ABSTRACT
The influence of Theophrastus' work in the sphere of literature has been even greater, owing to his unique book known as the Characters. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to fill the gap by providing a clear and comprehensive response to key questions that any reader might have about the text, especially questions pertaining to the author, context, influence, content, purpose and style of the work. It discusses Theophrastus' life, his works, his methodology and his own background as a philosopher, scientist and non-Athenian. The book explores the similarities between the Characters and Aristotle's ethical philosophy and it argues that Theophrastus' approach is different, innovative and more effective in important ways. It also explores how Theophrastus may have presented his character portraits to an audience and how character portraits were incorporated into rhetorical display-pieces.
