# Eros — Antony and Cleopatra character guide

> Eros in Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** gentle Eros, O valiant Eros, Eros Caesar

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Antony's devoted freedman and attendant, whose steady loyalty shadows his master through campaigns, reconciliations, and the unraveling of his fortunes.

## Who they are

Eros stays close to Antony as servant, armor-bearer, and confidant, one of the few figures in the play whose fidelity is never in question. Where Enobarbus jokes and judges, Eros simply serves, and his presence measures how much Antony has to lose when the world turns against him. His devotion will be pushed to an extreme that makes him one of the play's most quietly devastating figures.

## In the story

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-v)

Brings news of Caesar and Lepidus's war against Pompey and Lepidus's subsequent seizure.

### [Scene XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-xi)

Follows Cleopatra and tries to direct Antony's attention to the queen.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iv)

Brings Antony's armor and assists in arming him, though Antony playfully scolds him for fumbling.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-v)

Eros is present with Antony and confirms that Enobarbus's chests and treasure were left behind.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vii)

Reports that the enemy is beaten and that victory is within reach.

### [Scene XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-xiv)

Loyal servant who kills himself rather than strike Antony, inspiring Antony's own attempt.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters/eros
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/characters