# Cato the Younger — Dialogues character guide > Cato the Younger in Dialogues by Seneca. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** Marcus Cato **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Who they are Stoic senator and opponent of Caesar, symbol of republican virtue. ## In the story ### [On the Blessings of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as one who would have been better off dying at sea returning from Cyprus, avoiding the humiliation of having to flee Caesar and follow Pompey. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxii) Cited as an example of a holy man who died by self-inflicted wound, illustrating the inevitability of death. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxv) Mentioned among the saintly company of blessed souls who welcome Marcia's son. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxii) Cited as an example of ignoring an insult rather than seeking revenge; when struck in a public bath, he replied he did not remember being struck. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxviii) When spat upon by Lentulus while pleading, Cato wiped his face and wittily declared that men are mistaken in saying Lentulus lacks cheek. ### [On Exile and the Contemplation of Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned as a friend of Brutus who admired Marcellus. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned as not being disgraced by his double defeat in candidature; rather, he honored the offices by his candidacy. ### [On Choosing Friends and the Value of True Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/vii) Referenced as a figure from an age that produced both good and bad men, highlighting the context for choosing virtuous friends. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvi) Described as a living image of virtue who fell on his sword, ripping up himself and the republic. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvii) Mentioned as one who refreshed his mind with wine after wearying himself with state affairs, and also as being reproached with drunkenness. ### [On Providence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/on-providence) Mentioned as a model of virtue who faced adversity without complaint. ### [Why Do Many Things Turn Out Badly for Good Men?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/ii) Exemplar of the brave man matched with evil fortune; stands upright amid the ruins of the commonwealth and chooses a noble death. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iii) Presented as a man chosen by Nature to contend with all terrors, including opposition from Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/i) Cited as an example of Stoic virtue and indignation at injustice, who was misunderstood and mistreated by his own age. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/ii) Presented as a pattern of the wise man, unconquered by vices, who upheld the falling commonwealth and perished with freedom. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/vii) Cited as a real-life example of the wise man who surpasses the Stoic model. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiv) Cited as an example of magnanimity: when struck in the face, he ignored the outrage rather than seeking revenge or forgiveness. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xviii) Mentioned as a virtuous man who was not respected by evil speakers. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxi) Cited as an example of a wise man who owned great wealth (four million sesterces) yet did not love it, using it as a field for virtue. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iii) Referenced implicitly as an exemplar of virtue, though not named directly in this excerpt. ### [Can One Bestow a Benefit Upon Oneself?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/vii) Quoted for the saying 'Borrow from yourself whatever you lack,' supporting the idea of self-benefit. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvii) Refused the praetorship and consulship by the Roman people. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/cato_the_younger - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters