# Zardan — Barlaam and Ioasaph character guide

> Zardan in Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0008-ii

## Snapshot

The king's trusted adviser, a man whose loyalty to Abenner is tested by the prince he is ordered to watch.

## Who they are

Zardan serves as Abenner's eyes and enforcer, the courtier who knows where the bodies are buried and who keeps the machinery of persecution running. He is the practical counterweight to the king's paranoia — less zealous, more administrative — and his presence reminds readers that cruelty in this world is often bureaucratic rather than theatrical. His suspicion of Barlaam's visits forces Ioasaph to choose between secrecy and confession, tightening the story's central noose.

## Relationships

### [Ioasaph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/ioasaph)

_professional_

Zardan is Ioasaph's tutor and caretaker, responsible for his education and upbringing in the palace.

### [Barlaam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/barlaam)

_social_

Barlaam and Zardan have limited direct interaction, but Zardan is aware of Barlaam's influence on Ioasaph.

### [Ioasaph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/characters/ioasaph)

_professional_

Zardan is Ioasaph's tutor and caretaker, responsible for his education and upbringing in the palace.

## In the story

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

Not directly present; the envious courtiers who slander the good man foreshadow Zardan's later role as a revealer of secrets.

### [The Prince's Awakening to Mortality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/v)

The trusted tutor who, won over by Ioasaph's gifts and friendship, reveals to the prince the truth about his father's persecution of Christians and the prophecy concerning his conversion.

### [The Arrival of Barlaam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/vi)

Ioasaph's tutor, who is persuaded by Barlaam to arrange a meeting with the prince.

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

Expresses fear of the king's wrath, confronts Ioasaph about Barlaam's visits, and is unmoved by Ioasaph's exhortation.

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

Observes Ioasaph's conversion, feigns illness, and reveals the truth to King Abenner.

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

Not present in this chapter.

## Links

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