# Boethius — The Consolation of Philosophy character guide > Boethius in The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Manlius Severinus Boethius **First appearance:** 0004-book-i-the-sorrows-of-boethius ## Snapshot A once-celebrated Roman official, now shackled in prison, who pours out his grief in verse until a strange visitor demands he remember who he is. ## Who they are Boethius opens the book as a man who has lost everything—rank, freedom, and the favor of Fortune—and cannot stop rehearsing the bitterness of past happiness. His complaint is not merely sorrow but a spiritual illness: he has forgotten the truths he once defended, and his grief has shackled and blinded his mind. Philosophy's arrival forces him to defend his despair, and his halting answers reveal how far a good man can drift from his own convictions. ## Relationships ### [Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/philosophy) _psychological_ Philosophy personified consoles and guides the imprisoned Boethius through rational argument, acting as his inner mentor and healer. ### [Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/fortune) _psychological_ Boethius laments Fortune's fickleness, viewing her as a capricious force that raised him high then cast him down. ### [Symmachus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/symmachus) _family_ Symmachus is Boethius's father-in-law and a respected Roman senator, with whom he shared close familial and political bonds. ### [Theodoric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/theodoric) _rivalry_ Theodoric, the Ostrogothic king, ordered Boethius's imprisonment and execution, making him a political enemy and persecutor. ### [Regulus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/regulus) _friendship_ Boethius cites Regulus as a model of Roman virtue and integrity, admiring his stoic endurance and loyalty to oaths. ### [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/aristotle) _professional_ Boethius draws heavily on Aristotelian logic and philosophy, treating Aristotle as a foundational authority in his arguments. ### [Phoebus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/phoebus) _social_ Phoebus (Apollo) appears as a symbol of the sun and order, referenced by Boethius in poetic metaphors for divine reason. ### [Busiris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/busiris) _rivalry_ Boethius uses Busiris as a negative example of tyranny, contrasting him with virtuous figures to illustrate moral lessons. ### [Plato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/plato) _professional_ Boethius references Plato's works and ideas, especially regarding the nature of the soul and ideal governance. ### [Jowett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/jowett) _professional_ Jowett is mentioned as a translator and scholar whose work on Plato is used by Boethius in his philosophical discourse. ### [Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/fortune) _psychological_ Boethius laments Fortune's fickleness, viewing her as a capricious force that raised him high then cast him down. ### [Plato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/plato) _professional_ Boethius references Plato's works and ideas, especially regarding the nature of the soul and ideal governance. ## In the story ### [Proem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/proem) The protagonist, a noble Roman philosopher and statesman, now imprisoned and grieving his lost fortune. ### [The Consolation of Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/the-consolation-of-philosophy) The narrator and protagonist, imprisoned and mourning his lost fortunes. ### [Book I: The Sorrows of Boethius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/book-i-the-sorrows-of-boethius) The narrator and prisoner, lamenting his fall from fortune and seeking solace. ### [Song I: Boethius' Complaint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-i-boethius-complaint) The speaker and lamenter, reflecting on his past happiness and present misery. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/i) Imprisoned and sorrowful, he is visited by Philosophy while lamenting his fate. ### [Song II: His Despondency](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-his-despondency) The speaker who laments his descent from philosophical understanding to despondency and physical bondage. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii) Struck dumb and lethargic, unable to speak, but Philosophy begins to restore his memory. ### [Song III: The Mists Dispelled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iii-the-mists-dispelled) The speaker whose inner gloom is dispelled and sight restored. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii) Boethius lifts his eyes and recognizes Philosophy, expressing surprise and concern that she too might be persecuted. ### [Song IV: Nothing Can Subdue Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iv-nothing-can-subdue-virtue) Addressed as the one who should remain calm and steadfast against fate and tyranny. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv) Boethius recounts his unjust trial and exile, his past service to the public good, and his current despair. ### [Song V: Boethius’ Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-v-boethius-prayer) The speaker of the prayer, lamenting human injustice and seeking divine order. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/v) Boethius has poured out his griefs in lamentation, and Philosophy addresses his sorrowful, exiled state. ### [Song VI: All Things Have Their Needful Order](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vi-all-things-have-their-needful-order) The implied listener being instructed through the song's metaphors. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi) Admits he has forgotten the end of existence and his own nature, but still holds that God governs the world. ### [Song VII: The Perturbations of Passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vii-the-perturbations-of-passion) The speaker whose mind is depicted as being shackled and blinded by passions. ### [Book II: The Vanity of Fortune’s Gifts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/book-ii-the-vanity-of-fortune-s-gifts) Boethius is reproved by Philosophy for his complaints against Fortune and is reminded of his past happiness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/i) Boethius is the one being addressed, pining for his former fortune and suffering from the change in his circumstances. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii) The addressee of Fortune's speech, who is lamenting his lost wealth and status. ### [Song II: Man’s Covetousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-man-s-covetousness) The narrator and subject of the lament, expressing the futility of human covetousness. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii) Boethius laments his misfortunes, feeling that the sweetness of Philosophy's words fades once they stop speaking, leaving his sorrow renewed. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv) Boethius expresses the sting of recalling past happiness in adversity, and is gradually consoled by Philosophy. ### [Song IV: The Golden Mean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iv-the-golden-mean) The implied listener being counseled to find stability amid adversity. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/v) The recipient of Philosophy's arguments, being led to reconsider the value of fortune's gifts. ### [Song V: The Former Age](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-v-the-former-age) The speaker who laments the loss of the former age's simplicity. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi) The narrator and recipient of Philosophy's arguments. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vii) Boethius admits that ambition for worldly success has not swayed him much, but he desired opportunity for action to prevent virtue from languishing. ### [Song VII: Glory May Not Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vii-glory-may-not-last) The speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of glory and fame. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/viii) Boethius is addressed by Philosophy, who explains the value of his misfortune in revealing true friends. ### [Book III: True Happiness and False](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/book-iii-true-happiness-and-false) Boethius beseeches Philosophy to continue and later acknowledges he is recollecting truths he once knew, but becomes perplexed by the paradox of evil. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/i) Boethius is moved by Philosophy's song and discourse, declaring himself no longer unequal to Fortune's blows and eager to hear remedies. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii) Boethius is the silent recipient of Philosophy's teachings, his condition as a prisoner prompting the exploration of true happiness. ### [Song II: The Bent of Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-the-bent-of-nature) The author and speaker, reflecting on the natural order as a source of consolation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii) Boethius is questioned by Philosophy about his past unease despite wealth, admitting he never felt completely at peace. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv) Boethius reflects on the emptiness of political honors, citing his own experience with Decoratus. ### [Song IV: Disgrace of Honours Conferred by a Tyrant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iv-disgrace-of-honours-conferred-by-a-tyrant) The speaker who critiques the value of honors given by tyrants. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/v) Speaker who critiques the nature of sovereign power and its inability to provide security or happiness. ### [Song V: Self-Mastery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-v-self-mastery) The speaker of the poem, reflecting on the nature of power and self-control. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi) The speaker being instructed by Philosophy on the vanity of worldly honors. ### [Song VI: True Nobility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vi-true-nobility) The speaker and narrator, reflecting on the nature of true nobility. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vii) Addressed by Philosophy; reminded of his own lack of suffering from children's torments. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/viii) The interlocutor being instructed by Philosophy. ### [Song VIII: Human Folly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-viii-human-folly) Implied listener, being guided by Philosophy's critique. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ix) The interlocutor who recognizes the unity of true happiness and eagerly seeks its source. ### [Song IX: Invocation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ix-invocation) The speaker and petitioner, seeking divine illumination and ascent to the source of good. ### [The Unity of Happiness and God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/x) Boethius engages in dialectical reasoning with Philosophy, affirming each step of her argument that happiness and God are identical. ### [Song X: The True Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-x-the-true-light) Implicitly among those whose minds are bound by lust and in need of the true light. