# Philammon — Hypatia character guide > Philammon in Hypatia by Charles Kingsley. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Peter, Peter the Reader, Master Peter, brother Peter **First appearance:** 0003-i-the-laura ## Snapshot A young monk from the desert Laura who arrives in Alexandria hungry for truth and finds his heart captured by the pagan philosopher Hypatia. ## Who they are Philammon comes to Alexandria steeped in the austerities of the Laura, only to be swept into Hypatia's circle of philosophic admirers, where he pours out his soul about her perfections to his host and longs to proclaim her wisdom to the whole world. His love is pure and jealous-free, yet it blinds his judgment: he silences every doubt with the thought that no false word could come from those perfect lips. His earnest Greek character and physical beauty make him stand out to Hypatia as a soul worth educating, and his struggle between monastic discipline and pagan enchantment drives the novel's central drama of divided loyalties. ## Relationships ### [Miriam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/miriam) _psychological_ Miriam manipulates and uses Philammon as a tool in her schemes, often controlling his actions and information. ### [Hypatia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/hypatia) _psychological_ Hypatia is an object of Philammon's intense fascination and spiritual obsession, while she views him as a curious pupil and potential convert. ### [Pelagia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/pelagia) _romantic_ Pelagia is drawn to Philammon with a passionate, possessive desire, while he is torn between his vows and her allure. ### [Cyril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/cyril) _professional_ Cyril, as the powerful bishop, employs Philammon as a deacon and agent, using him for church missions and political maneuvers. ### [God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/god) _psychological_ Philammon's relationship with God is one of intense spiritual struggle, guilt, and longing for divine approval. ### [Arsenius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/arsenius) _family_ Arsenius is Philammon's father, and their relationship is one of estrangement and eventual reconciliation, with Arsenius trying to guide his son. ### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/orestes) _professional_ Orestes, as the Roman prefect, interacts with Philammon in political and religious contexts, using him as a pawn in civic conflicts. ### [Wulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/wulf) _rivalry_ Philammon and Wulf clash over Pelagia's affections and their opposing worldviews—Christian asceticism versus Gothic warrior values. ### [God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/god) _psychological_ Philammon's relationship with God is one of intense spiritual struggle, guilt, and longing for divine approval. ### [Hypatia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/hypatia) _psychological_ Hypatia is an object of Philammon's intense fascination and spiritual obsession, while she views him as a curious pupil and potential convert. ### [Cyril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/cyril) _professional_ Cyril, as the powerful bishop, employs Philammon as a deacon and agent, using him for church missions and political maneuvers. ### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/orestes) _professional_ Orestes, as the Roman prefect, interacts with Philammon in political and religious contexts, using him as a pawn in civic conflicts. ## In the story ### [Hypatia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/hypatia) A young monk who arrives in Alexandria and becomes a pupil of Hypatia, representing the clash between religious devotion and philosophical inquiry. ### [I: The Laura](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/i-the-laura) A young monk, full of life and curiosity, who discovers an ancient temple and is sent to Alexandria. ### [III: The Goths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/iii-the-goths) Continues his journey down the Nile, wrestling with doubts about his calling, and is rescued by the Goths after his canoe is capsized. ### [A Day in Alexandria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/v-a-day-in-alexandria) Arrives in Alexandria with the Goths, feels overwhelmed by the city, witnesses the scourging of Hierax, and is brought to Cyril's house. ### [VI: The New Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/vi-the-new-diogenes) Witnesses the mob's destruction and Raphael's transformation. He feels a sense of regret and shame at the violence, and is puzzled by Raphael's actions. ### [VII: Those by Whom Offences Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/vii-those-by-whom-offences-come) Volunteers to confront Hypatia, driven by zeal and a desire for martyrdom, but also experiences doubt and disillusionment with the Church. ### [VII: Those by Whom Offences Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/vii-those-by-whom-offences-come) Cyril's aide, resentful of Philammon's boldness and warns him of the dangers, but also reveals his own envy and political maneuvering. ### [VIII: The East Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/viii-the-east-wind) Attends Hypatia's lecture, challenges her blasphemy, and is overwhelmed by new philosophical ideas. ### [IX: The Snapping of the Bow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/ix-the-snapping-of-the-bow) Struggles with disillusionment and temptation; his faith is shaken as he questions the righteousness of his fellow monks and yearns for intellectual fulfillment. ### [X: The Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/x-the-interview) Feels overwhelmed and uncertain after being forgiven by Theon; stands trembling before Hypatia, struggling to deliver his intended rebuke. ### [XIV: The Rocks of the Sirens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xiv-the-rocks-of-the-sirens) Now a pale and thoughtful student, deeply devoted to Hypatia and immersed in Greek thought, he has drifted from his Christian faith and feels disconnected from his past life at the Laura. ### [Nephelococcugia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xv-nephelococcugia) Asks probing questions about the nature of the gods and Christianity, showing his evolving understanding. ### [XVI: Venus and Pallas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xvi-venus-and-pallas) Flees from the monks and takes refuge with Wulf and Smid; learns from Arsenius that he has a sister and that Arsenius brought him from Athens. ### [XVI: Venus and Pallas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xvi-venus-and-pallas) Attempts to reclaim Philammon as a slave, but is thwarted by Orestes and later by Wulf. ### [XVIII: The Prefect Tested](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xviii-the-prefect-tested) Returns to the Goths seeking freedom and his sister. He is protected by Wulf and remains sober during the ensuing feast. ### [XIX: Jews Against Christians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xix-jews-against-christians) Is manipulated by Miriam, who hints that Pelagia might be his sister and forces him into her service. He is also sent to deliver a message to Orestes. ### [Pandemonium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxii-pandemonium) Imprisoned and despairing, he is released and rushes to the theatre, where he publicly confronts Pelagia and is nearly killed by the crowd. ### [Lost Lambs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxiv-lost-lambs) Consumed by guilt, he rejects philosophy and returns to the faith of his childhood, seeking to save Pelagia through penance. ### [XXVI: Miriam's Plot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxvi-miriam-s-plot) Struggles with his revived feelings for Hypatia and is tempted by Miriam's worldly enticements, but ultimately rejects them. ### [XXVII: The Prodigal's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxvii-the-prodigal-s-return) Present in the scene as Raphael leaves him with a desperate plea to stop Hypatia, highlighting his role as a witness to the unfolding events. ### [XXIX: Nemesis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxix-nemesis) Desperate to warn Hypatia, then to rescue Pelagia, but fails in both; survives the fall and is told to flee. ### [XXX: Every Man to His Own Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/chapters/xxx-every-man-to-his-own-place) Now an abbot, he leads a life of compassion and humility, praying for two women he loved. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters/philammon - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hypatia_se/characters