Cephalus

An elderly and wealthy merchant, father of Polemarchus, representing traditional values.

Core Belief

"Justice is telling the truth and paying your debts. Wealth is a blessing because it allows one to avoid committing injustice."

Believes in the importance of religious observance and moral conduct as a preparation for death.

Pious, moderate, and content with his life. He values justice as a means of ensuring a peaceful afterlife.

"You should come to me oftener, Socrates, for I am too old to go to you."

"When you are old the belief in the world below grows upon you."

"Neither a good poor man can be happy in age, nor yet a bad rich man."

Socrates

The main speaker and philosopher, guiding the discussion.

Glaucon

One of Socrates' main interlocutors, representing the perspective of a well-meaning but somewhat naive young man.

Adeimantus

Another of Socrates' main interlocutors, representing a more thoughtful and serious perspective.

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