Utopia

Character Guide

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Thomas More (the narrator, 'More')

A fictionalized version of the author himself, an English statesman traveling in Flanders on a diplomatic mission, who listens to and records Hythloday's account of Utopia.

Raphael Hythloday (Raphael)

A well-traveled philosopher-sailor said to have journeyed with Amerigo Vespucci and to have lived five years in Utopia; he serves as the primary narrator of the island's customs and laws.

Peter Giles

A learned citizen of Antwerp and friend of More who introduces him to Hythloday and occasionally interjects questions or objections during the dialogue.

Cardinal Morton (Archbishop of Canterbury)

A former patron and mentor referenced from More's youth, remembered for witty table-talk that is echoed in the book's early discussions of English social problems.

Cuthbert Tunstal (Master of the Rolls)

A real English diplomat and companion of More on the Flanders mission that frames the story's opening.

Utopus

The legendary conqueror and founder of Utopia, said to have civilized the island's original rude inhabitants and physically separated it from the mainland by digging a channel.

Glossary

Syphogrant

A Utopian district magistrate, elected annually, responsible for overseeing about thirty families and ensuring no one lives idle.

Tranibor

A senior Utopian magistrate ranking above the Syphogrants, part of the island's tiered governing council.

Ademus / Barzenes

Titles for the Utopian prince or chief ruler; 'Barzenes' was the ancient name, 'Ademus' the more recent one.

Amaurot

The chief city of Utopia, centrally located and the site of the annual council of senators from all fifty-four cities.

Anemolians

A fictional neighboring nation in the narrative whose ambassadors display ostentatious gold and jewels, providing a satirical contrast to Utopian simplicity.

Hythloday

Raphael's surname, coined by More from Greek roots meaning roughly 'dispenser/expert of nonsense' or 'well-learned in trifles,' hinting at his role as an ambiguous authority.

Utopia

The name of the island itself, derived from Greek for 'no place,' signaling from the outset that the ideal commonwealth described is a literary invention rather than a real location.

Syphogrant's exemption

The Utopian practice of excusing certain scholars and officials from manual labor to pursue study, though they can be returned to ordinary work if they fail to progress.

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