The Kural · Chapter
LXXXVII: The Characteristics of Enemies explained
This chapter outlines the traits of weak and flawed princes that make them easy targets for enemies, emphasizing the importance of strength, wisdom, and self-control in leadership.
What happens
This chapter outlines the traits of weak and flawed princes that make them easy targets for enemies, emphasizing the importance of strength, wisdom, and self-control in leadership.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the narrative shifts from external conflict to an internal, e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Statecraft and Governance
The chapter focuses on identifying weak rulers and the strategic advantages of exploiting their flaws.
- Virtue and Righteousness
Contrasts virtuous leadership with the vices that make a prince vulnerable to enemies.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on the characteristics of enemies.
- the Kural
The text that contains these teachings on statecraft and enmity.
- Kauṭilya
Referenced indirectly through the science of politics mentioned in the chapter.
Key passages
“Strive not with the powerful: but against those that are weaker than thyself carry on wars without relaxing even for one moment.”
Do not fight the strong; instead, persistently wage war against those weaker than you.
Advises strategic selection of enemies based on relative strength.
“Behold the prince who is always ill-tempered and who controlleth not his tongue: he will be an easy prey to everybody at all times and at all places.”
A prince who is irritable and lacks verbal restraint is vulnerable to attack anywhere, anytime.
Highlights the danger of poor self-control in leadership.
