# Plutarch — Essays character guide

> Plutarch in Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0001-self-reliance

## Who they are

Greek biographer and essayist, known for 'Parallel Lives'.

## In the story

### [Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/love)

Grouped with Plato and Apuleius as an ancient source for the spiritual understanding of love's true aim.

### [The Poet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/the-poet)

Mentioned alongside Plato and Dante as a master who sought deeper meanings, and later referenced as being 'in the yellow leaf' upon the advent of a new poetic genius.

### [Manners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/manners)

Implied through the reference to historical 'personages' and the classical model of character Emerson draws upon.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters/plutarch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters