Nicomachean Ethics · Character

Euripides

Playwright referenced in discussions of emotion and choice.

minor

First appearance: book i

Euripides's tie to Pittacus is one of the pressures that moves Nicomachean Ethics—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Referenced for the example of Alcmaeon being compelled to kill his mother, used to discuss the limits of compulsion.

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With Pittacus (social): Euripides is a tragedian and Pittacus is a historical sage; they are referenced together in discussions of virtue. With Alcmaeon (professional): Euripides wrote a lost tragedy about Alcmaeon,…

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The fuller portrait of Euripides sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Euripides in book i

Character Web

5 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Professional
Other

Character groups

Philosophers, poets, and historical figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Aristotle directly confronts and dismantles th…

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Relationships

Pittacus
social · positive
Euripides is a tragedian and Pittacus is a historical sage; they are referenced together… How this plays out →
Alcmaeon
professional · positive
Heraclitus
social · positive

Relationship notes

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

See Euripides in book i

In the story

Euripides appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Will
Referenced for the example of Alcmaeon being compelled to kill his mother, used to discuss the limits of compulsion.
I
Referenced for the example of Alcmaeon being compelled to kill his mother, used to illustrate absurd claims of compulsion.
Chapter IX: On Suffering Injustice and Doing Injustice
Quoted for verses describing a son who slew his mother, used to question voluntary suffering of injustice.
Chapter VIII: Statesmanship and Prudence
Quoted for the line 'What? was I wise, who might without a care / Have lived a unit in the multitude / Like any other unit?' to illustrate the common view that prudent men attend to their own affairs while statesmen are busybodies.
VII
Referenced indirectly through the character Cercyon in the 'Alope of Carcinus', used as an example of struggling against excessive pleasure or pain.
Book VIII: Friendship or Love
Quoted for the view that opposites attract, using the example of earth and heaven.
I
Cited for the view that opposites attract, using the example of earth and heaven.
Unanimity and Friendship in the State
Referenced for his play 'The Phoenissae,' illustrating discord when brothers each wish for the government for themselves.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Euripides in book i

See Euripides in The Will