# Alexander the Great — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Alexander the Great in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Alexander

**First appearance:** 0018-ii-of-the-origin-of-ambition-and-of-the-distinction-of-ranks

## Who they are

Macedonian conqueror cited as an example of ambition and moral judgment.

## Relationships

### [Parmenio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/parmenio)

_professional_

Parmenio was a senior general and advisor to Alexander, though their relationship grew strained over time.

### [Philip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/philip)

_family_

Philip was Alexander's father and king, whose military achievements Alexander built upon.

### [Zeno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/zeno)

_social_

Alexander is said to have been influenced by Zeno's Stoic ideas, though they never met.

### [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/socrates)

_psychological_

Alexander is presented as a contrast to Socrates' philosophical self-command.

## In the story

### [Section I: Of the Character of the Individual, So Far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-character-of-the-individual-so-far-as-it-affects-his-own-happiness-or-of-prudence)

Referenced as an example of a great figure who, along with Philip, showed insolent contempt for the ordinary decorums of life.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/alexander_the_great
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters