Dialogues · Character

Timaeus

A Locrian philosopher who takes up the Pythagorean mantle to narrate the origin of the cosmos, from the world-soul to the frailties of the human body.

supporting

Also known as the Timaeus, Timaeus

First appearance: Timaeus

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Timaeus is the principal speaker of the dialogue that bears his name, a visitor whose Pythagorean sympathies lead him to expound on physics, the nature of God, and the construction of the heavens. He is aware that his subject is uncertain and that his account is a likely story rather than certain knowledge, yet he proceeds with a craftsman's confidence. His speech marks Plato's most ambitious attempt to bridge the sensible and intellectual realms, making him essential to the dialogue's central arc.

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Character Web

6 connections

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Relationship types

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Character groups

Extended Cast of Dialogues
Philosophers and Interlocutors
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

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In the story

Timaeus appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Timaeus
Primary speaker; delivers the cosmological narrative.
Introduction and Analysis
The primary speaker in the dialogue, whose discourse on cosmology and creation is the focus of the analysis.
Timaeus I
Citizen of Locris, philosopher and statesman, who is asked by Socrates to narrate the creation of the universe.
§ IV
The dialogue's main speaker; his cosmological account is the subject of the chapter.
§ VIII
Speaker in the Timaeus, whose cosmological account is the focus of the chapter.
Timaeus
Agrees with Socrates' recollection and is praised as a philosopher and statesman from Locris; later delivers a cosmological account.
Critias
Present as a listener, having previously delivered his cosmological discourse.
Introduction and Analysis
Timaeus concludes his cosmological account with a prayer, preceding Critias's narrative.
Critias
Timaeus concludes his speech and hands over the argument to Critias, praying for truth and knowledge.

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