# King Simonides — Pericles character guide

> King Simonides in Pericles by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the good King Simonides, the good Simonides, Simonides

**First appearance:** 0009-act-ii-scene-iii

## Snapshot

A shrewd, warm-hearted king who stages a tournament to test suitors and quietly steers his daughter toward the worthiest man.

## Who they are

Simonides rules Pentapolis with an eye for character, hosting a contest of arms where the ragged stranger from Tyre outshines gilded princes. He feigns anger at Pericles's supposed presumption in courting Thaisa, a test that reveals whether the man has the humility and courage to match his daughter's worth. His approval sets the play's one stretch of happiness in motion, making the later losses feel like a theft from a world that briefly worked.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Mentioned as the good king of Pentapolis with a fair daughter and a peaceful reign.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii)

Presides over the tournament, instructs Thaisa to interpret the knights' devices, and warns against judging by appearances.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii)

Hosts the banquet, encourages mirth, and prompts Thaisa to interact with Pericles.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-v)

Reads Thaisa's letter approving her choice, tests Pericles' courage, and ultimately blesses the marriage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/characters/simonides
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pericles_se/characters