The Symposium: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in The Symposium, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- SocratesSocrates is a guest whom Callias invites to dinner along with his companions.First seen in part 1
- CalliasCallias hosts the dinner and invites Socrates and his companions after the horse race.First seen in part 1
- AutolycusAutolycus is a dinner guest whose beauty and modesty draw the company into silence.First seen in part 1
- CritobulusCritobulus is a guest whose laughter changes the mood after Philippus fails to amuse.First seen in part 1
- PhilippusPhilippus arrives uninvited to entertain the diners, but his jokes initially fail.First seen in part 1
- LyconLycon sits beside Autolycus as the young guest draws the company’s attention.First seen in part 1
- the SyracusanThe Syracusan brings three performers to entertain the guests at Callias’s feast.First seen in part 2
- XanthippeXanthippe is Socrates’s wife, whose choice he explains while discussing women’s capacity for training.First seen in part 2
- CharmidesCharmides is a guest who praises a boy’s performance for easing sorrow and stirring desire.First seen in part 3
- AntisthenesAntisthenes is a guest who finds wealth in contentment, modest needs, and leisure.First seen in part 4
- NiceratusNiceratus is a guest who presents his Homeric knowledge as practical expertise.First seen in part 4
- CleiniasCleinias is the person to whom Critobulus expresses devotion while praising beauty.First seen in part 4
- HermogenesHermogenes is a quiet guest whom Socrates draws into the banquet conversation.First seen in part 6
- Part 1
Callias invites Socrates and his companions to dinner, where Autolycus’s beauty and modesty command attention.
- Part 1
Philippus arrives uninvited, and his failed jokes give way to exaggerated distress that makes Critobulus laugh.
- Part 2
The Syracusan introduces performers, and Socrates uses the dancing girl’s skills to discuss training and courage.
- Part 2
After Philippus turns dancing into comedy, Socrates recommends small servings of wine to preserve cheerful conversation.
- Part 3
A boy sings with instrumental accompaniment, and Charmides praises the performance for easing sorrow and stirring desire.
- Part 3
Socrates asks the guests to entertain one another, and Callias asks each to name a source of pride.
- Part 4
Callias defends giving money as moral improvement, while Critobulus praises beauty through his devotion to Cleinias.
- Part 4
Antisthenes places wealth in contentment and modest needs, and Socrates praises his ability to bring suitable people together.
- Part 5
Socrates challenges Critobulus in a beauty contest and argues that bodily beauty depends on usefulness.
- Part 5
Critobulus concedes the argument but wins every secret vote, prompting Socrates to joke about the judges.
- Part 6
Socrates draws Hermogenes into conversation while the Syracusan resents the guests’ neglect of his entertainment.
- Part 6
The Syracusan mocks Socrates, who restrains Philippus from answering with insulting comparisons.
- Part 7
Socrates begins a song above the noise as guests disagree over whether Philippus should continue his comparisons.
- Part 7
Socrates questions dangerous tricks as banquet entertainment and proposes dancing to flute music instead.
- Part 8
Antisthenes declares his love for Socrates, who praises Callias’s attraction to Autolycus’s character.
- Part 8
Socrates urges Callias to study leadership and serve Athens, and Callias asks for help entering public life.
- Part 9
Autolycus rises for exercise, and Lycon praises Socrates before leaving with his son.
- Part 9
A bridal performance of Ariadne and Dionysus absorbs the guests, who afterward disperse or join Callias for a walk.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- AthensAthens is the place Socrates urges Callias to serve through public leadership.First seen in part 8
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