# Charmion — Cleopatra character guide > Charmion in Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lady Charmion, Charmion the Egyptian **First appearance:** 0014-ii-of-the-coming-of-charmion-and-of-the-wrath-of-sepa ## Snapshot Cleopatra's fierce confidante, whose secret love for Harmachis curdles into jealousy that reshapes the fate of queens and priests alike. ## Who they are Charmion serves Cleopatra with a devotion that masks a deeper, unspoken passion for Harmachis, the man her mistress will claim. Her jealousy pushes Cleopatra toward deeds of shame and drives her own hand toward betrayal, until love and vengeance become indistinguishable in her. She is the quiet engine of the novel's tragedy, atoning at last with a poisoned cup and a plea for one forgiving kiss. ## Relationships ### [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/cleopatra) _friendship_ Charmion is Cleopatra's loyal handmaiden and confidante, sharing a deep bond of trust and companionship. ### [Antony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/antony) _friendship_ Antony treats Charmion with familiarity and respect as Cleopatra's trusted attendant, maintaining a cordial alliance. ### [Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/atoua) _friendship_ Atoua and Charmion are fellow servants in Cleopatra's court, with a friendly and cooperative dynamic. ### [Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/harmachis) _social_ Charmion and Harmachis are court associates, sharing a polite and cooperative acquaintance. ### [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/cleopatra) _friendship_ Charmion is Cleopatra's loyal handmaiden and confidante, sharing a deep bond of trust and companionship. ### [Antony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/antony) _friendship_ Antony treats Charmion with familiarity and respect as Cleopatra's trusted attendant, maintaining a cordial alliance. ### [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/cleopatra) _friendship_ Charmion is Cleopatra's loyal handmaiden and confidante, sharing a deep bond of trust and companionship. ### [Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/harmachis) _social_ Charmion and Harmachis are court associates, sharing a polite and cooperative acquaintance. ### [Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/atoua) _friendship_ Atoua and Charmion are fellow servants in Cleopatra's court, with a friendly and cooperative dynamic. ### [Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/harmachis) _social_ Charmion and Harmachis are court associates, sharing a polite and cooperative acquaintance. ### [Antony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/antony) _friendship_ Antony treats Charmion with familiarity and respect as Cleopatra's trusted attendant, maintaining a cordial alliance. ## In the story ### [Book II: The Fall of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-ii-the-fall-of-harmachis) A spy for the Egyptian cause who reveals herself to Harmachis. ### [I: Of the Farewell of Amenemhat to Harmachis; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Alexandria; Of the Exhortation of Sepa; Of the Passing of Cleopatra Robed as Isis; and of the Overthrow of the Gladiator by Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-farewell-of-amenemhat-to-harmachis-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-alexandria-of-the-exhortation-of-sepa-of-the-passing-of-cleopatra-robed-as-isis-and-of-the-overthrow-of-the-gladiator-by-harmachis) A lady-in-waiting standing beside Cleopatra with a fan, who smiles and nods at Harmachis after the incident, suggesting she may be friendly to him. ### [Of the Coming of Charmion; and of the Wrath of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-coming-of-charmion-and-of-the-wrath-of-sepa) The beautiful Egyptian spy, loyal to the cause but distrusted by Sepa; she devises the scheme for Harmachis to approach Cleopatra. ### [Of the Coming of Harmachis to the Palace; Of How He Drew Paulus Through the Gates; Of Cleopatra Sleeping; and of the Magic of Harmachis Which He Showed Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-the-palace-of-how-he-drew-paulus-through-the-gates-of-cleopatra-sleeping-and-of-the-magic-of-harmachis-which-he-showed-her) Arranges Harmachis's entry, leads him to Cleopatra's chamber, and observes his reaction to the queen's beauty. ### [Of the Ways of Charmion; and of the Crowning of Harmachis as the King of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-ways-of-charmion-and-of-the-crowning-of-harmachis-as-the-king-of-love) Lady of the court, secretly a spy for the Egyptian cause; deeply in love with Harmachis; shows jealousy when Cleopatra