CAMPASPE, or
ALEXANDER AND CAMPASPE; ALEXANDER, CAMPASPE, AND DIOGENES
1580–1584
a synoptic, alphabetical character list
ALEXANDER the GREAT
Alexander is the legendary King of Macedonia. At the start of the play he has just conquered Thebes; among his prisoners is Campaspe, with whom Alexander becomes infatuated. For a while, his unrequited love distracts him from his military projects. Alexander seeks the advice of the Theban philosophers and especially seeks out the reluctant Diogenes. Eventually, he realizes that Campaspe is really in love with the court painter Apelles, who Alexander had commissioned to paint her portrait. Alexander decides to test Apelles by instructing a Page to run onstage in a panic–as if Apelles' studio is on fire. Apelles' desperation to save the portrait of Campaspe above everything else reveals his true feelings. Alexander gives the couple his blessing and returns to his wars.
ANAXARCHUS
Anaxarchus is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
APELLES
Apelles is the court painter. He is commissioned to paint a portrait of Campaspe, a Theban woman that the King has fallen in love with. Apelles himself falls in love with Campaspe but keeps his feelings secret from the court as he fears Alexander. However, the King realizes that Campapse and Apelles love each other. Alexander decides to test Apelles by instructing a Page to run onstage in a panic–as if Apelles' studio is on fire. Apelles' desperation to save the portrait of Campaspe above everything else reveals his true feelings. Alexander gives the couple his blessing.
ARISTOTLE
Aristotle is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest. Alexander accuses Aristotle of treason but the philosopher denies the charge and submits himself to his new King.
CAMPASPE
Campaspe is a beautiful Theban woman captured by Alexander, who becomes infatuated with her. However, Campaspe falls in love with Apelles, a painter under commission to paint her portrait. Eventually, Alexander discovers the truth and gives the couple his blessing.
CLEANTHES
Cleanthes is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
CLYTUS
Clytus is one of Alexander's warriors. On return from Thebes, Clytus praises Alexander's courage.
CRATES
Crates is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
CRISIPPUS
Crisippus is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
CRYSUS
Crysus is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
DIOGENES
Diogenes is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest. However, unlike the rest, Diogenes refuses to submit to Alexander and stays in his tub when summoned. He castigates the other philosophers and still refuses to see Alexander even when the King visits. Diogenes refuses to teach Sylvius' sons. Finally, Alexander talks to Diogenes and decides to move the philosopher's cabin nearer to court to which Diogenes responds that Alexander should then move the court further from his cabin.
GRANICUS
Granicus is Plato's servant.
HEPHESTION
Hephestion is Alexander's general. He is horrified when Alexander falls in love with Campaspe.
LAIS
Lais is a courtesan who tries to persuade the dissolute soldiers of Alexander's court that peace is more enjoyable than war.
MANES
Manes is Diogenes' servant.
MELIPPUS
Melippus is Alexander's chamberlain. He is told to bring the Theban philosophers before the King.
MILECTUS
Milectus is one of Alexander's warriors.
MILO
Milo is the son of Sylvius, a citizen of Athens. Diogenes refuses to teach Milo.
PAGE
The Page to Alexander pretends that Apelles shop is on fire, so provoking Apelles to declare his love for Campaspe in front of the King.
PARMENIO
Parmenio is one of Alexander's warriors.
PERIM
Perim is the son of Sylvius, a citizen of Athens. Diogenes refuses to teach Perim.
PHRYGIUS
Phrygius is one of Alexander's warriors.
PLATO
Plato is one of the Theban philosophers whom Alexander consults after his conquest.
PSYLLUS
Psyllus is Apelles' servant.
SOLINUS
Solinus is a citizen of Athens.
SYLVIUS
Sylvius is a citizen of Athens. He wants his sons to be taught by Diogenes, the dogged philosopher who refuses to leave his tub. However, Diogenes refuses to teach them.
TIMOCLEA
Timoclea is one of the women captured at Thebes by Alexander.
TRICO
Trico is the son of Sylvius, a citizen of Athens. Diogenes refuses to teach Trico.