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/xi) Boethius engages in dialogue with Philosophy, affirming her reasoning about unity and goodness. ### [Song XI: Reminiscence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-xi-reminiscence) The speaker who meditates on the nature of truth and recollection. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/xii) Expresses shame at his earlier folly and joy at the reasoning, reaffirming his belief in God's governance. ### [Song XII: Orpheus and Eurydice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-xii-orpheus-and-eurydice) The narrator who uses the myth of Orpheus to illustrate the dangers of looking back from the pursuit of the good. ### [Book IV: Good and Ill Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/book-iv-good-and-ill-fortune) Expresses confusion about why happiness and misery seem distributed by chance to the righteous and wicked. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/i) Boethius laments the existence of unpunished evil and suffering virtue, questioning divine justice. ### [Song I: The Soul’s Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-i-the-soul-s-flight) The speaker and soul undertaking the metaphorical flight toward divine truth. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii) Engages in dialogue with Philosophy, initially expressing wonder at her promises and then following her reasoning about power and weakness. ### [Song II: The Bondage of Passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-the-bondage-of-passion) The narrator who presents the allegory of the monarch's inner bondage. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii) The interlocutor being instructed by Philosophy on the intrinsic rewards of goodness and punishments of wickedness. ### [Song III: Circe's Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iii-circe-s-cup) The narrator and implicit subject, whose steadfast mind is contrasted with the transformed sailors. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv) Boethius engages with Philosophy's arguments, expressing difficulty in accepting the conclusions but acknowledging their logical consistency. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/v) Expresses wonder and confusion about the reversal of fortune, where the good are punished and the wicked rewarded, and seeks an explanation from Philosophy. ### [Song V: Wonder and Ignorance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-v-wonder-and-ignorance) The speaker, reflecting on the nature of wonder and ignorance. ### [The Order of Providence and Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi) Boethius questions the apparent injustice of fortune, prompting Philosophy's explanation of providence and fate. ### [Song VI: The Universal Aim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vi-the-universal-aim) The speaker who contemplates the universal order and divine law. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vii) Boethius questions Philosophy's paradoxical conclusion that all fortune is good, but ultimately agrees with her reasoning. ### [Song VII: The Hero’s Path](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vii-the-hero-s-path) Implied as the listener encouraged to follow the heroic path. ### [Book V: Free Will and God’s Foreknowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/book-v-free-will-and-god-s-foreknowledge) Raises questions about chance, free will, and the compatibility of human freedom with God's foreknowledge. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/i) Inquires about the nature of chance, seeking clarification on whether it exists. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii) Questions whether free will exists within the chain of fate. ### [Song II: The True Sun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-the-true-sun) The speaker of the poem, reflecting on the limitations of earthly light and the omniscience of God. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii) Expresses deep perplexity over the apparent contradiction between God's foreknowledge and human free will. ### [Song III: Truth's Paradoxes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iii-truth-s-paradoxes) The speaker who laments the discordance between truths and ponders the soul's struggle to discern truth through fleshly blindness. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv) Boethius is the interlocutor who has long pondered the problem of foreknowledge and free will, and is now being guided by Philosophy to a deeper understanding. ### [Song IV: A Psychological Fallacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-iv-a-psychological-fallacy) The speaker who challenges the passive mind theory and asserts the mind's active role in knowledge. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/v) The narrator and seeker of understanding, grappling with the limits of human reason regarding divine foreknowledge. ### [Song V: The Upward Look](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-v-the-upward-look) Addressed as the one whose gaze is fixed on heaven, called to lift his soul upward. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi) Boethius raises objections about free will and divine foreknowledge, which Philosophy addresses. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/epilogue) Dies by a cruel death shortly after writing The Consolation of Philosophy. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced as the author and subject of the work, with notes clarifying his arguments and allusions. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/boethius - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters