Character List
Augustine: A saint, the Bishop of Hippo, a philosopher, and a Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Monica: Augustine's mother, a devout Christian and visionary. Also called Monnica.
Patrick: Augustine's father, a small landowner in Thagaste, Numidia. He was not a Christian until the very end of his life. The Latin form of his name is Patricius.
Adeodatus: Augustine's son, by his Carthaginian companion. Adeodatus, though not initially planned for or desired, was dearly loved by both his parents. He died at the age of 17.
Adeodatus' mother: A "Carthaginian girl of low birth," this companion, much-loved by Augustine, bore him his son Adeodatus. She is never named in Augustine's writings. It was common at this time for young men of Augustine's class to keep a concubine before marriage.
Nebridius: A dear friend of Augustine's. He was a wealthy young Carthaginian man with a curious, philosophical mind. Along with others, he followed Augustine to Milan to try to live a "life of wisdom." Augustine credits him with helping him on the path toward truth.
Hierius: A Roman orator to whom Augustine dedicated his book The Beautiful and the Fitting.
Faustus: A Manichean bishop Augustine comes to know in Carthage.
Ambrose: The Bishop of Milan, a learned and well-loved spiritual leader. He welcomes Augustine to Milan, and Augustine is first attracted to the Christian faith by Ambrose's skill in oratory. Ambrose eventually converts Augustine.
Alypius: A close friend of Augustine's who witnessed his conversion in Milan.
Firminus: An astrologer in Milan during the time that Augustine was there.
Simplicianus: A priest in Milan who helped Augustine toward conversion. He also baptized Bishop Ambrose and was a senior Church official.
Victorinus: A rhetor of African origin. He was a translator of Platonism and a Christian of high culture.
Ponticianus: An African highly placed in the Emperor's Court in Milan. A Christian, he tells Augustine about the monastic life.
ClassicNote on Confessions
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