# Zeno — Dialogues character guide

> Zeno in Dialogues by Seneca.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** your Stoic philosopher Zeno

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Who they are

Founder of Stoicism, cited for his teachings on virtue and reason.

## Relationships

### [Marcia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/marcia)

_romantic_

Marcia and Zeno are lovers, their relationship filled with deep affection and philosophical discussions.

### [Caligula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/caligula)

_psychological_

Caligula is fascinated by Zeno's Stoic philosophy, often engaging him in intense debates to test his own beliefs.

### [Livy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/livy)

_social_

Livy and Zeno are acquaintances who share intellectual interests in history and philosophy.

### [Seneca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/seneca)

_professional_

Seneca and Zeno are fellow Stoic philosophers, engaging in respectful intellectual exchange.

### [Lucius Cinna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/lucius_cinna)

_social_

Lucius Cinna and Zeno are acquaintances, with Cinna occasionally seeking Zeno's philosophical advice.

### [Caligula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/caligula)

_psychological_

Caligula is fascinated by Zeno's Stoic philosophy, often engaging him in intense debates to test his own beliefs.

### [Seneca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/seneca)

_professional_

Seneca and Zeno are fellow Stoic philosophers, engaging in respectful intellectual exchange.

### [Livy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/livy)

_social_

Livy and Zeno are acquaintances who share intellectual interests in history and philosophy.

### [Marcia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/marcia)

_romantic_

Marcia and Zeno are lovers, their relationship filled with deep affection and philosophical discussions.

### [Lucius Cinna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/lucius_cinna)

_social_

Lucius Cinna and Zeno are acquaintances, with Cinna occasionally seeking Zeno's philosophical advice.

## In the story

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvi)

Cited for the idea that even in the wise man's mind a scar remains after the wound is healed, indicating slight emotional traces without full passion.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xii)

Founder of Stoicism, had no slaves, yet lived well.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned as a high priest of virtue with whom we may consort daily.

### [On Leisure and Retirement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/i)

Founder of Stoicism, invoked as the authority whose headquarters Seneca is accused of betraying.

### [On Leisure and Political Engagement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iii)

Zeno's view on political participation is cited: the wise man will take part in politics unless prevented by special circumstances.

### [The Contemplative Life and Public Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/vi)

Cited as a philosopher who achieved more through his teachings than through public office.

### [I: (Serenus)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/i-serenus)

Mentioned as one of the Stoic philosophers who bid one to take part in public affairs.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiv)

Founder of Stoicism; upon hearing of his shipwreck loss, he remarked that Fortune bids him follow philosophy in lighter marching order.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xviii)

Cited as a philosopher who declared how one ought to live, not how he lived.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxix)

Cited as the Stoic philosopher who kept a promise to lend money despite discovering the recipient's doubtful character, illustrating the tension between promise-keeping and prudence.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as an example of a great wise man.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/zeno
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters