Dialogues · Character
Aristophanes
The great comic playwright who, between hiccups, delivers the Symposium's most memorable myth: humans as split halves longing for reunion.
supporting
Also known as Aristophanes Clouds
First appearance: Symposium
As a supporting figure in Dialogues, Aristophanes is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Referenced for his vision of the decline of Greek drama after the three great tragedians.
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Aristophanes is the comic poet among the tragedians and philosophers at Agathon's feast, a man whose professional irreverence does not prevent him from offering a deeply moving account of love. His speech, delivered…
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See Aristophanes in SymposiumCharacter Web
9 connectionsA slice of how Aristophanes sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Extended Cast of Dialogues
- Philosophers and Interlocutors
+4 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs when Erasistratus’s boastful praise of the Syracusan envoy’s immen…
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Aristophanes appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Aristophanes in Symposium