Barlaam and Ioasaph · Character

Araches

A prince won over by Ioasaph's teaching, he follows his master into the ascetic life and stands beside him at Barlaam's deathbed.

supporting

First appearance: xxxii

As a supporting figure in Barlaam and Ioasaph, Araches is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

King's counselor who devises a plan to capture Barlaam or use Nachor as a substitute.

In the storyChapter XXIIOpen this moment free

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Araches enters the story as a young man of royal blood drawn to Ioasaph's faith, becoming disciple and companion in the wilderness. He shares the old man Barlaam's final hours, weeping through the night-long farewell discourse and the prayer of commendation, unable to bear the parting. His devotion gives the narrative a witness to Ioasaph's teaching in action, showing that the king's conversion bears fruit in others who take up the same hard path.

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See Araches in xxxii

Character Web

4 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Christian converts and hermits
Protagonist
Biblical and pagan figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Ioasaph’s d…

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In the story

Araches appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XXII
King's counselor who devises a plan to capture Barlaam or use Nachor as a substitute.
Chapter XXIII: The Confessors' Stand and the King's Wrath
After many days, Araches brings another group of monks before the king to declare their case.
Chapter XXIV: The False Barlaam and the Prince's Confession
The chief councillor executes the king's plan, capturing a man disguised as Barlaam and presenting him to the king.
XXV
Advises King Abenner to use kindness and flattery to win over Ioasaph.
Chapter XXVI: The Great Debate
Mentioned as the co-conspirator with the king in devising the plot against Ioasaph.
Chapter XXXIII: Ioasaph's Kingship and the Triumph of Christianity
The chief councillor who advises King Abenner to divide the kingdom with Ioasaph rather than resort to violence.

Chapter companion notes

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See Araches in xxxii

See Araches in Chapter XXII