# Simonides — Ben Hur character guide > Simonides in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** old Simonides, O Simonides, Master Simonides **First appearance:** 0018-i ## Snapshot The crippled merchant who has guarded the Hur fortune for years, he is a shrewd, watchful steward whose loyalty is matched only by his talent for secrecy. ## Who they are Simonides sits at his terrace above the Orontes, a broken-bodied man whose mind moves faster than any ship he owns, and who has spent years turning his master's stolen wealth into a merchant empire. He tests Ben-Hur before acknowledging him, sets Malluch to shadow him, and weighs every word for betrayal. His devotion to the house of Hur, and his grief for his lost wife Rachel, make him both a formidable ally and a man whose love has curdled into something close to cunning. ## Relationships ### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur) _professional_ Simonides is Ben-Hur's faithful steward and business manager, managing his vast wealth with unwavering loyalty. ### [Esther](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/esther) _family_ Esther is Simonides' daughter, and they share a close, loving father-daughter relationship built on trust and care. ### [Malluch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/malluch) _professional_ Malluch serves as a trusted agent and assistant to Simonides, carrying out delicate missions with discretion. ### [Balthasar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/balthasar) _friendship_ Balthasar and Simonides share a respectful friendship, united by their wisdom and their devotion to Ben-Hur's cause. ### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur) _professional_ Simonides is Ben-Hur's faithful steward and business manager, managing his vast wealth with unwavering loyalty. ### [Ben-Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/ben_hur) _professional_ Simonides is Ben-Hur's faithful steward and business manager, managing his vast wealth with unwavering loyalty. ### [Esther](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/esther) _family_ Esther is Simonides' daughter, and they share a close, loving father-daughter relationship built on trust and care. ### [Esther](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/esther) _family_ Esther is Simonides' daughter, and they share a close, loving father-daughter relationship built on trust and care. ### [Malluch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/malluch) _professional_ Malluch serves as a trusted agent and assistant to Simonides, carrying out delicate missions with discretion. ### [Balthasar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/balthasar) _friendship_ Balthasar and Simonides share a respectful friendship, united by their wisdom and their devotion to Ben-Hur's cause. ### [Balthasar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/balthasar) _friendship_ Balthasar and Simonides share a respectful friendship, united by their wisdom and their devotion to Ben-Hur's cause. ### [Malluch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/malluch) _professional_ Malluch serves as a trusted agent and assistant to Simonides, carrying out delicate missions with discretion. ## In the story ### [Ben Hur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ben-hur) A loyal servant and friend to Ben-Hur's family, who manages their affairs and supports Ben-Hur's cause. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii) Not directly present; the chapter describes a wealthy Jewish prince but does not name him. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/book-ii) Ben-Hur meets Simonides, a wise and loyal steward who provides counsel and support. ### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the wise rector Ben-Hur's mother considers consulting. ### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v) Not present in this chapter. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii) Not directly present, but Ben-Hur's father Ithamar is mentioned as a prince and merchant known to Arrius. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i) Former agent of the Hur family, now a wealthy merchant in Antioch, reportedly tortured by the procurator. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii) A wealthy Jewish merchant in Antioch, described as the richest merchant in the city, with quarters under a bridge. ### [The Meeting with Simonides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii) Former servant of Prince Hur; demands proof of Ben-Hur's identity; reveals he has no news of the lost family. ### [Simonides' Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iv) Reveals his past as a bond-servant to Prince Hur, his love for Rachel, and his enduring quest for vengeance against the Romans. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ix) Malluch's master, who is interested in learning about Ben-Hur's history. ### [The Sheik's Story and the Three Wise Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as Malluch's master and a wise merchant; Ilderim visited him to tell the story of the three wise men. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xi) Simonides speaks passionately about the coming king and his plans for Ben-Hur, and shows jealousy and concern over Esther's feelings for the young master. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xii) Briefly mentioned as being in his chair perfecting his scheme in aid of the miraculous king. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xv) Present at the gathering in the tent, though not directly active in the conversation. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xvii) Referenced by Ilderim as a wise man who can provide a more practical interpretation of the prophecies; Ben-Hur feels conflicted about his influence. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/book-v) Wise counselor and steward, embodying patience and strategic foresight. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii) Sends two letters to Ilderim, expressing care for Ben-Hur and warning of Roman threats. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii) Simonides has invited Sheik Ilderim to the city for a meeting. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as the writer of the letter that Ben-Hur reads, which provides news about his mother and sister. ### [The Intercepted Letter and the Chariot's Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vi) His house is the destination; Ben-Hur is invited to enter in God's name. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii) Presents the account of the wealth, reveals the servant status of himself and Esther, and is deeply moved by Ben-Hur's generosity. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/viii) Reveals his belief that God's purpose is for Ben-Hur to establish a worldly kingdom, citing prophets and his own experiences. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ix) Appears at the end of the chapter, rolled in his chair by a servant, and becomes principal in the after-talk as the galley departs. ### [The Chariot Race Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as the one to arrange security for the wagers, though not present in the scene. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as the holder of Sanballat's fifty talents, confirming Sanballat's wealth. ### [The Chariot Race](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xiii) The merchant who made a wager with Messala and is present at the race with his party. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xiv) Watches from the balcony with his party, waving to Ben-Hur after the victory. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xv) Sends word through Malluch about the Roman payment dispute and advises Ben-Hur to have no disquiet. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xvi) Ben-Hur recounts the events to him, and they plan a public inquiry to cover the deception. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/book-vi) Provides counsel and strategic support to Ben-Hur. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i) Paid five talents to Sejanus to secure the appointment of Pontius Pilate, aiding Ben-Hur's mission. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned indirectly as a former servant who might remember the family. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the source of information that Amrah is still living in the old house. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v) Not directly present in this chapter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i) Supports Ben-Hur with arms and money; receives a letter from Ben-Hur. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as one of the few who knew the name of the victor in the combat, raising Ben-Hur's suspicion about Iras's knowledge. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i) The merchant, now in Jerusalem, warns Esther about Iras's influence over Ben-Hur and laments his own inability to intervene. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ii) Hosts the gathering, questions Ben-Hur about the Nazarene, and debates his identity. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v) Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but implied as part of Ben-Hur's circle. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii) His armchair is on the roof, but he is not present; Esther is asleep in it. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/viii) Not directly present, but Ben-Hur's thoughts of Esther imply a connection to her father. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ix) Accompanies Ben-Hur to Golgotha, carried in his chair, and comments on the crowd's mockery. ### [The Crucifixion and Aftermath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/x) Witnesses the crucifixion, hears the thief's request and the Nazarene's reply, and achieves perfect faith. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/simonides - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters