# Iaokanann — Short Fiction character guide

> Iaokanann in Short Fiction by Gustave Flaubert.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0011-herodias

## Snapshot

The imprisoned prophet pacing his dungeon, murmuring that his glory must diminish so another's may increase.

## Who they are

Iaokanann—known to later ages as John the Baptist—sits in Herod's dungeon, sometimes raging to escape, sometimes quiet as a sick animal, always repeating his strange formula of self-abnegation. His voice, heard from the depths beneath the balcony, unnerves Antipas and sets the palace on edge, while Mannaeus guards him with sectarian hatred. His presence transforms the fortress into a spiritual battleground, where political fear and prophetic utterance press against each other in the dark.

## Relationships

### [Herod Antipas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/characters/herod_antipas)

_rivalry_

Herod Antipas is both fascinated and threatened by the prophet Iaokanann (John the Baptist), whom he imprisons.

### [Herod Antipas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/characters/herod_antipas)

_rivalry_

Herod Antipas is both fascinated and threatened by the prophet Iaokanann (John the Baptist), whom he imprisons.

## In the story

### [I: The Curse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/i-the-curse)

Not present in this chapter.

### [II: The Crime](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/ii-the-crime)

Not present in this chapter.

### [Herodias](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/herodias)

John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, whose condemnation of Herod's marriage fuels Herodias's vengeance.

### [I: The Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/i-the-palace)

Imprisoned prophet; Phanuel speaks on his behalf, but Antipas refuses to free him.

### [II: The Voice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/ii-the-voice)

The imprisoned prophet, delivers thunderous prophecies and curses against the rulers and religious leaders.

### [III: The Banquet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/chapters/iii-the-banquet)

Imprisoned and the subject of the crowd's cries; identified by Jacob as Elias.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/characters/iaokanann
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_22_se/characters