Cleopatra · Character

Octavian

Future Emperor Augustus, enemy of Antony and Cleopatra.

minor

Also known as Octavianus

First appearance: 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

Octavian shows up with force in 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. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Declares war against Antony; his fleet is seen in Harmachis's vision of Actium.

In the storyIII: 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 AlexandriaOpen this moment free

See Octavian in 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 Book page

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In 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:…

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See Octavian in 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

Character Web

10 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Egyptian loyalists and Romans
Protagonist
Cleopatra's family and rivals

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Cleopatra, in…

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In the story

Octavian appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

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
Declares war against Antony; his fleet is seen in Harmachis's vision of Actium.
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
Referenced as Caesar, the recipient of Charmion's reports and the victor at Actium; he is said to make war on Charmion and Iras.
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
Referred to as Caesar; his forces advance on Alexandria, and he is the target of Cleopatra's treasure-burning plan.
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
Addressed in Cleopatra's farewell letter as Caesar.

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See Octavian in 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