The Tour · Character

Tarrar

A mysterious or minor character with recurring mentions.

minor

First appearance: IV

Tarrar's tie to Publius Lucius Sabinus is one of the pressures that moves The Tour—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The little Libyan slave who fetches Thrasyllus at Lucius's command.

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With Publius Lucius Sabinus (professional): Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert operations. With Caleb (rivalry): Caleb and Tarrar are direct antagonists, each trying to outmaneuver the other in a deadly game of espionage. With Catullus (rivalry): Catullus and Tarrar are sworn enemies, with Tarrar often acting as a physical threat to Catullus's life.

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The fuller portrait of Tarrar sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Tarrar in IV

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Tarrar sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Mythological and Divine Figures
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the narrative reaches its dramatic climax because Lucius experiences a profound emotional and…

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Relationships

Publius Lucius Sabinus
professional · ambivalent
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert… How this plays out →
Caleb
rivalry · negative
Catullus
rivalry · negative
Publius Lucius Sabinus
professional · ambivalent
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert… How this plays out →
Publius Lucius Sabinus
professional · ambivalent
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert… How this plays out →
Caleb
rivalry · negative
Catullus
rivalry · negative
Caleb
rivalry · negative

Publius Lucius Sabinus
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert operations.
Caleb
Caleb and Tarrar are direct antagonists, each trying to outmaneuver the other in a deadly game of espionage.
Catullus
Catullus and Tarrar are sworn enemies, with Tarrar often acting as a physical threat to Catullus's life.
Publius Lucius Sabinus
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert operations.
Publius Lucius Sabinus
Publius Lucius Sabinus employs Tarrar as a cunning and loyal agent, using him for covert operations.
Caleb
Caleb and Tarrar are direct antagonists, each trying to outmaneuver the other in a deadly game of espionage.
Catullus
Catullus and Tarrar are sworn enemies, with Tarrar often acting as a physical threat to Catullus's life.
Caleb
Caleb and Tarrar are direct antagonists, each trying to outmaneuver the other in a deadly game of espionage.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Tarrar in IV

In the story

Tarrar appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
The little Libyan slave who fetches Thrasyllus at Lucius's command.
II
Tarrar, the Libyan boy, is instructed by Thrasyllus to draw the curtains noiselessly.
IV
Summons Caleb, fetches Catullus, and receives the dancing snakes.
VI
Tarrar weeps over the death of his dancing snakes and the loss of his simple joy, but remains devoted to Lucius, refusing freedom to stay as his little slave.
VII
Appears in festive Libyan garb, jubilantly announcing the journey to Canopus.
Chapter XII
Tarrar guards Lucius's door but is unable to prevent Tamyris from entering.
The Night of Isis
Tarrar remains on the barge to sleep at his master's threshold.
XX
Rides a camel, defies the sun, and expresses preference for Rome over his native land.
XXI
Asserts that Libyan palm trees are the most excellent and debates with Caleb.
XXII
Lucius's little slave who carries the sycamore casket, digs the hole, buries it, and curses the spot in Libyan.
XXV
Tarrar is present on the journey and participates in the ostrich hunt with excitement.
XXVIII
Tarrar sobs in the corner, asking Lucius to keep him as a little slave, and Lucius reassures him he will.
XXIX
The little black slave, squats outside Cora's cabin like a faithful monkey.
Postscript
Mentioned in Caleb's closing blessings as part of Lucius's household.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tarrar unlock in the free preview.

See Tarrar in IV

See Tarrar in I