The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Character
Alexander the Great
Macedonian conqueror cited as an example of ambition and moral judgment.
minor
Also known as Alexander
First appearance: ii of the origin of ambition and of the distinction of ranks
Alexander the Great's tie to Parmenio is one of the pressures that moves The Theory of Moral Sentiments—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Referenced as an example of a great figure who, along with Philip, showed insolent contempt for the ordinary decorums of life.
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With Parmenio (professional): Parmenio was a senior general and advisor to Alexander, though their relationship grew strained over time. With Philip (family): Philip was Alexander's father and king, whose military…
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See Alexander the Great in ii of the origin of ambition and of the distinction of ranksCharacter Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Alexander the Great sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Family
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Ambitious and Self-Love Figures
- Classical and Modern Moral Exemplars
- Protagonist
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Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it crystallizes the core psychological crisis: the tension betw…
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Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Parmenio
professional · ambivalent
Parmenio was a senior general and advisor to Alexander, though their relationship grew… How this plays out →
- Philip
family · ambivalent
- Zeno
social · positive
- Socrates
psychological · ambivalent
Relationship notes
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See Alexander the Great in ii of the origin of ambition and of the distinction of ranksIn the story
Alexander the Great appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Alexander the Great in ii of the origin of ambition and of the distinction of ranks