeweler
The jeweler, eager to sell Timon a gemstone, flattered him with promises of its enhanced value when owned...
(This entire section contains 1249 words.)
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by such a distinguished person. Like the others, he vanished when Timon faced hardships and later tried to exploit his new bounty.
Ventidius
Ventidius (vehn-TIHD-ee-uhs), once freed from prison by Timon's generosity, offered to repay his debt but was dismissed kindly. Yet, when Timon needed him, Ventidius was absent, proving as faithless as the rest of Timon's circle.
Lucilius
Lucilius (lew-SIHL-ee-uhs), a servant of Timon's, was involved in a romantic pursuit disapproved by an old Athenian. Timon's willingness to support Lucilius financially won the old man's consent, showcasing Timon's generous nature.
Flaminius
Flaminius (fluh-MIHN-ee-uhs), one of Timon's devoted servants, was sent to Lucullus seeking aid for his master. Lucullus's refusal and attempted bribery only met with Flaminius's indignation and refusal, highlighting his loyalty to Timon.
Servilius
Servilius (sur-VIHL-ee-uhs), another of Timon's servants, was tasked with appealing to Lucius for help, only to be met with empty excuses, reflecting the widespread betrayal Timon faced. Servilius's attempts to dissuade creditors from hounding Timon further underscored his dedication.
Hostilius
Hostilius (hos-TIHL-ee-uhs), a foreign observer, along with his companions, witnessed the Athenians' ingratitude toward Timon, silently condemning their betrayal.
Caphis
Caphis (KAY-fihs), a servant to an Athenian senator, was tasked with demanding repayment from Timon, marking the beginning of Timon's realization of his debts. Alongside other usurers' servants, Caphis engaged in crude humor, reflecting the corrupt state of Athens.
Titus
Titus (TI-tuhs), a servant of another creditor, participated in the crowd outside Timon's home, demanding repayment and highlighting the relentless pursuit by Timon's creditors.
Hortensius
Hortensius (horh-TEHN-shee-uhs), shamefacedly joined other servants in pressing Timon for a loan's repayment, though his master had previously benefited from Timon's generosity.
Philotus
Philotus (fi-LOH-tuhs), another servant of a creditor, was part of the group harassing Timon for debts, contributing to the mounting pressure on him.
Timandra
Timandra (ti-MAN-druh) and Phrynia, mistresses of Alcibiades, encountered Timon during his exile. Despite Timon's harsh words and suggestions to keep spreading disease, they were unperturbed, asking for gold and promising to do anything for it.
Phrynia
Phrynia (FRI-nee-uh), alongside Timandra, received Timon's gold with enthusiasm, unfazed by his insults, demonstrating their mercenary nature and disregard for honor.
Cupid
Cupid (KYEW-pihd), the deity symbolizing love, introduced a masque during one of Timon's extravagant banquets, an event showcasing Timon's former splendor and generosity.
Bandits
The bandits, hearing of Timon's newfound treasure, attempted to deceive him by posing as impoverished soldiers. Timon, well aware of their deceit, gave them gold, urging them to persist in their thievery, reflecting his disillusionment with the world.
Fool
The Fool, an unnamed jester, engaged in banter with Apemantus and the creditors' servants, offering a sardonic commentary on the corruption and vice prevalent in Athens.
Soldier
A soldier, dispatched by Alcibiades to enlist Timon's help against Athens, stumbled upon Timon's grave. Unable to decipher the epitaph, he took an imprint to Alcibiades, marking Timon's enduring influence even in death.
Strangers
The strangers, including Hostilius, were intrigued by Timon's reputation and observed the hypocrisy of Lucius, a supposed friend. Their objective perspective underscored the widespread acknowledgment of Timon's virtues, despite his downfall.
Varro's Servants
Varro's servants were among the many who besieged Timon for loan repayment, illustrating the relentless greed and lack of compassion from those who once benefited from Timon's bounty.
Masquers
Masquers were women dressed as mythical warriors, performing at Timon's banquet, a reflection of the pomp and grandeur of his past life.
Old Athenian
The old Athenian, embodying avarice, initially opposed his daughter's relationship with Lucilius due to monetary concerns, but quickly relented when Timon offered financial compensation, highlighting societal greed.
Page
An illiterate page appeared briefly, needing Apemantus's help to identify letters addressed to Timon and Alcibiades, adding a touch of humor and humility to the narrative.
Messengers
Messengers in the play conveyed critical information, such as Ventidius's imprisonment, Alcibiades's visit, and his army's approach to Athens, serving as catalysts for various plot developments.
