Histories · Character
Otanes
A Persian noble who alone dares demand why the Magian usurper should rule, and who later wins a startling privilege for his household.
supporting
Also known as Otanes a Persian, the Persians Otanes
First appearance: book iii thaleia
As a supporting figure in Histories, Otanes is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Appointed commander of the coastal regions after Megabazos; conquers Byzantion, Calchedon, and other cities.
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Among the seven conspirators who strike down the false Smerdis, Otanes is the one who first suspects the fraud and presses the others to act, speaking his mind bluntly in a court where silence is safer. His reward is a…
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See Otanes in book iii thaleiaCharacter Web
23 connectionsA slice of how Otanes sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Kings and commanders of the Greco-Persian Wars
- Protagonist
+18 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the Hellene…
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Otanes appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Otanes in book iii thaleia