Daphnis and Chloe characters

Appears from the start

A foundling raised by the goatherd Lamon on Lesbos after a goat nurses him. He grows into a handsome, innocent young herdsman and tends goats beside Chloe. Their awakening affection leaves him confused because neither has been taught what love means.

Appears from the start

A foundling discovered and adopted by the shepherd Dryas after a ewe nurses her. She grows up tending sheep near Daphnis and shares his inexperience, affection, and uncertainty as their friendship becomes romantic love.

Appears from the start

The goatherd who finds the infant Daphnis with tokens suggesting noble birth. He and his wife raise the boy as their own and later place him in charge of the goats.

Appears from the start

Lamon's wife and Daphnis's adoptive mother. She helps raise the abandoned child in their pastoral household.

Appears from the start

The shepherd who discovers the infant Chloe with identifying tokens and brings her up with his wife, Nape. He protects her interests when suitors begin to seek her hand.

Appears from the start

Dryas's wife and Chloe's adoptive mother, part of the rural family that raises the foundling as its daughter.

Appears from the start

A prosperous young cowherd who courts Chloe and competes with Daphnis for her affection. More experienced and forceful than the two foundlings, he becomes their first romantic rival.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly herdsman who recognizes the young pair's condition and explains that they are in love. His story gives a name to feelings Daphnis and Chloe have been unable to understand.

First appears in chapter 3

A married woman from the countryside who encounters Daphnis and notices his innocence. She offers practical instruction about physical love while warning him that the experience will not be so simple with Chloe.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy young visitor to the estate where Lamon works. He is drawn into Daphnis's affairs when the herdsman's unusually beautiful adopted son attracts attention within the household.

First appears in chapter 4

A parasitic companion of Astylus who becomes infatuated with Daphnis. His selfish pursuit threatens to separate the young herdsman from Chloe.

First appears in chapter 4

The wealthy owner of Lamon's estate and father of Astylus. He arrives in the country with his family and becomes central to resolving the mystery of Daphnis's origins.

First appears in chapter 4

A cowherd who seeks to marry Chloe and damages Lamon's garden to discredit Daphnis before the estate owner arrives.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy man from Mytilene whose past choices become relevant when Chloe's birth tokens are shown among the city's leading families.