Pseudolus: Analysis of Major Characters
"Pseudolus" is a comedic play by the Roman playwright Plautus that features a cast of characters intricately involved in a clever scheme to win love and fortune. Central to the narrative is Pseudolus, a resourceful slave and servant of Simo, who embarks on a mission to secure the freedom of Phoenicium, the beloved of Simo's son, Calidorus. As the story unfolds, Pseudolus uses his cunning and wit to outsmart various characters, including his master Simo, a tightfisted Athenian gentleman, and Ballio, the unscrupulous procurer who owns Phoenicium.
Calidorus, the lovesick son, is desperate to rescue his sweetheart, while Phoenicium remains a pawn in the schemes of the men around her. The plot thickens with the introduction of Simia, another servant who aids Pseudolus by impersonating the real messenger, Harpax, which ultimately leads to Ballio's downfall. The interplay between these characters highlights themes of deception, loyalty, and the pursuit of love, all set against the backdrop of Roman society's complexities. This engaging tale offers insight into human motivations and the lengths one will go to for love and freedom.
Pseudolus: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Plautus
Genre: Play
Locale: Athens
Plot: Comedy
Time: Late third century b.c.e.
Pseudolus (SEW-duh-luhs), Simo's servant. When he learns that Calidorus'slave-girl sweetheart, Phoenicium, is to be sold, Pseudolus promises to trick Simo out of enough money to purchase her. The slave brazenly tells Simo of his plan and goads the old man into promising to pay for the girl if Pseudolus can get her away from her owner, Ballio. By substituting Simia for the real messenger, the wily slave succeeds in duping Ballio and wins the slave girl for Calidorus free of charge.
Simo (SIH-moh), an Athenian gentleman, Calidorus' father and Pseudolus' owner. Forewarned by his clever servant, the tightfisted old man is tricked nevertheless, but his bet with Ballio keeps him from losing any money.
Ballio (BA-lee-oh), a procurer, the owner of Phoenicium. Although he has been warned by Simo, the hard-hearted procurer is tricked by clever Pseudolus; he loses his slave girl to Calidorus and twenty minae to Simo.
Calidorus (ka-lih-DOH-ruhs), the lovesick son of Simo.
Phoenicium (fee-NEE-see-uhm), Ballio's slave girl and the sweetheart of Calidorus.
Harpax (HAHR-paks), the real messenger of the Macedonian officer who has made the initial payment for the purchase of Phoenicium.
Simia (SIH-mee-uh), the servant of one of Calidorus' friends. He impersonates Harpax and tricks Ballio.