1604 (Daniel testified that three acts had been written in 1600, but he had pressing reasons to claim that the play pre-dated the Jacobean monarchy, so the avowal is open to some question)
a synoptic, alphabetical character list
ALEXANDER the GREAT
Alexander is the ruler of the Greeks and the conqueror of Persia. He is suspicious of Philotas, who seems to have been courting personal popularity and to have been speaking against him, and consults Ephestion and Craterus. Craterus advises Alexander to keep a closer guard on himself, and to have Philotas watched; Craterus will persuade Antigona to spy on Philotas for him. Alexander approves of his council, but is worried about the power of Philotas's family and friends; he nonetheless refers the business to Craterus. Metron brings Cebalinus before Alexander to tell him about the conspiracy of Dymnus and others. Alexander accuses Cebalinus of delaying, but Cebalinus tells him that the delay was due to Philotas, whom he first told about the conspiracy. Alexander orders that Dymnus and Philotas should be brought before him. Dymnus is brought on stage, but is already dying from a self-inflicted wound. Philotas defends himself by claiming that he thought the conspiracy was a 'rumour vain', since the accused included some of Alexander's most loyal servants. Alexander forgives Philotas and appears to believe his sincerity, but Craterus claims that Philotas is still dangerous and Perdiccas states that Philotas must have been involved in the conspiracy or he would have brought it to light. Alexander feasts with Philotas, but, as Attaras and Sostratus describe, after Philotas's departure, Craterus falls to his knees and begs Alexander to take action against Philotas. As a result, Alexander has Philotas arrested. Before the soldiers, Alexander accuses Philotas and Parmenio of involvement with the conspiracy, taking as his proof a letter from Parmenio to Philotas. Alexander removes himself while Philotas makes his defence. Philotas's defence is ignored by the assembled lords and soldiers, and Alexander finally dismisses the court. Polidamus, a supporter of Parmenio, reveals in conversation with Sostratus that he was seized the previous night and brought into the presence of Alexander, who ordered him to assassinate Parmenio. According to the Nuntius, Philotas is tortured under Alexander's orders, and eventually confesses involvement in the plot. When Philotas will say no more, he and Demetrius are stoned to death. All those who were accused by Dymnus are to be tortured and all those allied with them will also die.
AMYNTAS
Amyntas is a "ghost character." Amyntas is a friend of Philotas, and according to Dymnus is part of a plot to kill Alexander. Alexander fears that Amyntas will mutiny if Philotas feels that he is being badly treated.
ANTIGONA
Antigona is a Persian, born at Pidna. She was the mistress of Darius, but is now the lover of Philotas. Thais asks Antigona to prove Philotas's love for her; Antigona tells her of Philotas's secret statements against Alexander, claiming that the fact that he confided in her demonstrates how much he loves her. Thais reports Antigona's words to Craterus, and Craterus threatens Antigona with torture if she does not co-operate with him. She laments that she must choose her lover or a disgraced death, but decides in the end to co-operate with Craterus. Meeting with Thais, Antigona accuses her of having betrayed her confidence.
ANTIGONUS
Antigonus is a "ghost character." Ephestion says that Antigonus and Philotas won joint second place in honour in battle after Alexander.
APHEBETUS
Aphebetus is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Aphebetus is part of a plot to kill Alexander.
ARCHELOPIS
Archelopis is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Archelopis is part of a plot to kill Alexander.
ATTARUS
Attaras is a lord in the service of Alexander. Attaras is sent with three hundred men to arrest Philotas and he reports the sequence of events to Sostratus.
ATTALUS
Attalus is a "ghost character." Parmenio killed Attalus in the service of Alexander.
BELON
Belon is a follower of Alexander. He appears at the trial of Philotas. He rejects Philotas's request that the oracle of Ammon be consulted.
CAENUS
Caenus is the brother-in-law of Philotas, and Alexander. He fears that he will mutiny if Philotas feels that he is being badly treated. He later appears in the trial scene, convinced of Philotas's guilt by the evidence presented by Alexander. With Craterus and Ephestion, Caenus advises Alexander to have Philotas tortured.