crowns him. ### [Of the Coming of Cleopatra to the Chamber of Harmachis; Of the Throwing Forth of the Kerchief of Charmion; Of the Stars; and of the Gift by Cleopatra of Her Friendship to Her Servant Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-to-the-chamber-of-harmachis-of-the-throwing-forth-of-the-kerchief-of-charmion-of-the-stars-and-of-the-gift-by-cleopatra-of-her-friendship-to-her-servant-harmachis) Delivers the assassination lists to Harmachis and insists he must personally kill Cleopatra, showing cold resolve. ### [Of the Words and Jealousy of Charmion; Of the Laughter of Harmachis; Of the Making Ready for the Deed of Blood; and of the Message of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-words-and-jealousy-of-charmion-of-the-laughter-of-harmachis-of-the-making-ready-for-the-deed-of-blood-and-of-the-message-of-the-old-wife-atoua) Accuses Harmachis of loving Cleopatra and betraying their cause; expresses jealousy and bitterness before leaving. ### [VII: Of the Veiled Words of Charmion; Of the Passing of Harmachis Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Overthrow of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-veiled-words-of-charmion-of-the-passing-of-harmachis-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-overthrow-of-harmachis) Pale and hollow-eyed, she speaks in riddles about dreams and fate, kisses Harmachis's hand, and later stands in anguish as he goes to Cleopatra. ### [VIII: Of the Awaking of Harmachis; Of the Sight of Death; Of the Coming of Cleopatra; and of Her Comfortable Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/viii-of-the-awaking-of-harmachis-of-the-sight-of-death-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-and-of-her-comfortable-words) Briefly mentioned as someone Harmachis expected to meet; Cleopatra avoids naming her. ### [Of the Imprisonment of Harmachis; Of the Scorn of Charmion; Of the Setting Free of Harmachis; and of the Coming of Quintus Dellius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-imprisonment-of-harmachis-of-the-scorn-of-charmion-of-the-setting-free-of-harmachis-and-of-the-coming-of-quintus-dellius) Scorns Harmachis for his betrayal, reveals she did not betray the plot. ### [X: Of the Trouble of Cleopatra; Of Her Oath to Harmachis; and of the Telling by Harmachis to Cleopatra of the Secret of the Treasure That Lay Beneath the Mass of "Her"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/x-of-the-trouble-of-cleopatra-of-her-oath-to-harmachis-and-of-the-telling-by-harmachis-to-cleopatra-of-the-secret-of-the-treasure-that-lay-beneath-the-mass-of-her) Mentioned as not accompanying the expedition; her jealous anger is noted as a future influence. ### [XII: Of the Coming Back of Harmachis; Of the Greeting of Charmion; and of the Answer of Cleopatra to Quintus Dellius, the Ambassador of Antony the Triumvir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xii-of-the-coming-back-of-harmachis-of-the-greeting-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-cleopatra-to-quintus-dellius-the-ambassador-of-antony-the-triumvir) Observes Harmachis's fall with triumph; is revealed as a keeper of the Queen's secrets and exerts influence over Cleopatra's decisions. ### [XIII: Of the Reproach of Harmachis; Of the Struggle of Harmachis with the Guards; Of the Blow of Brennus; and of the Secret Speech of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xiii-of-the-reproach-of-harmachis-of-the-struggle-of-harmachis-with-the-guards-of-the-blow-of-brennus-and-of-the-secret-speech-of-cleopatra) Present during the confrontation; later watches over the unconscious Harmachis for ten days, expressing grief and exhaustion. ### [XIV: Of the Tender Care of Charmion; Of the Healing of Harmachis; Of the Sailing of the Fleet of Cleopatra for Cilicia; and of the Speech of Brennus to Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xiv-of-the-tender-care-of-charmion-of-the-healing-of-harmachis-of-the-sailing-of-the-fleet-of-cleopatra-for-cilicia-and-of-the-speech-of-brennus-to-harmachis) Tends to Harmachis with great devotion, staying by his side for nine hours; she informs him of the fleet's departure and his forced inclusion. ### [XV: Of the Feast of Cleopatra; Of the Melting of the Pearl; Of the Saying of Harmachis; and of Cleopatra’s Vow of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xv-of-the-feast-of-cleopatra-of-the-melting-of-the-pearl-of-the-saying-of-harmachis-and-of-cleopatra-s-vow-of-love) Leads Harmachis to a hidden chamber to spy on Cleopatra and Antony, revealing Cleopatra's perfidy and the depth of her betrayal. ### [XVI: Of the Plan of Charmion; Of the Confession of Charmion; and of the Answer