Hypatia · Character

Pelagia

A dazzling actress and courtesan who arrives at Hypatia's lecture with Gothic guards, trading barbed courtesies with the philosopher before a hostile crowd.

major

Also known as Aphrodite, poor Pelagia, Pelagia Aphrodite

First appearance: A Day in Alexandria

As a major figure in Hypatia, Pelagia is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Interprets for the Goths, tries to calm Amalric's temper, and expresses a preference for Alexandria over the desert.

In the storyIII: The GothsOpen this moment free

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Pelagia sweeps into the Museum at the head of her Gothic bodyguard, matching her beauty against Hypatia's and needling the philosophers with reminders of the gifts she has taken from their students. When the crowd taunts her as a treacherous wanton squandering their presents on barbarians, she furiously strips off her jewels and hurls them back, and her Gothic escort follows suit with purses and bracelets. Her theatrical pride and her defiance of the men who think they own her make her a volatile force in Alexandria's already explosive mix of pagan, Christian, and barbarian.

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See Pelagia in A Day in Alexandria

Character Web

33 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Alexandria's Religious and Political Factions
Protagonist
Gothic Pagan and Christian Warriors

+28 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Orestes’s psychological peak is his collapse into helpless rage and terror, followed by a desperate, self-degr…

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Relationships

Philammon
romantic · ambivalent
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn… How this plays out →
Hypatia
rivalry · negative
Wulf
romantic · positive
Amalric
psychological · negative
Philammon
romantic · ambivalent
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn… How this plays out →
Wulf
romantic · positive
Philammon
romantic · ambivalent
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn… How this plays out →
Hypatia
rivalry · negative
Wulf
romantic · positive
Amalric
psychological · negative
Hypatia
rivalry · negative
Amalric
psychological · negative

Philammon
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn between his vows and her allure.
Hypatia
Hypatia and Pelagia are rivals for Philammon's attention and represent opposing ideals of womanhood—intellectual purity versus sensual passion.
Wulf
Pelagia and Wulf share a passionate, stormy romance, with Wulf deeply devoted to her despite her capriciousness.
Amalric
Amalric is obsessed with Pelagia, viewing her as a prize to be won, which creates a dangerous tension with Wulf.
Philammon
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn between his vows and her allure.
Wulf
Pelagia and Wulf share a passionate, stormy romance, with Wulf deeply devoted to her despite her capriciousness.
Philammon
Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn between his vows and her allure.
Hypatia
Hypatia and Pelagia are rivals for Philammon's attention and represent opposing ideals of womanhood—intellectual purity versus sensual passion.
Wulf
Pelagia and Wulf share a passionate, stormy romance, with Wulf deeply devoted to her despite her capriciousness.
Amalric
Amalric is obsessed with Pelagia, viewing her as a prize to be won, which creates a dangerous tension with Wulf.
Hypatia
Hypatia and Pelagia are rivals for Philammon's attention and represent opposing ideals of womanhood—intellectual purity versus sensual passion.
Amalric
Amalric is obsessed with Pelagia, viewing her as a prize to be won, which creates a dangerous tension with Wulf.

Relationship notes

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

See Pelagia in A Day in Alexandria

In the story

Pelagia appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III: The Goths
Interprets for the Goths, tries to calm Amalric's temper, and expresses a preference for Alexandria over the desert.
A Day in Alexandria
Bids farewell to Philammon, intrigued by his Athenian accent and a vague memory he shares, and invites him to visit.
The Bower of Acrasia
Living in luxury in Alexandria, she is the mistress of the house and is surrounded by Gothic warriors, indulging in a life of pleasure.
XVI: Venus and Pallas
Rides through the streets, encounters an old monk who weeps for her soul, but she dismisses him; her house provides refuge for Philammon.
XX: She Stoops to Conquer
Though not present, she is the subject of Hypatia's and Orestes' conversation, her fate as a pawn in their political and personal games highlighting her vulnerability.
Pandemonium
Performs in the spectacle, is confronted by her brother Philammon, and is overcome with shame, ultimately retreating in disgrace.
Lost Lambs
Torn between her love and the fear of damnation, she is horrified by the prospect of a life of penance.
XXV: Seeking After a Sign
Appears as a haunting, reproachful phantom in Hypatia's vision, representing the guilt and consequences of Hypatia's past actions.
XXVIII: Woman's Love
Despairing and suicidal, she overhears plots and contemplates death, but is saved by the Amal's revelation.
XXIX: Nemesis
Refuses to leave Wulf, choosing love over salvation; watches the fatal struggle.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Pelagia unlock in the free preview.

See Pelagia in A Day in Alexandria

See Pelagia in III: The Goths