The Rope: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Rope: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a rich tapestry of character dynamics set against a backdrop of love, loss, and reunion. Central to the narrative is Daemones, an elderly Athenian whose life is marked by exile due to his generous nature and the profound sorrow of being separated from his daughter, Palaestra. Palaestra's journey is fraught with peril after being kidnapped and sold to the procurer Labrax, leading her to a series of dramatic events including a shipwreck. This shipwreck ultimately brings her back to her father, culminating in a joyous reunion when their identities are revealed through personal trinkets. Labrax, the procurer, represents the darker aspects of society, driven by greed and the harsh realities of slavery, while Plesidippus embodies the hopeful pursuit of love, as he aspires to marry Palaestra. Other characters, such as Charmides, Ampelisca, Trachalio, and Gripus, contribute to the unfolding drama and themes of loyalty and servitude. This character analysis highlights the interplay between personal agency and external circumstances, inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of each character's journey.
The Rope: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Plautus
Genre: Play
Locale: Cyrene, in Libya
Plot: Comedy
Time: Late third century or early second centuryb.c.e.
Daemones (DEE-muh-nehz), an elderly and kindly Athenian spending his last years in exile because of debts incurred through his excessive generosity. His sorrows are increased by the absence of his daughter Palaestra, stolen from him years before and sold to the procurer Labrax. A series of coincidences finally brings father and daughter face to face, reveals their identities to each other, and unites all in a joyful celebration.
Palaestra (pah-LEHS-truh), Daemones' daughter, who had been kidnapped and sold to the procurer Labrax. On the way to Sicily to be resold by her master, she is shipwrecked and cast ashore near the house of Daemones. Seeking shelter in the temple of Venus, she is set upon by Labrax, who has been washed up from the sea and is determined to recover his slave. After her rescue by Daemones, her identity is established by trinkets from Labrax's wallet. She is received with joy by her long-lost father and betrothed to Plesidippus.
Labrax (LA-braks), a procurer who buys the kidnapped child Palaestra. On the way to Sicily to resell his slave, he is shipwrecked and loses sight of her when she gets ashore in a boat. Later, when her identity is established by trinkets from his wallet, he is forced to relinquish her on the grounds that she had been born free.
Plesidippus (pleh-sih-DIH-puhs), a young man in love with Palaestra and finally betrothed to her.
Charmides (KAHR-mih-deez), a cohort of Labrax.
Ampelisca (am-peh-LIHS-kuh), a slave girl shipwrecked and rescued with Palaestra.
Trachalio (truh-KAY-lee-oh), Plesidippus' servant.
Gripus (GRI-puhs), Daemones' servant.