# Nicomachean Ethics — Character guide

> Key figures in Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.

- [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/aristotle.md): Aristotle frames his inquiry as a kind of political science, insisting that the good of a whole city is grander and more divine than the good of one man. He warns that noble and just things are so various and uncertain t
- [Homer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/homer.md): Homer supplies the phrase 'two together' to show why friends make us more efficient in thought and action, and his authority quietly underwrites Aristotle's claim that friendship, not justice, is the bond holding states 
- [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/socrates.md): Socrates hovers behind Aristotle's warning about a sick man who listens attentively to the doctor and then disobeys every order—philosophizing that produces no healthy habit of mind. He represents the danger that talking
- [Plato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/plato.md): Plato's influence surfaces in the puzzles Aristotle inherits: whether friendship requires likeness or thrives on opposition, whether the good is one or many. The text treats these as live difficulties rather than settled
- [Eudoxus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/eudoxus.md): Philosopher whose views on pleasure are discussed.
- [Solon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/solon.md): Athenian lawgiver cited in discussions of happiness and fortune.
- [Hector](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/hector.md): Trojan hero from Homer, used as example of courage.
- [Priam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/priam.md): King of Troy, cited in discussions of misfortune.
- [Heraclitus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/heraclitus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher referenced on change and flux.
- [Empedocles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/empedocles.md): Philosopher cited in discussions of the soul and elements.
- [Anaxagoras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/anaxagoras.md): Philosopher mentioned in context of intellect and causation.
- [Theognis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/theognis.md): Poet quoted on virtue and friendship.
- [Sophocles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/sophocles.md): Tragedian cited for dramatic examples of character.
- [Euripides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/euripides.md): Playwright referenced in discussions of emotion and choice.
- [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/zeus.md): Chief god in Greek mythology, referenced in examples.
- [Aphrodite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/aphrodite.md): Goddess of love, mentioned in discussions of desire.
- [Thetis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/thetis.md): Sea nymph and mother of Achilles, cited in Homeric examples.
- [Diomede](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/diomede.md): Greek hero in the Iliad, used as example of valor.
- [Glaucus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/glaucus.md): Lycian leader in Homer, cited in friendship discussions.
- [Neoptolemus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/neoptolemus.md): Son of Achilles, referenced in ethical dilemmas.
- [Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/ulysses.md): Odysseus, Homeric hero used as example of cunning and endurance.
- [Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/calypso.md): Nymph who detained Odysseus, mentioned in passing.
- [Agathon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/agathon.md): Tragic poet referenced in discussions of love and friendship.
- [Pittacus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/pittacus.md): One of the Seven Sages, cited on moderation.
- [Speusippus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/speusippus.md): Plato's nephew and successor, cited in ethical debates.
- [Polyclitus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/polyclitus.md): Sculptor referenced in analogies about proportion.
- [Satyrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/satyrus.md): Philosopher or historical figure mentioned in passing.
- [Alcmaeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/alcmaeon.md): Mythological figure cited in discussions of justice.
- [Bywater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/bywater.md): Modern editor of the Greek text, referenced in notes.
- [J. A. Stewart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/j_a_stewart.md): Commentator on Aristotle's ethics, referenced in notes.

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