ABSTRACT
Theophrastus’ character portraits are witty and entertaining illustrations of Athenian citizens behaving in inappropriate ways but, at the same time, they invite considered reflection on appropriate personal and social conduct. This topic falls squarely within the realm of ancient ethics. There is, in fact, a discernible and meaningful ethical subtext underlying Theophrastus’ carefully selected examples of behaviour. Although there are some similarities between this subtext and Aristotle’s ethical philosophy, Theophrastus’ approach is uniquely different in important ways. Whereas Aristotle discusses ethical and unethical conduct in philosophical and abstract terms, Theophrastus offers a useful, realistic and practical illustration of the importance of ethical conduct. Theophrastus also demonstrates a particular interest in social dispositions, a subject in which he may have extended and clarified Aristotle’s ethical theory.
