The Golden Ass · Character

William Adlington

Translator of the English edition of The Golden Ass.

minor

Also known as Adlington

First appearance: Epistle Dedicatory

William Adlington shows up with force in Epistle Dedicatory. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The translator who dedicates his work to the Earl of Sussex and explains his motivations.

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In Epistle Dedicatory: The translator who dedicates his work to the Earl of Sussex and explains his motivations. Later, in To the Reader: The translator, who explains his motivations, challenges, and the moral…

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See William Adlington in Epistle Dedicatory

Character Web

10 connections

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Other

Character groups

Mythological and supporting figures
Protagonist
Cupid and Psyche cast
Charites rescue plot

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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 story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak of Lucius's terror and desperation…

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In the story

William Adlington appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Epistle Dedicatory
The translator who dedicates his work to the Earl of Sussex and explains his motivations.
To the Reader
The translator, who explains his motivations, challenges, and the moral interpretation of the work in this preface.
The Preface of the Author to His Son, Faustinus
The translator addresses his son Faustinus and the readers in this preface.
How the boy that led Apuleius to the field, was slain in the wood
Referenced in the chapter title as 'Apuleius', the author whose work is being translated.
XLII
Translator; chapter heading introduces the events.
XLIII
Adlington is the translator; the chapter heading 'How Apuleius was found by his shadow' refers to Lucius (Apuleius) in the narrative.
XLVII
Translator of the text; the chapter title references 'Apuleius' as the author.
XLVIII
William Adlington is the translator of the text, referenced in the chapter heading and throughout the narrative.
Endnotes
Mentioned as the translator of 'The Golden Ass' into English, with his editions listed.

Chapter companion notes

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See William Adlington in Epistle Dedicatory