The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia · Character
The Old Man
An aged philosopher who discourses on the vanity of human wishes.
minor
First appearance: They Discourse with an Old Man
The Old Man's tie to Rasselas is one of the pressures that moves The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
One of the sages, whose conversation Rasselas formerly delighted in, follows him secretly to discover the cause of his disquiet.
The Old Man first appears in 0046 xlv they discourse with an old man.
With Rasselas (social): Rasselas interviews the Old Man about his long life and the nature of enduring happiness. With Imlac (social): Imlac engages the Old Man in conversation about the futility of seeking constant happiness. With Pekuah (social): Pekuah has minimal direct interaction with the Old Man, mostly as a listener.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
4 connectionsA slice of how The Old Man sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Wisdom and Experience Seekers
- Protagonist
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the old man shatters the Prince’s hope that age brings peace,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Rasselas
social · positive
Rasselas interviews the Old Man about his long life and the nature of enduring happiness. How this plays out →
- Imlac
social · ambivalent
- Pekuah
social · positive
- Rasselas
social · positive
Rasselas interviews the Old Man about his long life and the nature of enduring happiness. How this plays out →
- Imlac
social · ambivalent
- Pekuah
social · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See The Old Man in They Discourse with an Old ManIn the story
The Old Man appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- II: The Discontent of Rasselas in the Happy Valley
- III: The Wants of Him That Wants Nothing
- IV: The Prince Continues to Grieve and Muse
- VI: A Dissertation on the Art of Flying
- They Discourse with an Old Man
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The Old Man unlock in the free preview.
See The Old Man in They Discourse with an Old Man