Dialogues · Character

Megillus

A Spartan elder whose loyalty to Lycurgus runs deep, he listens to the Athenian's radical proposals with a mixture of admiration and quiet resistance.

supporting

Also known as Megillus O Athenian Stranger, O Megillus, Megillus Stranger, the Lacedaemonian Megillus, Megillus Heaven, Megillus Impossible, Megillus Good, Megillus Dear Cleinias

First appearance: Laws

See Megillus in Laws Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Megillus represents the Spartan way of life at its most dignified: terse, disciplined, and suspicious of long speeches, yet willing to hear them when the occasion demands. His instinct is to defend his ancestral lawgiver against criticism, and he bristles when the Athenian questions Spartan institutions, especially regarding women. He matters because his resistance tests the Athenian's arguments in real time, showing how hard it is to move a good man from the laws he was raised to revere.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Megillus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Megillus in Laws

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Philosophers and Interlocutors
Extended Cast of Dialogues

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Cleinias
friendship · positive

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Megillus in Laws

In the story

Megillus appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Laws
Spartan interlocutor who contributes to the conversation on law and custom.
Introduction and Analysis
Mentioned as a potential companion to join the Cnosian founders in the colony.
Book I
Contributes from the Spartan viewpoint, describing Spartan practices like the Crypteia and endurance training.
Book III
Engages with the Athenian Stranger, responding to questions about courage, temperance, and Spartan governance.
Book IV
Present in the dialogue, addressed by Cleinias as a silent participant in the conversation.
Book V
Addressed by the Athenian Stranger as 'O Megillus' during the discussion on the influence of place on character.
Book VI
Present as a listener in the dialogue, though not directly quoted in the excerpts.
Book VII
The Spartan interlocutor who comments on the Athenian's view of mankind.
Book VIII
Assents to the Athenian Stranger's views on love and the need for virtuous laws.
Book XII
Present as a silent participant in the dialogue.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Megillus unlock in the free preview.

See Megillus in Laws