Theophrastus 
The Characters of Theophrastus 
A Translation, with Introduction

The Characters of Theophrastus is a collection of character sketches that provide a vivid and insightful glimpse into the society of ancient Greece. Written in the form of short vignettes, Theophrastus delves into the quirks, flaws, and virtues of various individuals, showcasing his keen observational skills and wit. These sketches are not only entertaining but also offer a valuable commentary on human nature and social behavior in the ancient world. The literary style is concise yet rich in detail, making each character come to life on the page. The book is a valuable resource for scholars of ancient literature and philosophy, as well as anyone interested in the cultural and societal norms of ancient Greece. The Characters of Theophrastus is a timeless classic that remains relevant and engaging to this day. The author, Theophrastus, was a student of Aristotle and a renowned philosopher in his own right. His deep understanding of human nature and society is evident in the vivid portrayals of characters that populate this work. It is clear that Theophrastus drew upon his own observations and experiences to create these memorable sketches, making the book a reflection of his intellectual and philosophical insights. I highly recommend The Characters of Theophrastus to readers who appreciate wit, wisdom, and keen observations of human behavior.

About the author

Theophrastus, born around 371 BCE in Eresos, Lesbos, was an ancient Greek philosopher and successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic school. As a prolific author, he significantly contributed to the disciplines of botany, ethics, physics, and metaphysics, among others. His most celebrated work, ‘The Characters of Theophrastus’, remains an insightful exploration of human behavior and social types (Theophrastus, 1870). This collection of 30 brief, yet profound, character sketches provides valuable observations of the foibles and virtues observed in everyday life, demonstrating Theophrastus’s keen eye for the subtleties of human personality and behavior, thereby cementing his place in the annals of literature as the ‘father of character writing’ (Fortenbaugh & Gutas, 1992). His writing style in ‘The Characters’ is marked by its clarity, precision, and use of lexis suitable for capturing the idiosyncrasies of the individuals he describes. Theophrastus’s influence extended beyond his own era, with his work being studied and admired during the Renaissance and contributing to the development of character literature in the 17th century. His contributions to various fields and his unique approach to studying human nature through literary sketches have secured Theophrastus a lasting legacy in the pantheon of classical literature (Diggle, 2004).