# Crito — Dialogues character guide

> Crito in Dialogues by Plato.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dear Crito

**First appearance:** 0044-crito

## Snapshot

Socrates' oldest and most loyal friend, who comes to the prison before dawn with money, plans, and a desperate plea for Socrates to save his own life.

## Who they are

Crito is a practical, well-connected Athenian who has stood by Socrates for decades and cannot understand why his friend will not let him arrange an escape. His love is genuine and his arguments are sensible, but they measure life by years, reputation, and the opinions of the many, while Socrates measures it by what is right. Their conversation turns a prison visit into a meditation on obligation, and Crito's grief gives the dialogue its human weight.

## In the story

### [Crito](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_se/chapters/crito)

Socrates' wealthy friend who visits him in prison and attempts to persuade him to escape.

### [Crito](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_se/chapters/crito)

Socrates' wealthy friend who tries to persuade him to escape, but is eventually convinced by Socrates' arguments.

## Links

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