CALIN
Calin is a "ghost character." According to the Nuntius, Calin is accused of involvement in the plot against Alexander by Philotas.
CEBALINUS
Cebalinus is the brother of Nichomachus. He accosts Philotas and tells him how Dymnus attempted to draw Nichomachus into a plot to kill Alexander. When Philotas does not consult Alexander, Cebalinus and vows to try another counsellor. Metron finally brings Cebalinus before Alexander and he recounts his story, accusing Philotas of neglect. Cebalinus later testifies before Alexander, and at the trial of Philotas.
CHALISTHENES
Chalisthenes is a friend and counsellor of Philotas. He advises Philotas to follow the advice of his father Parmenio and downscale his public display in order to avoid antagonising Alexander.
CHORUS
The Chorus is comprised of the First Grecian, the Second Grecian, the Third Grecian and the Persian. The Chorus describe themselves as 'the vulgar', but assert their ability to tell the truth; they fear for Philotas, who 'acts his goodness ill' and consistently support him. In the chorus before Act 5, the Grecians and the Persian debate the merits of Greek and Persian government and justice. The Persian claims that the Greeks, for all their claims, are no different from the 'sovereign tyrants of the East'; the only difference is that the Greeks proceed by form of law. The Grecians agree that Alexander is behaving autocratically, but blame it on the influence of 'feeble Asia'. The Chorus watches the exchange between Polidamus and Sostratus, in which Polidamus reveals that he has been ordered by Alexander to assassinate Philotas's father Parmenio. The Persian Chorus remarks that this is a 'Persian trick', and the Greek chorus replies that Persia has 'no cause to rue, / For you have us undone, who undid you'. Told about Philotas's final submission and confession by the Nuntius, the Chorus are dismayed but still supportive.
CLITUS
Clitus is a lord at the court of Alexander. He confers with Craterus and Ephestion about the threat which they feel Philotas poses to Alexander, and worry that Alexander is underestimating him.
CRATERUS
Craterus is one of the most valued counsellors of Alexander. He advises Alexander to take action against Philotas, having heard a report from Thais of Philotas's private words to Antigona. Alexander should keep a closer guard on himself, and have Philotas watched; Craterus will persuade Antigona to spy on Philotas. Alexander agrees with his council, but is worried about the power of Philotas's family and friends; he nonetheless refers the business to Craterus. He confers with Clitus and Ephestion about the threat which they feel Philotas poses to Alexander, and worry that Alexander is underestimating him. Attaras and Sostratus describe the entrance of Craterus at the banquet; after Philotas departed, Craterus fell to his knees and begged Alexander to take action against Philotas. As a result, Philotas is arrested. At the trial, Craterus reads out the letter from Parmenio to Philotas, which is taken as proof of their involvement with the conspiracy. Craterus and Ephestion defend their actions to Philotas, denying that they acted out of personal malice. According to the Nuntius, Craterus is in charge of the torture of Philotas and eventually wrings a confession out of him.
DARIUS
Darius is a "ghost character." He is the ruler of Persia who was defeated by Alexander. Antigona was one of his concubines. Under torture, Philotas claims that Parmenio decided to do nothing against Alexander while Darius was in power, but after Darius's defeat thought that their faction could take all 'the Orient and all Asia'.
DEMETRIUS
Demetrius is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Demetrius is part of a plot to kill Alexander. He is brought to torture, and accused by Philotas; Philotas and Demetrius are eventually stoned to death.
DROCENUS
Drocenus is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Drocenus is part of a plot to kill Alexander.
DYMNUS
Dymnus is a follower of Alexander. Cebalinus describes him as one of 'low estate, and high affections', which have led him into 'outrageous practices'. Dymnus has befriended Cebalinus's brother, Nichomachus and attempts to bring him into a plot to kill Alexander. He claims that the plot also involves Loceus, Demetrius, Nicanor, Amyntas, Archelopis, Drocenus, Aphebetus and Leuculaus. When Nichomachus refuses to join the plot, Dymnus threatens him in an attempt to keep him quiet, but Nichomachus eventually tells his brother. When Metron brings Cebalinus before Alexander to tell of the plot, Alexander orders that Dymnus should be brought before him. Dymnus is brought on stage, but is already dying from a self-inflicted wound. The body of Dymnus is brought on stage again during the trial of Philotas.
