# Plato — Marius the Epicurean character guide

> Plato in Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0006-part-i-iv-the-tree-of-knowledge

## Who they are

The Greek philosopher whose ideas on love and reality are frequently referenced by characters.

## Relationships

### [Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters/marcus_aurelius)

_psychological_

Marcus Aurelius draws on Plato's philosophy as a foundational influence for his Stoic worldview and concept of the ideal ruler.

## In the story

### [Change of Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-iii-change-of-air)

His dialogue Phaedrus is referenced as the source of the theory that visible beauty can influence the soul, which the young priest expounds to Marius.

### [XIX: The Will as Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xix-the-will-as-vision)

His ideal of the true king as a servant is referenced in relation to Aurelius's sacrifice.

### [XX: Two Curious Houses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xx-two-curious-houses)

Referenced as the source of the Idealism espoused by Apuleius.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters/plato
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/characters