Cymbeline · Character

Posthumus Leonatus

An orphan raised to courtly excellence, he wagers his wife's chastity on a stranger's boast and spends the rest of the play learning what that wager cost him.

major

Also known as Leonatus, Posthumus

First appearance: Scene I

As a major figure in Cymbeline, Posthumus Leonatus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Banished for marrying Imogen; vows loyalty; gives Imogen a bracelet; plans to reside in Rome at Philario's.

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Posthumus is the king's ward, praised as a sample to the youngest and a glass to the mature, yet his virtue cracks the moment Iachimo claims to have won Imogen's bed. He orders her death, then drowns in self-loathing…

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See Posthumus Leonatus in Scene I

Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how Posthumus Leonatus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Romantic
Other

Character groups

Main characters and family
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Posthumus reaches his emotional and psychological peak here by moving from vengeful rage to profound guilt and…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Iachimo
rivalry · negative
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter… How this plays out →
Cloten
rivalry · negative
Imogen
romantic · positive
Imogen
romantic · positive
Iachimo
rivalry · negative
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter… How this plays out →
Cloten
rivalry · negative
Iachimo
rivalry · negative
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter… How this plays out →

Iachimo
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter enmity between them.
Cloten
Cloten resents Posthumus as Imogen's husband and seeks to kill him out of jealousy and wounded pride.
Imogen
Imogen and Posthumus are deeply in love as husband and wife, though their bond is tested by false accusations and separation.
Imogen
Imogen and Posthumus are deeply in love as husband and wife, though their bond is tested by false accusations and separation.
Iachimo
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter enmity between them.
Cloten
Cloten resents Posthumus as Imogen's husband and seeks to kill him out of jealousy and wounded pride.
Iachimo
Iachimo wagers with Posthumus over Imogen's fidelity, then lies to win, creating bitter enmity between them.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Posthumus Leonatus in Scene I

In the story

Posthumus Leonatus appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Banished for marrying Imogen; vows loyalty; gives Imogen a bracelet; plans to reside in Rome at Philario's.
Scene IV
Defends his wife Imogen's chastity and accepts Iachimo's wager, betting his ring against ten thousand ducats.
Scene VI
Posthumus is mentioned in Iachimo's false reports as being unfaithful, and his letter introduces Iachimo to Imogen.
Scene I
Mentioned as a banished rascal by Cloten, and as Imogen's banished lord by the second lord.
Scene IV
Falls for Iachimo's false proof and denounces Imogen's chastity, giving away his ring in fury.
Scene V
Delivers a furious soliloquy denouncing women after believing Iachimo's lies about Imogen.
Scene IV
Mentioned as the author of the murder letter, falsely believing Imogen unfaithful.
Scene I
Posthumus grieves over Imogen's supposed death, resolves to fight for Britain in peasant disguise.
Scene II
Disguised as a poor soldier, he defeats and spares Iachimo, then helps rescue Cymbeline.
Scene III
Describes the heroic stand of an old man and two boys, then resolves to die for Imogen and is captured.
Scene IV
Imprisoned and awaiting death, he welcomes bondage as a path to liberty, repents for Imogen's sake, and receives a prophetic vision from Jupiter.
Scene V
Revealed as the poor soldier, confesses to ordering Imogen's death, strikes her, and later forgives Iachimo.

Chapter companion notes

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See Posthumus Leonatus in Scene I