The Divine Comedy · Character

Statius

The Roman poet who secretly converted to Christianity, Statius rises from five centuries of purgatorial thirst to walk beside Dante and Virgil.

supporting

Also known as Statius , Thebaid

First appearance: Canto XXI

As a supporting figure in The Divine Comedy, Statius is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The Roman poet who appears as a shade, explains the mountain's trembling, and expresses his deep admiration for Virgil.

In the storyCanto XXIOpen this moment free

See Statius in Canto XXI Book page

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Statius is the Latin epic poet of the Thebaid who, in Dante's imagining, was secretly baptized and thus saved, though his hidden faith kept him circling Purgatory for centuries. When he finally joins the two travelers he becomes both companion and mirror, a poet who reveres Virgil as a father while surpassing him in grace. His arrival and the earthquake that announces his freedom mark the poem's turn from penitential waiting toward the joy of ascent.

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See Statius in Canto XXI

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Sinners and Historical Figures
Heavenly Guides and Saints
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this canto, the dramatic climax occurs when Dante, having been emboldened to ask Virgil to teach him the na…

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In the story

Statius appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Canto XXI
The Roman poet who appears as a shade, explains the mountain's trembling, and expresses his deep admiration for Virgil.
Canto XXII: The Sixth Circle—The Gluttonous—The Mystic Tree
The Roman poet, now in Purgatory, explains his prodigality and conversion to Christianity through Virgil's works.
Canto XXIV
The poet accompanying Dante and Virgil, part of the group moving through Purgatory.
Canto XXV
The poet who delivers a theological explanation of embryology and the formation of the soul.
Canto XXVII: The Trial of Fire and the Terrestrial Paradise
Statius follows Virgil into the fire after Dante, and later joins them in the ascent to the Terrestrial Paradise.
Canto XXXII: The Tree of Knowledge and the Vision of Corruption
Statius follows with Dante and the lady fair as they walk beside the wheel with the lesser arc.
Canto XXXIII: The River Eunoë and Beatrice's Prophecy
Statius accompanies Dante and Matilda to the river Eunoë.
Endnotes
Discussed in the context of his speech on the generation of the soul, with commentary from Varchi and Thomas Aquinas.

Chapter companion notes

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See Statius in Canto XXI