Books 1 and 2 introduce three pivotal characters: Aeneas (the dutiful hero), Dido (the tragic queen), and Juno (the vengeful goddess). Each represents different aspects of the epic's central themes and conflicts.
Character Analysis for Exams
The specification requires you to analyze how Virgil presents characters. Focus on: (1) What they DO, (2) What they SAY, (3) What others say about them, (4) How Virgil describes them (epithets, similes), (5) How they embody or violate key themes (pietas, furor, fate).
Aeneas is defined by PIETAS—dutiful devotion to gods, family, and mission. But he's not a simple hero. Books 1-2 show him struggling with this role, learning to suppress personal desires for cosmic purpose.
Aeneas in Books 1 & 2
Despair (1.94-101): Wishes he'd died at Troy—shows human vulnerability
Leadership (1.198-207): Hides grief to encourage men—duty over emotion
Furor (2.314): Wants to fight and die gloriously—must learn to suppress this
Obedience (2.594-620): Venus shows him gods destroying Troy—accepts divine will
"I am that Aeneas, known for my pietas, who carry with me my household gods saved from the Greeks."
— Aeneid 1.378-379
Aeneas as Roman Ideal
Aeneas embodies Roman virtues: pietas (duty), constantia (steadfastness), and clementia (mercy). He's NOT the individualistic Greek hero (Achilles)—he serves community, not personal glory. This makes him the FOUNDING FATHER of Roman values.
Dido: The Tragic Queen
Dido is introduced at her PEAK—powerful, independent, generous, goddess-like. Book 1 establishes what she is BEFORE love destroys her (Book 4). Understanding her initial dignity makes the tragedy more powerful.
Dido in Book 1
Diana simile (1.498-504): Compared to virgin goddess—emphasizes chastity and power
Empathy (1.630): "Not ignorant of suffering, I learn to help the wretched"—uses her trauma for good
Generosity (1.571-578): Offers Trojans supplies, alliance, even settlement rights
"Infelix Dido" (1.712): Narrator calls her "doomed"—foreshadows tragedy
Cupid's wound (1.712-722): Venus manipulates her into love without consent
"Unlucky Dido, doomed to coming evil, cannot get enough, but warms herself at the fire, feeding the wound with gazing."
— Aeneid 1.712-714
Dido as Victim of Fate
Dido didn't choose to love Aeneas—Venus used Cupid to ensure it. Her tragedy is that she's USED by gods for their purposes (ensuring Aeneas leaves Carthage safely). She represents the human cost of Roman destiny—sacrificed for empire.
Juno: Divine Opposition to Fate
Juno is the epic's ANTAGONIST—goddess of divine furor (rage) who opposes fate itself. She knows Rome will destroy Carthage but tries to delay/prevent it anyway. This makes her sympathetic (fighting for what she loves) yet futile (can't change fate).
Juno's Motivations
Loves Carthage (1.15-18): "More than all other cities"—knows Rome will destroy it
Hates Troy (1.25-28): Paris judged Venus more beautiful; Ganymede taken as cupbearer
Bribes Aeolus (1.65-75): Offers nymph for storm—manipulates other gods
Cannot change fate (1.39): "Can I not...?"—question reveals her impotence
"Can I, queen of the gods, wife and sister of Jove, wage war for so many years with one nation? Will anyone worship Juno's power hereafter, or place gifts on her altars?"
— Aeneid 1.47-49
Juno as Tragic Figure
Juno represents RESISTANCE to fate—she fights for what she values (Carthage) knowing she'll lose. This makes her simultaneously VILLAIN (opposes hero) and TRAGIC (doomed to fail). She embodies furor (passion, rage) versus pietas (accepting divine will).