"The Symposium" Characters Analysis

In Plato's philosophical dialogue, "The Symposium," a diverse group of characters comes together to discuss the nature of love. Each character brings a unique perspective to the table, contributing to the exploration of love and its various manifestations. This character analysis delves into the key players, their roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships within the text.

List of Characters

The Symposium features the following characters:

Role Identification

1. Apollodorus serves as the primary narrator, recounting the events of the symposium to an unnamed companion.
2. Aristodemus is one of the participants in the symposium, providing a first-hand account of the proceedings.
3. Phaedrus is an Athenian aristocrat who initiates the discussion on love and beauty.
4. Pausanias is a legal expert who offers a more nuanced perspective on love, distinguishing between the "common" and the "heavenly" forms.
5. Eryximachus is a physician who approaches love from a scientific and medical standpoint.
6. Aristophanes is a renowned playwright who presents a mythological explanation for the origin of love.
7. Agathon is a tragic poet and the host of the symposium, known for his beauty and eloquence.
8. Socrates is the central character and philosopher who challenges the conventional notions of love.
9. Alcibiades is an unexpected intruder who delivers a drunken speech, confessing his unrequited love for Socrates.

Character Descriptions

1. Apollodorus - A devoted follower of Socrates, Apollodorus is described as an eccentric but passionate individual who eagerly shares the details of the symposium.
2. Aristodemus - A quiet and modest individual, Aristodemus is known for his good manners and ability to recall events accurately.
3. Phaedrus - A charismatic and persuasive speaker, Phaedrus is deeply interested in the power of rhetoric and the nature of love.
4. Pausanias - A thoughtful and articulate legal expert, Pausanias distinguishes between the physical and intellectual aspects of love.
5. Eryximachus - A rational and scientific thinker, Eryximachus views love as a harmonizing force and emphasizes its importance in maintaining balance.
6. Aristophanes - A witty and imaginative playwright, Aristophanes entertains the group with a mythological story about the origin of love.
7. Agathon - A highly regarded poet, Agathon is charming, eloquent, and admired for his physical beauty.
8. Socrates - The renowned philosopher, Socrates is portrayed as an enigmatic figure, known for his Socratic method of questioning and pursuit of truth.
9. Alcibiades - A prominent Athenian statesman, Alcibiades is depicted as flamboyant, charismatic, and deeply infatuated with Socrates.

Character Traits

The characters in "The Symposium" possess a range of distinctive traits:

• Apollodorus - Eccentric, passionate, loyal
• Aristodemus - Modest, observant, reliable
• Phaedrus - Charismatic, persuasive, curious
• Pausanias - Thoughtful, articulate, discerning
• Eryximachus - Rational, scientific, balanced
• Aristophanes - Witty, imaginative, entertaining
• Agathon - Charming, eloquent, admired
• Socrates - Enigmatic, wise, philosophical
• Alcibiades - Flamboyant, charismatic, infatuated

Character Background

The characters in "The Symposium" come from various backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of Athenian society during Plato's time:

• Apollodorus and Aristodemus are both followers of Socrates, deeply influenced by his teachings.
• Phaedrus, Pausanias, Eryximachus, Aristophanes, and Agathon are all prominent members of Athenian society, representing different intellectual and artistic domains.
• Socrates, although not from an aristocratic background, is highly respected for his wisdom and philosophical prowess.
• Alcibiades is a renowned statesman and military leader, known for his political ambitions and complex relationship with Socrates.

Character Arcs

Each character in "The Symposium" undergoes a unique character arc throughout the dialogue:

• Apollodorus transitions from a passive listener to an enthusiastic narrator, showcasing his deep admiration for Socrates and his teachings.
• Aristodemus evolves from a reserved participant to a reliable source of information, gaining confidence in his own ability to recall events.
• Phaedrus explores the power of rhetoric and gradually gains insights into the nature of love, leading to a shift in his perspective.
• Pausanias develops a more nuanced understanding of love, distinguishing between the "common" (physical) and the "heavenly" (intellectual) forms.
• Eryximachus expands his scientific perspective to include the role of love in maintaining harmony and balance in various domains.
• Aristophanes entertains the group with his imaginative story, contributing to the collective understanding of love's origins and implications.
• Agathon confronts the flaws of his previous understanding of love, ultimately acknowledging the wisdom of Socrates' teachings.
• Socrates challenges the preconceived notions of love held by the other characters, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of its true nature.
• Alcibiades experiences an emotional rollercoaster, confessing his unrequited love for Socrates and revealing his vulnerability.

Relationships

"The Symposium" highlights the complex relationships between the characters, which shape the dynamics of the dialogue:

• Apollodorus and Aristodemus share a strong bond as followers of Socrates, united by their admiration for the philosopher.
• Phaedrus and Pausanias engage in intellectual discussions, exchanging ideas and perspectives on love.
• Eryximachus and Aristophanes collaborate in exploring the scientific and mythological dimensions of love.
• Agathon and Socrates engage in a philosophical debate, with Socrates challenging Agathon's understanding of love.
• Alcibiades harbors intense romantic feelings for Socrates, leading to a tumultuous and emotionally charged interaction.

In conclusion, "The Symposium" by Plato presents a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to a profound exploration of love. Through their roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships, the characters collectively unravel the complex nature of love and its significance in human existence.