of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xvi-of-the-plan-of-charmion-of-the-confession-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-harmachis) Devises a plan for Harmachis's escape and confesses her role in betraying the plot to Cleopatra out of jealousy. She offers herself as a sacrifice or servant, but Harmachis rejects her, commanding her to remain at court and bear her guilt. ### [I: Of the Escape of Harmachis from Tarsus; Of His Being Cast Forth as an Offering to the Gods of the Sea; Of His Sojourn in the Isle of Cyprus; Of His Return to Abouthis; and of the Death of Amenemhat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-escape-of-harmachis-from-tarsus-of-his-being-cast-forth-as-an-offering-to-the-gods-of-the-sea-of-his-sojourn-in-the-isle-of-cyprus-of-his-return-to-abouthis-and-of-the-death-of-amenemhat) Arranges Harmachis's escape from Tarsus by providing passage on a galley. ### [III: Of the Life of Him Who Was Named the Learned Olympus, in the Tomb of the Harpers That Is by Tápé; Of His Counsel to Cleopatra; Of the Message of Charmion; and of the Passing of Olympus Down to Alexandria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-life-of-him-who-was-named-the-learned-olympus-in-the-tomb-of-the-harpers-that-is-by-t-p-of-his-counsel-to-cleopatra-of-the-message-of-charmion-and-of-the-passing-of-olympus-down-to-alexandria) Implied to have made Olympus's renown known to Cleopatra; visits him on his arrival in Alexandria after nine years. ### [IV: Of the Meeting of Charmion with the Learned Olympus; Of Her Speech with Him; Of the Coming of Olympus Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Commands of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-meeting-of-charmion-with-the-learned-olympus-of-her-speech-with-him-of-the-coming-of-olympus-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-commands-of-cleopatra) Reveals her long secret service to Harmachis, having manipulated Antony and Cleopatra and reported to Octavian; she confesses her undying love and hatred for the Queen. ### [Of the Drawing Forth of Antony from the Timonium Back to Cleopatra; Of the Feast Made by Cleopatra; and of the Manner of the Death of Eudosius the Steward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-drawing-forth-of-antony-from-the-timonium-back-to-cleopatra-of-the-feast-made-by-cleopatra-and-of-the-manner-of-the-death-of-eudosius-the-steward) Leads the effort to bring Antony back to Cleopatra and orchestrates the poison preparation with Harmachis. ### [VI: Of the Workings of the Learned Olympus at Memphis; Of the Poisonings of Cleopatra; Of the Speech of Antony to His Captains; and of the Passing of Isis from the Land of Khem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-workings-of-the-learned-olympus-at-memphis-of-the-poisonings-of-cleopatra-of-the-speech-of-antony-to-his-captains-and-of-the-passing-of-isis-from-the-land-of-khem) Aids Harmachis in his schemes; secretly sends word to Seleucus to surrender Pelusium, hastening the end. ### [Of the Surrender of the Troops and Fleet of Antony Before the Canopic Gate; Of the End of Antony, and of the Brewing of the Draught of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-surrender-of-the-troops-and-fleet-of-antony-before-the-canopic-gate-of-the-end-of-antony-and-of-the-brewing-of-the-draught-of-death) Advises Cleopatra that she can die; helps pull Antony into the tomb. ### [VIII: Of the Last Supper of Cleopatra; Of the Song of Charmion; Of the Drinking of the Draught of Death; Of the Revealing of Harmachis; Of the Summoning of the Spirits by Harmachis; and of the Death of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/viii-of-the-last-supper-of-cleopatra-of-the-song-of-charmion-of-the-drinking-of-the-draught-of-death-of-the-revealing-of-harmachis-of-the-summoning-of-the-spirits-by-harmachis-and-of-the-death-of-cleopatra) Confesses her betrayal of Harmachis out of scorned love, sings a dirge, and remains unwed. ### [IX: Of the Farewell of Charmion; Of the Death of Charmion; Of the Death of the Old Wife, Atoua; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of His Confession in the Hall of Six-and-Thirty Pillars; and of the Declaring of the Doom of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-farewell-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-the-old-wife-atoua-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-his-confession-in-the-hall-of-six-and-thirty-pillars-and-of-the-declaring-of-the-doom-of-harmachis) Charmion bids farewell to Harmachis, drinks poison, and dies, expressing her love and regret. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters/charmion - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cleopatra_se/characters