The Prince

Philopoemen

Philopoemen is presented as a model of military virtue and prudence for the prince to emulate.

Lodovico Sforza

Lodovico Sforza is discussed as a prince who lost power due to reliance on mercenaries and poor alliances.

Ferdinand of Aragon

Ferdinand is praised as a cunning and successful prince who used religion and war to expand his power.

Cyrus

Cyrus the Great is presented as an ideal prince who combined military prowess with wise governance.

Pandolfo Petrucci

Pandolfo Petrucci is discussed as a ruler who maintained power through cunning and manipulation.

Ferdinand of Aragon

Ferdinand is praised as a cunning and successful prince who used religion and war to expand his power.

The Man and His Works

The central work discussed; described as dealing with eternal problems between rulers and ruled, and as being of abiding value for its insights into human nature and governance.

The Prince

The intended audience and subject of the work, representing a new ruler seeking to secure power.

II: Concerning Hereditary Principalities

Implied hereditary ruler who can maintain power by following ancestral customs.

IV: Why the Kingdom of Darius, Conquered by Alexander, Did Not Rebel Against the Successors of Alexander at His Death

The chapter discusses the two types of principalities—centralized (like the Turk) and feudal (like France)—relevant to a prince's strategy.

V: Concerning the Way to Govern Cities or Principalities Which Lived Under Their Own Laws Before They Were Annexed

Implied audience for the advice on how to securely hold newly acquired cities or principalities.

IX: Concerning a Civil Principality

The hypothetical ruler addressed in the chapter, advised on how to secure power through popular favor.

X: Concerning the Way in Which the Strength of All Principalities Ought to Be Measured

The central figure addressed, who must assess his own strength and decide whether to rely on fortifications and popular support.

XV: Concerning Things for Which Men, and Especially Princes, Are Praised or Blamed

The central subject of the chapter, whose conduct toward subjects and friends is analyzed.

XVII: Concerning Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved Than Feared

The central subject of the chapter, advised to prefer being feared over loved while avoiding hatred.

XVIII: Concerning the Way in Which Princes Should Keep Faith

The central subject of the chapter, advised to use both law and force, and to appear virtuous while being prepared to act contrary to faith when necessary.

XXI: How a Prince Should Conduct Himself So as to Gain Renown

The central subject of the chapter, receiving advice on how to gain renown through decisive action and patronage.

XXII: Concerning the Secretaries of Princes

The intended reader and subject of the chapter's advice on choosing and keeping honest secretaries.

XXIII: How Flatterers Should Be Avoided

The central subject of the chapter; advised to avoid flatterers by choosing wise counselors, inquiring of them, and being steadfast in resolutions.