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The Decameron · Character

Lydia

An Argive noblewoman so consumed by desire for her husband's servant that she sets him three impossible proofs — and performs them all.

major

Also known as Pyrrhus, Pyrrhus Lydia

First appearance: the sixth story

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Lydia is young, high-spirited, and married to the aging, trusting Nicostratus, a mismatch that fuels her restless scheming. Her passion for the servant Pyrrhus drives her to feats of audacity that scandalize even as…

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See Lydia in the sixth story

Character Web

3 connections

A slice of how Lydia sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

NINicostratusCACatellaMBMadam Beritola…LYLydia

Relationship types

  • Romantic
  • Other

Character groups

  • Marital Deception
  • Love and Deception
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this story, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Lisa, a lowborn apothecary’s daughter, is cons…

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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See Lydia in the sixth story

In the story

Lydia appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lydia unlock in the free preview.

See Lydia in the sixth story