The Persian Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Persian Boy" focuses on the life of Bagoas, a young Persian eunuch who serves as the narrator and central character. His journey begins with tragedy; he is betrayed and sold into slavery, eventually becoming the beloved companion of Alexander the Great. The novel explores Bagoas's complex relationship with Alexander, emphasizing the themes of love and power dynamics within their companionship. Alexander, depicted as a brilliant yet emotionally needy warrior, finds solace in Bagoas's affections while grappling with his ambitions and insecurities. The narrative also introduces other key figures, such as Hephaestion, Alexander’s close Macedonian lover, and Darius, the jaded Persian king. Each character brings their own complexities and motivations, contributing to the intricate interplay of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural intersections during Alexander's conquests. Through these relationships, the novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the human experience amidst historical upheaval.
The Persian Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mary Renault
First published: 1972
Genre: Novel
Locale: Persia, India, Egypt, and Arabia
Plot: Historical
Time: 330–323 b.c.e.
Bagoas, the title character and narrator of the novel, which is based on the life of Alexander the Great. The son of a minor Persian nobleman who is betrayed to his enemies and brutally killed, he is sold because of his beauty at the age of ten, castrated, then resold to a gem dealer in Susa. Purchased at the age of thirteen by an agent of Darius, he becomes the Persian king's favorite and remains in his service until Darius is deposed and killed. A Persian lord takes Bagoas to Alexander by way of a peace offering, after which Bagoas becomes Alexander's closest personal companion and partner in love. Because he has been made a eunuch, Bagoas never reaches a man's full stature, but he is well matched to Alexander's shorter-than-average height. Although he is much resented by Alexander's squires, he makes himself useful as an interpreter of Persian customs for his Greek master.
Alexander of Macedon, later called Alexander the Great, the conqueror of Asia and son of Philip II. Not much more than twenty years old when Bagoas comes into his service, he already has conquered Asia Minor and is deep in Persian territory. Although he is a fearless warrior and a brilliant leader, he has, without knowing it, long needed the love Bagoas gives him. The key to Alexander's character, as interpreted by the author, is the need for love: from cities, from armies, and from captured enemies. This need lays him open to false friends but renders him a sympathetic character. Alexander may need love, but he is quick to anger and never forgives a betrayal. His role model is the romanticized Persian king Cyrus described in Xenophon's Cyropaedia. This penchant for Persian ways and the tutelage of his Persian boy Bagoas make Alexander sympathetic to the Persian world that he is conquering.
Hephaestion (heh-FI-stee-ehn), Alexander's Macedonian lover and companion. He is so close to Alexander at the beginning of the novel as to consider himself Alexander's other self. He yields place to Alexander's new favorite, Bagoas; it was customary for a maturing youth such as Alexander to take a younger male lover. Older and taller than Alexander, he remains his closest Macedonian friend. There is a truce between Bagoas and Hephaestion for Alexander's sake. When Hephaestion dies of fever in Ekbatana late in the novel, Alexander becomes wild with grief and gives his friend a spectacular funeral.
Artabazos, a white-haired Persian nobleman in his nineties, Darius' last loyal supporter. He surrenders to Alexander in Hyrcania and is treated as his age, rank, and loyalty merit.
Ptolemy (TAHL-eh-mee), Alexander's bastard half brother, who is some ten years his elder but who has been one of his intimates since childhood. Now one of Alexander's Macedonian generals, he will inherit the Egyptian portion of Alexander's empire and write an account of his conquests.
Krateros, a man who becomes one of Alexander's Macedonian generals and a key member of his inner circle of command. He is given charge of the Macedonian veterans to lead them home at the end of Alexander's campaigns in the East and is appointed regent of Macedonia.
Darius, the Great King of Persia, Bagoas' master until deposed and assassinated near the Caspian Gates. A man jaded with too much pleasure but unwilling to put it by, he is gracious and kindly to Bagoas but emotionally detached, neither offering nor demanding love. A cowardly leader in war, he is overshadowed in every way by his adversary and successor Alexander.
Oxarthes, the brother of the defeated Darius. He is enrolled among the Companions of Alexander. One of the fair-haired Persians, he is taller and more handsome than any of the Macedonians.
Oxhead, or Bucephalus (byew-SEH-fuh-luhs), Alexander's beloved black warhorse. He is a year younger than his master and lovingly cared for until his death. Alexander names a city for him (Bucephala) in India, near the place of his death.
Peritas, a tall hunting dog belonging to Alexander. Peritas is his close companion while on campaign. When he dies, Alexander names a city (Perita) in his memory.
Roxane, Alexander's Eastern wife, the daughter of Oxartes, chief of Sogdiana. Only sixteen years old when she catches Alexander's eye, she is married in part for political reasons, but her acerbity of temper suggests to Bagoas the character of Alexander's mother, Olympias. She is not often visited by Alexander, who prefers the company of Bagoas (she tries to poison him). At the time of Alexander's death, she is pregnant with his child.