EPHESTION
Ephestion is one of the most valued counsellors of Alexander. He advises Alexander to withdraw his favour from Philotas, hoping that this will reduce Philotas's pride and ambition. Ephestion later confers with Clitus and Craterus about the threat which they feel Philotas poses to Alexander, and worry that Alexander is underestimating him. At the trial of Philotas, Craterus and Ephestion defend their actions, denying that they acted out of personal malice. With Craterus and Caenus, Ephestion advises Alexander to have Philotas tortured.
GRECIAN, FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD
The three Grecians along with a Persian make up the Chorus
LOCEUS
Loceus is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Loceus is part of a plot to kill Alexander.
GUARD
The Guard serves Alexander. He brings Philotas to the trial and later asks to be allowed to tear him to pieces.
HEGELOCHUS
Hegelochus is a "ghost character." Under torture, Philotas confesses that Hegelochus
incensed Parmenio against Alexander after Alexander took on the title of 'son of Jove'.
LEUCULAUS
Leuculaus is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Leuculaus is part of a plot to kill Alexander.
MESSENGER
The messenger summons Philotas to the presence of Alexander.
METRON
Metron is the Master of the armoury of Alexander. Metron is approached by Cebalinus and tells Alexander about the conspiracy against him by Dymnus and others. He later testifies before Alexander, and at the trial of Philotas.
NABARZANES
Nabarzanes is a "ghost character." He is a traitor who has betrayed his lord, mentioned by Philotas when he is arrested by Attaras and his men.
NICANOR
Nicanor is a "ghost character." According to Dymnus, Nicanor is part of a plot to kill Alexander. Elsewhere, however, Philotas refers to a now-deceased Nicanor, his brother, and describes him as the 'half arch' of his father's house.
NICHOMACHUS
Nichomachus is the brother of Cebalinus. He was befriended by Dymnus, who tried to involve him with a plot against Alexander. When Nichomachus refuses to join the plot, Dymnus threatens him in an attempt to keep him quiet. Nichomachus promised to keep the plot secret, but told his brother, who informed Philotas. He later testifies before Alexander at the trial of Philotas.
NUNTIUS
The Nuntius appears at the end of the play to recount the conclusion to the tragedy. He reports that after the council was dismissed, Craterus continued to 'whisper' to Alexander. Craterus, Ephestion and Caenus urge Alexander that Philotas should be tortured, to which Alexander agrees. Under torture, Philotas confesses that Hegelochus incensed Parmenio against Alexander after Alexander took on the title of 'son of Jove'. He claims that Parmenio decided to do nothing against Alexander while Darius was in power, but after Darius's defeat thought that their faction could take all 'the Orient and all Asia'. Philotas eventually also confesses involvement in Dymnus's plot, and accuses Demetrius and Calin. When Philotas will say no more, he and Demetrius are stoned to death. All those who were accused by Dymnus are to be tortured and all those allied with them will also die.
PARMENIO
Parmenio is a "ghost character." He is the father of Philotas and ruler of Medea. Parmenio has sent Philotas a letter in which he advises his son to stop antagonising Alexander through his pride and public display. According to Antigona, Philotas claims that Alexander is ungrateful to Parmenio, who assisted him in his conquests. When Philotas is arrested, Alexander's forces are put on alert to watch for movements from Parmenio's camp. Alexander orders Polidamus to assassinate Parmenio. Under torture, Philotas confesses that Hegelochus incensed Parmenio against Alexander after Alexander took on the title of 'son of Jove'. He claims that Parmenio decided to do nothing against Alexander while Darius was in power, but after Darius's defeat thought that their faction could take all 'the Orient and all Asia'.
