# Ephrem — Plays character guide

> Ephrem in Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ephrem, Brother Ephrem, Ephrem Child, Ephrem Mary

**First appearance:** 0066-abraham

## Snapshot

A brother monk who shadows Abraham into the house of ill-fame, steady where the older hermit must disguise his breaking heart.

## Who they are

Ephrem belongs to the small company of the faithful who assist Abraham's risky rescue of Mary, the girl raised in the desert and lost to a brothel. His role is quieter than Abraham's: he is the witness, the second set of hands, the one who keeps the mission from collapsing into solitary grief. He matters because Roswitha's best plays work through companionship as much as miracle, and Ephrem embodies the unglamorous support that makes the hermit's daring possible.

## In the story

### [Characters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters)

Listed as a character in the play.

### [Abraham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/abraham)

Abraham's fellow hermit and counselor, who helps guide Mary and rejoices in her repentance.

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

Offers spiritual counsel to Abraham, affirming his desire to raise Mary in the faith and emphasizing the value of virginity.

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

A wise brother who explains the symbolic meaning of Mary's name and encourages her spiritual aspirations.

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

Brother and confidant to Abraham; he listens to Abraham's grief, interprets the vision, and approves the plan to rescue Mary.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv)

Implied as the friend who returns with news of Mary.

### [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix)

Receives Abraham's good news and rejoices in Mary's repentance.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/characters/ephrem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/characters