Daphnis and Chloë: Analysis of Major Characters
"Daphnis and Chloë" is a pastoral novel that centers around two main characters, Daphnis and Chloë, who are found and raised by different foster parents in an idyllic setting. Daphnis is discovered as an infant by Lamo, a goatherd, and later learns about his noble lineage as the son of Dionysophanes. Chloë, on the other hand, is found by Dryas, a shepherd, and is revealed to be the daughter of Megacles. Their love story is complicated by various suitors and adversities, including attempts by other characters like Dorco and Lampis to win Chloë's affection. Daphnis's journey to declare his love for Chloë is tied to his quest for financial independence, symbolized by the need to find a purse of silver. Alongside them are significant supporting characters, such as Lamo's wife Myrtale, who hides important artifacts related to Daphnis, and Lycaenium, who teaches Daphnis about love. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations within a rich, pastoral context. The interplay between the characters illuminates the challenges inherent in their romantic pursuits and personal developments.
Daphnis and Chloë: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Longus
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Island of Lesbos
Plot: Pastoral
Time: Indefinite
Daphnis (DAF-nihs), found as a baby by Lamo and reared by him. Though finally discovering that he loves Chloë, Daphnis is unable to ask for her in marriage until he finds a purse of silver. He is discovered to be Philopoemen, lost son of Dionysophanes.
Chloë (KLOH-ee), found as an infant girl by Dryas in the Cave of the Nymphs, on Lesbos. She is discovered to be Agele, the daughter of Megacles.
Lamo (LA-moh), a goatherd of Lesbos and the foster father of Daphnis.
Myrtale (MIHR-tuh-lee), his wife, who hides the purple cloak and ivory dagger found with Daphnis.
Dryas (DRI-uhs), a shepherd and the foster father of Chloë.
Nape (NA-pee), his wife, who brings up Chloë.
Dorco (DOHR-koh), a fisherman who wants to marry Chloë and tries to kidnap her. He later saves Daphnis after he has been captured by pirates.
Lampis (LAM-pihs), another suitor of Chloë, who steals her.
Gnatho (NA-thoh), Astylus' parasite, who rescues Chloë.
The Methymneans (meh-THIHM-nee-ehns), who carry off Chloë but, frightened by Pan, return her.
Lycaenium (li-SEE-nee-uhm), a woman who teaches love to Daphnis.
Megacles (MEH-gehk-leez), of Mitylene, the father of Chloë.
Dionysophanes (di-oh-nih-SO-fuh-neez), owner of Lamo and the father of Daphnis.
Astylus (as-TI-luhs), the son of Dionysophanes and the young master of Lamo.
Eudromus (yew-DROH-muhs), Astylus' page.