PERDICCAS
Perdiccas is a counsellor of Alexander. He thinks that Philotas was involved in the conspiracy of Dymnus and others against Alexander.
PERSIAN
The Persian is part of the Chorus along with the three Grecians.
PHILOTAS
Philotas is the son of Parmenio and one of the greatest generals under Alexander. He is loved by Antigona and has rejected Thais. Although he is advised by Parmenio and Chalisthenes to cease public display and to dismiss some of his followers, in order to avoid antagonising Alexander. Philotas is reluctant to follow their advice. He is told of a plot against Alexander by Cebalinus, but does not inform Alexander. Philotas is told by Servus that there is not enough money to pay a captain whom Philotas wanted him to reward; Philotas tells him to sell 'apparel, plate, jewels' to raise the money. Philotas worries about the change in Alexander's attitude towards him, but is confident that he will be able to clear himself. When Cebalinus and Metron bring the conspiracy before Alexander, Philotas is summoned to explain why he did not inform Alexander. He defends himself by claiming that he thought that the conspiracy was only an 'idle tale'. Alexander forgives Philotas and appears to believe his sincerity, but Craterus claims that Philotas is still dangerous and Perdiccas states that Philotas must have been involved in the conspiracy or he would have brought it to light. Alexander feasts with Philotas, but, as Attaras and Sostratus describe, after Philotas's departure, Craterus falls to his knees and begs Alexander to take action against Philotas in order to protect his person and the state. As he reports to Sostratus, Attaras is sent with three hundred armed men are sent to arrest Philotas. They find him asleep; waking, Philotas is chained and taken to prison. At the trial, Alexander accuses Philotas and Parmenio of involvement with the conspiracy, taking as his proof a letter from Parmenio to Philotas. Alexander removes himself while Philotas makes his defence; Philotas fears that this means that he is already condemned. He denies that the body of Dymnus is a proper accuser, and states that he will submit if any of his followers who were implicated will prove that he was party to the conspiracy. He admits to criticising Alexander's assumption of the title 'son of Jove', but maintains that this was done publicly. Philotas asks that the oracle of Ammon (another title of Jupiter or Jove) be consulted, but this request is rejected by Belon. Philotas's defence is ignored by the assembled lords and soldiers, and Alexander finally dismisses the court. According to the Nuntius, Philotas is tortured at the hands of Craterus. Under torture, he confesses that Hegelochus incensed Parmenio against Alexander after Alexander took on the title of 'son of Jove'. He claims that Parmenio decided to do nothing against Alexander while Darius was in power, but after Darius's defeat thought that their faction could take all 'the Orient and all Asia'. Philotas eventually also confesses involvement in Dymnus's plot and accuses Demetrius and Calin. When Philotas will say no more, he and Demetrius are stoned to death.
POLIDAMAS
A supporter of Parmenio. Polidamus debates with Sostratus the state of the court and the state as a result of the trial of Philotas. Polidamus was seized the previous night and brought into the presence of Alexander. He has been ordered to assassinate Parmenio, and has no choice but to obey Alexander.
SERVUS
Servus attends Philotas. He tells Philotas that there is not enough money to pay a captain whom Philotas wanted him to reward; Philotas tells him to sell 'apparel, plate, jewels' to raise the money.
SOSTRATUS
Sostratus is a lord at the court of Alexander. He is informed by Attaras of the sequence of events surrounding the arrest of Philotas.
SYMANUS
Symanus is a "ghost character." He a friend of Philotas, and Alexander fears that he will mutiny if Philotas feels that he is being badly treated.
THAIS
Thais is a courtesan. In conversation with Antigona, Thais asks Antigona to prove that Philotas really loves her. Antigona tells her of Philotas's secret remarks against Alexander, claiming that the fact that he confided in her demonstrates how much he loves her. Thais sees this as an opportunity to get revenge on Philotas, who had previously rejected her, and takes the gossip to Craterus. Antigona later accuses Thais of having betrayed her confidence; the politic Thais claims that she has really helped her.