The Prince: persongalleri, tidslinje och platser

The argument divides states into republics and principalities, then distinguishes inherited rule from newly acquired power.

The speaker recommends residence or colonies for holding territories with different customs and criticizes Louis XII’s mistakes.

Alexander’s conquest introduces a contrast between states governed through dependent ministers and those containing hereditary lords.

Examples of founders show how ability uses opportunity, while opposition to new laws makes independent military strength essential.

Cesare Borgia builds foundations for his borrowed power, but illness disrupts his preparations.

Agathocles and Oliverotto da Fermo seize power through murder, prompting a distinction between political success and moral glory.

The narrator argues that popular support gives a prince greater security than dependence on nobles.

The narrator traces the Church’s growing worldly strength through Alexander VI and Pope Julius.

The narrator condemns mercenary forces and recommends personal command for princes and citizen soldiers for republics.

The speaker argues that auxiliary troops threaten rulers with ruin in defeat and dependence in victory.

The speaker makes warfare a prince’s chief concern and recommends training, hunting, and studying terrain.

The speaker rejects imagined political ideals and argues that necessity may require a prince to do wrong.

The speaker favors fear over love when both cannot coexist, while insisting that a prince avoid hatred.

The speaker permits broken promises under changed conditions and stresses the political value of appearing virtuous.

The argument links secure rule with avoiding hatred and contempt, respecting property, and maintaining popular goodwill.

The speaker weighs fortresses and other policies, concluding that avoiding popular hatred offers stronger protection than fortified defenses.

The narrator recommends striking achievements, decisive alliances, and public rewards as ways for a prince to gain respect.

The argument presents the choice of capable, loyal servants as evidence of a prince’s judgment.

The narrator advises princes to resist flattery, invite honest answers from selected advisers, and decide for themselves.

The speaker attributes Italian princes’ losses to weak armies, poor political support, and neglected preparations.

Machiavelli argues that preparation and action leave people some control despite fortune’s influence.

The writer urges the ruling house he addresses to free Italy through new institutions and native forces.

Duke Valentino draws four commanders to Sinigalia, captures them under cover of friendship, and orders their deaths.

Castruccio gains power through military skill, alliances, and deception, while his victories drive the Florentines to accept King Ruberto’s protection.