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Short Works · Character

Polus

A character from Plato's Gorgias, referenced in a philosophical argument.

minor

First appearance: the enchiridion

Polus's tie to Oedipus is one of the pressures that moves Short Works—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned as an actor who played both King Oedipus and beggar Oedipus equally well, serving as an example of performing well in any role given by the Deity.
In the storySome Fragments of Epictetus Omitted by Upton and by MeibomiusOpen this moment free

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

With Oedipus (social): Oedipus and Polus are likely referenced as archetypal or historical figures used in philosophical arguments about fate and suffering. With Epictetus (social): Polus is a character from Plato's…

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

See Polus in the enchiridion

Character Web

2 connections

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

OEOedipusEPEpictetusPOPolus

Relationship types

  • Social

Character groups

  • Philosophical Figures and Authorities
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This moment is the emotional and philosophical peak where Epictetus forces the reader into a crisis of choice,…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Polus in the enchiridion

In the story

Polus 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 Polus unlock in the free preview.

See Polus in the enchiridion