The Golden Ass · Character
Philesiterus
Lover who bribes Myrmex to gain access to a married woman.
minor
Also known as adventure Philesiterus
First appearance: book iv
Philesiterus's tie to Myrmex is one of the pressures that moves The Golden Ass—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Young man praised by the old bawd for his boldness and skill in love affairs.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Myrmex (professional): Myrmex, a slave, is bribed and coerced by Philesiterus to help him seduce his master's wife. With Barbarus (rivalry): Philesiterus schemes to cuckold Barbarus, making them antagonists in a…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Philesiterus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Philesiterus in book ivCharacter Web
7 connectionsA slice of how Philesiterus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Infidelity and deception
- Cupid and Psyche cast
+2 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Myrmex
professional · negative
Myrmex, a slave, is bribed and coerced by Philesiterus to help him seduce his master's… How this plays out →
- Barbarus
rivalry · negative
- Myrmex
professional · negative
Myrmex, a slave, is bribed and coerced by Philesiterus to help him seduce his master's… How this plays out →
- Barbarus
rivalry · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Philesiterus in book ivIn the story
Philesiterus appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Philesiterus unlock in the free preview.
See Philesiterus in book iv