The AENEID Study Characters

Aeneas

Trojan hero, son of Venus. Destined founder of Roman lineage. Embodies duty over personal desire by leaving Dido

Dido

Queen of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas. Her death foreshadows Rome/Carthage conflict. She commits suicide by burning herself along with all of Aeneas stuff and then stabs herself.

Turnus

Turnus

Leader of the Rutulians. Aeneas’ main rival in Italy. Represents heroic rage opposed to Roman destiny.

Anchises

Aeneas’ father. Is in the Underworld and reveals Rome’s future glory.

Ascanius

Also known as Iulus. Aeneas’ son. Ancestor of the Julian family (links to Augustus)

Creusa

Aeneas’ wife, lost during Troy’s fall. Her ghost tells him to continue his destiny.

Lavinia

Daughter of King Latinus. Destined to marry Aeneas. She’s a symbol of political alliance, not romance.

Latinus

King of Latium. Supports Aeneas due to prophecy.

Amata

Wife of Latinus. Opposes Aeneas. Driven mad by Juno’s influence.

Pallas

Young ally of Aeneas, son of Evander. His death triggers Aeneas’ final rage.

Evander

King allied with Aeneas. Shows early Rome and hosts Aeneas.

Mezentius

Cruel warrior allied with Turnus. Represents impiety and tyranny.

Juno/Hera

Queen of the gods. Opposes Aeneas. Motivated by hatred of Troy and fear of Rome.

Virgil

Roman poet and author of The Aeneid. Writing during the reign of Augustus, he uses Aeneas’ story to justify Rome’s origins and imperial destiny, linking myth directly to Roman political power.

Venus/Aphrodite

Mother of Aeneas. Protects him. Represents divine favor toward Rome.

Jupiter/Zeus

King of the gods. Guarantees Aeneas’ destiny and Rome’s future.

Mercury/Hermes

Messenger god. Reminds Aeneas to leave Dido.

Neptune/Posideon

God of the sea. Calms the storm sent by Juno

Aeolus

Keeper of the winds. Releases storm against Aeneas at Juno’s request.

Vulcan/Hephaestus

God of fire and forging. Creates Aeneas’ shield depicting Rome’s future.

Ares/Mars

God of war. Important as father of Romulus (Rome link).

Hades/Pluto

God of the underworld. Realm visited in Book 6.

Shield of Aeneas

Depicts future Roman history. Includes Augustus’ victory at Actium.

Harpies

Monstrous bird-women who torment Aeneas and his men by stealing and contaminating their food. Led by Celaeno, they curse the Trojans, prophesying that they will be so hungry they will “eat their tables” before reaching their destined land.

Fate (Destiny)

Events are predetermined by divine will. Even gods cannot ultimately change fate.

Duty (Pietas)

Devotion to gods, family, and mission. Defines Aeneas’ character and Roman values.

War

Violence as both necessary and tragic. Second half mirrors the Iliad.

Augustus

First Roman emperor. Presented as fulfillment of Aeneas’ mission.

Carthage

City ruled by Dido. Future enemy of Rome.

Latium

Region in Italy where Aeneas settles. Becomes foundation of Rome.

Actium

Battle referenced on shield. Augustus defeats Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

Xenia

Guest Host relationship. Breaking it leads to disaster.