The Satyricon: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Satyricon: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics of various characters within the satirical narrative attributed to Petronius. At the forefront is Encolpius, the narrator, whose disdain for the superficial aspects of rhetoric and education drives him into a series of adventurous escapades. Accompanying him is Agamemnon, a teacher who shares Encolpius’ frustrations with ill-prepared students and implicates their parents in the educational decline. The young slave Gito adds complexity to the story through his shifting loyalties between Encolpius and his friend Ascyltus, who is also a companion on many of Encolpius' journeys.
Other notable characters include Trimalchio, a former slave turned ostentatious wealthy man, whose lavish banquets highlight the absurdity of newly acquired wealth. Lichas, a wealthy associate of Lycurgus, and his amoral wife Doris, alongside the seductive Tryphaena, contribute to the themes of desire and betrayal in the narrative. Additionally, Eumolpus, a poet and friend of Encolpius, exemplifies the artistic pursuits of the era, while Niceros adds a tale of transformation with his account of a man turning into a wolf. Together, these characters weave a rich tapestry reflecting the social commentary and human experiences of ancient Rome.
The Satyricon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Petronius
Genre: Short fiction
Locale: Italy
Plot: Satire
Time: First century
Encolpius (ehn-KOHL-pee-uhs), the narrator, who despises the artificiality of rhetoric and the poor preparation of his students. He goes off on a series of roguish adventures.
Agamemnon (a-guh-MEHM-non), a teacher who agrees with Encolpius that students are ill-prepared. He places all the blame on parents who do not force their children to study.
Gito (GI-toh), Encolpius' young slave. A handsome boy, he is by turns upset and happy because of the amorous attentions of Ascyltus. He deserts his master for Ascyltus' service for a time.
Ascyltus (as-KIHL-tuhs), Encolpius' friend and companion on many of his adventures.
Lycurgus (li-KUR-guhs), a rich man and a friend of Ascyltus.
Lichas (LI-kuhs), a rich friend of Lycurgus. Completely taken with Encolpius, Lichas invites him and Gito to his house.
Doris, Lichas' beautiful wife, to whom Encolpius makes love.
Tryphaena (tri-FEE-nuh), a beautiful, amoral woman of Lichas' household who makes love to both Encolpius and Gito. When they tire of her, she spitefully accuses them of making improper advances to her, and they have to flee from Lichas' house.
Trimalchio (trih-MAHL-kee-oh), a former slave who is now rich. He is unused to wealth and is very vulgar. He makes a great show of his riches to impress both himself and other people. He gives an elaborate, ostentatious banquet for which his name is still remembered.
Niceros (NI-seh-ros), a freedman who tells a tale about a man who turns into a wolf.
Eumolpus (yew-MOHL-puhs), a poet who becomes Encolpius' friend and shares in some of his escapades.
Circe (SUR-see), a woman to whom Encolpius tries to make love.