Dialogues · Character
Protarchus
The young heir who inherits Philebus' argument that pleasure is the good, and must defend it against Socrates' relentless questioning.
supporting
Also known as Protarchus Socrates
First appearance: Philebus
As a supporting figure in Dialogues, Protarchus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Protarchus is mentioned in the context of the Philebus dialogue, which discusses pleasure and knowledge.
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Protarchus takes up the case his older companion Philebus abandons, arguing that pleasure is what all living things pursue and the good itself. He is less doctrinaire than his predecessor, willing to follow Socrates…
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See Protarchus in PhilebusCharacter Web
3 connectionsA slice of how Protarchus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Extended Cast of Dialogues
- Protagonist
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In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs when Erasistratus’s boastful praise of the Syracusan envoy’s immen…
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Protarchus 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 Protarchus in Philebus