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Dialogues · Character

Cephalus

Wealthy elder who discusses justice in Republic Book I.

minor

Also known as the aged Cephalus

First appearance: book i

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

Engages in early discussion on justice and old age.
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In Dialogues: Engages in early discussion on justice and old age. Later, in Republic: Initial conversation partner who defines justice as…

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See Cephalus in book i

Character Web

7 connections

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

THThrasymachusHOHomerPOPolemarchusGLGlauconSOSocratesCECephalus

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Extended Cast of Dialogues
  • Philosophers and Interlocutors
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationClimax
  • 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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In the story

Cephalus appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Cephalus in book i