The First Sir Percy · Character

Socrates

One of Diogenes's two boon companions, a philosopher-soldier whose sudden collapse on the quay shatters a wedding day's gaiety and pulls the plot toward darker ground.

supporting

First appearance: i a night on the veluwe

As a supporting figure in The First Sir Percy, Socrates is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Diogenes' friend, whose lean face and weary demeanor signal impending tragedy and a return to the warpath.

In the storyThe Double WeddingOpen this moment free

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Socrates belongs to the raffish trio of sword-sellers — with Diogenes and the potbellied Pythagoras — who haunt the edges of respectable Dutch life. When he is lifted, groaning, from his horse at the height of the Beresteyn festivities, his mysterious injury interrupts the celebration and forces Gilda to trade romance for command. His suffering draws the Stadtholder's physician and the whole household into a hushed, anxious vigil.

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See Socrates in i a night on the veluwe

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Historical & Peripheral Figures
Utrecht Conspiracy Circle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Gilda’s idealized love…

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In the story

Socrates appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Double Wedding
Diogenes' friend, whose lean face and weary demeanor signal impending tragedy and a return to the warpath.
VII
Arrives on horseback with Pythagoras, his lean appearance and nod confirming to Diogenes that fighting lies ahead.
III: The Great Interruption
Helps lift Pythagoras off the pillion on the quay.
I
Helps Diogenes lift Pythagoras off the pillion.
II
Lies wounded with bullet wounds, feverish but insistent on reaching Amersfoort.
IV
Present in the sickroom, occasionally commenting or snoring in the corner.
IV: Adder's Fork
Left behind grumbling when Diogenes refuses his company on the ride, ordered to look after Pythagoras.
I
Left behind grumbling, ordered by Diogenes to look after Pythagoras.
V
Glimpsed briefly by Gilda in the crowd, but does not respond to her call.
Devil's-Writ
Socrates rescues Diogenes after the stabbing, binds his wound, and follows him in the pursuit of the Stadtholder.
I
Patrols the ramparts on horseback, takes command upon Diogenes' arrival, and plans to secure a fresh horse.
II
Receives the wounded Diogenes, binds his wound, and follows him to the marketplace.
IV
Watches Diogenes and comments on the situation, then joins the pursuit.
VII
Attempts to chase the assassin, fires pistol shots, returns to help Diogenes.
VIII
Mentioned as having gone on with the Stadtholder.
VII
Pursues Stoutenburg with Pythagoras, hesitates out of respect for Gilda.
XVI: The Final Issue
One of Diogenes' loyal familiars, who recruits a band of ruffians and spreads false rumors to aid the plan.
I
Faithful friend who accompanies the Stadtholder and later returns to watch over the blinded Diogenes alongside Pythagoras.
II
Loyal companion tasked with recruiting a troop of ruffians from fugitives on the moorlands.

Chapter companion notes

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See Socrates in i a night on the veluwe

See Socrates in The Double Wedding