Dialogues · Character
Nicias
A cautious, pious Athenian general who defines courage as the knowledge of what is to be feared and dared, and means every word.
supporting
Also known as The more enlightened Nicias, Nicias Laches
First appearance: Laches
As a supporting figure in Dialogues, Nicias is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A more enlightened general who proposes courage as knowledge of what is to be feared and hoped for.
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Nicias arrives in the Laches as one of Athens' most respected commanders, a man whose caution is both his strength and his reputation. Where his fellow general Laches speaks from instinct and battlefield experience,…
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The fuller portrait of Nicias sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Nicias in LachesCharacter Web
14 connectionsA slice of how Nicias sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Fathers Seeking Education
- Philosophers and Interlocutors
- Protagonist
- Extended Cast of Dialogues
+9 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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Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Socrates
friendship · positive
Nicias is a general and friend of Socrates, portrayed as a thoughtful but cautious figure… How this plays out →
- Socrates
friendship · positive
Nicias is a general and friend of Socrates, portrayed as a thoughtful but cautious figure… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Nicias in LachesIn the story
Nicias appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Nicias unlock in the free preview.
See Nicias in Laches