Antony and Cleopatra · Character

Iras

One of Cleopatra's attendant ladies, present at the queen's most private and public moments, a quiet witness to Egypt's dazzling, perilous court.

supporting

Also known as Iras Madam, sirrah Iras

First appearance: act i scene i

As a supporting figure in Antony and Cleopatra, Iras is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Participates in the fortune-telling scene with Charmian and Alexas.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

See Iras in Scene II Book page

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Iras belongs to the small circle of women who dress, amuse, and attend Cleopatra, sharing scenes with Charmian and Alexas as the queen consults soothsayers and trades barbs with Antony. Where Charmian advises, Iras mostly observes, her presence a reminder that Cleopatra's grandeur is staged before an intimate female audience. Her loyalty will be tested as the lovers' fortunes turn, making her a barometer of how devotion to the queen plays out in the play's darker movements.

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See Iras in act i scene i

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Iras sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Social

Character groups

Roman political and military figures
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Antony’s degradation: he…

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Relationships

Mark Antony
friendship · positive
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court,… How this plays out →
Cleopatra
friendship · positive
Menas
social · ambivalent
Charmian
friendship · positive
Pompey
social · ambivalent
Charmian
friendship · positive
Cleopatra
friendship · positive
Mark Antony
friendship · positive
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court,… How this plays out →
Cleopatra
friendship · positive
Menas
social · ambivalent
Mark Antony
friendship · positive
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court,… How this plays out →
Pompey
social · ambivalent

Mark Antony
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court, showing loyalty to the queen's lover.
Cleopatra
Iras is Cleopatra's loyal attendant and close companion, sharing in her intimate moments and final tragedy.
Menas
Iras and Menas are minor characters on opposite sides of the conflict, with limited direct interaction.
Charmian
Charmian and Iras are fellow attendants to Cleopatra, sharing a close bond as her trusted companions.
Pompey
Iras and Pompey have minimal direct interaction, as she is a servant in Egypt and he is a Roman rebel leader.
Charmian
Charmian and Iras are fellow attendants to Cleopatra, sharing a close bond as her trusted companions.
Cleopatra
Iras is Cleopatra's loyal attendant and close companion, sharing in her intimate moments and final tragedy.
Mark Antony
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court, showing loyalty to the queen's lover.
Cleopatra
Iras is Cleopatra's loyal attendant and close companion, sharing in her intimate moments and final tragedy.
Menas
Iras and Menas are minor characters on opposite sides of the conflict, with limited direct interaction.
Mark Antony
Iras is Cleopatra's attendant who interacts with Antony as part of the Egyptian court, showing loyalty to the queen's lover.
Pompey
Iras and Pompey have minimal direct interaction, as she is a servant in Egypt and he is a Roman rebel leader.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Iras in act i scene i

In the story

Iras appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Participates in the fortune-telling scene with Charmian and Alexas.
Scene III
Present in the scene with Cleopatra and Charmian.
Scene V
Present in the scene as an attendant, though without lines.
Scene V
Present in the scene as one of Cleopatra's attendants.
Scene III
Present during the interrogation.
Scene XI
Accompanies Cleopatra and encourages her to speak to Antony.
Scene XIII
Present as Cleopatra's attendant, silently witnessing the confrontation.
Scene II
Present in the scene as part of Cleopatra's entourage.
Scene XIII
Present with Cleopatra and Charmian during the scene.
Scene XV
Assists Cleopatra and mourns with her.
Scene II
Cleopatra's attendant, dies from the asp's bite before Cleopatra.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Iras unlock in the free preview.

See Iras in act i scene i

See Iras in Scene II