# Araches — Barlaam and Ioasaph character guide

> Araches in Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0038-xxxii

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xxiii)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xxiv)

The chief councillor executes the king's plan, capturing a man disguised as Barlaam and presenting him to the king.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xxv)

Advises King Abenner to use kindness and flattery to win over Ioasaph.

### [Chapter XXVI: The Great Debate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xxvi)

Mentioned as the co-conspirator with the king in devising the plot against Ioasaph.

### [Chapter XXXIII: Ioasaph's Kingship and the Triumph of Christianity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xxxiii)

The chief councillor who advises King Abenner to divide the kingdom with Ioasaph rather than resort to violence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/arachis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters