# Paphnutius — Plays character guide

> Paphnutius in Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Paphnutius, Father Paphnutius, Paphnutius Man, Paphnutius Brother

**First appearance:** 0079-paphnutius

## Snapshot

A desert hermit who walks into a city of sin disguised as a lover, determined to drag the infamous Thais out of it by the force of his compassion.

## Who they are

Paphnutius is a man of vigils and fasts who cannot stop weeping over the damage one courtesan does to the souls of a whole city. His disciples think his plan is madness, but he insists that Christ went among sinners, and he trades his hermit's robe for a lover's disguise. He matters because his gamble — that divine love can outbid the world's — is the play's central wager, and the reader watches to see whether he is a saint or a fool.

## Relationships

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

_friendship_

Abraham and Paphnutius are fellow ascetics who share advice and spiritual counsel.

### [Drusiana](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/characters/drusiana)

_friendship_

Drusiana and Paphnutius are Christian associates, with Paphnutius supporting her virtue.

## In the story

### [The Plays of Roswitha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/the-plays-of-roswitha)

A hermit who confronts the harlot Thais and guides her through severe penance, representing spiritual authority and compassion.

### [Plays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/plays)

Main character in the play 'Paphnutius,' a monk who confronts and converts the harlot Thais.

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

The hermit who confronts Thais.

### [Paphnutius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/paphnutius)

The hermit who disguises himself as a lover to convert Thais and oversees her penance.

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

The hermit who grieves over Thais's sin and plans to rescue her, while also instructing his disciples in philosophy.

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

Paphnutius arrives in the city, disoriented and seeking Thais, but conceals his true purpose from the young men.

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

Confronts Thais as a stern yet loving spiritual guide, calling her to repentance and a life of penance.

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

Guides Thais after her renunciation, expressing joy at her penitence and urging her toward a heavenly union.

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

Leads Thais to the monastery and arranges for her reception by the Abbess.

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

Arranges Thais's penance, instructs the abbess, and departs for the desert.

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

Returns to his disciples and reports the success of his mission with Thais.

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

Paphnutius reflects on Thais's penance and decides to seek Antony's intercession.

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

The monk who recounts his mission to convert Thais and seeks Antony's prayers for a sign.

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

Paphnutius learns of Thais's forgiveness and is urged to comfort her.

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

Visits Thais after years of absence, comforts her and announces her impending salvation.

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

Paphnutius remains with Thais, leads her in prayer, and delivers a final blessing over her body and soul.

### [A Note on the Acting of the Plays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plays_se/chapters/a-note-on-the-acting-of-the-plays)

The play Paphnutius is cited as a successful production by Edith Craig, demonstrating how Roswitha's work can be impressive on stage.

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

His play was translated and produced at the Savoy Theatre in 1914.

## Links

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