# Antoninus Pius — Meditations character guide

> Antoninus Pius in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Pius, Antoninus, the Emperor Antoninus Pius

**First appearance:** 0000-book-i

## Snapshot

Marcus's adoptive father and predecessor, an emperor whose unshowy steadiness Marcus invokes as both inheritance and warning against being 'dyed' by power.

## Who they are

Pius governs without theatrics, keeps few secrets, and treats even a tax collector's plea for pardon as something to handle without violence. Marcus both reveres him and fears becoming a Caesar in the worst sense — the warning 'take care that thou art not dyed with this dye' hangs over the portrait. His example shapes Marcus's early conception of what ruling well actually costs and requires.

## Relationships

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

_family_

Adoptive father and son, with Antoninus Pius serving as a revered role model and mentor to Marcus.

### [Xenophon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters/xenophon)

_psychological_

Antoninus Pius was known to admire Xenophon's works, using them as educational material for Marcus.

### [Diognetus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters/diognetus)

_professional_

Antoninus Pius employed Diognetus as a tutor for the young Marcus, trusting his educational methods.

### [Epictetus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters/epictetus)

_psychological_

Antoninus Pius respected Epictetus's philosophy, though Epictetus died before Antoninus became emperor.

### [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters/socrates)

_psychological_

Antoninus Pius was known to admire Socratic ideals, which influenced his governance and Marcus's education.

## In the story

### [Book I: Debts and Lessons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/chapters/book-i)

Marcus's adoptive father, praised for his mildness, diligence, and wise governance.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/chapters/endnotes)

Marcus's adoptive father and predecessor; referenced in notes about his character and as the subject of comparison.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters/antoninus_pius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/meditations_se/characters