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A
rtists and merchants
gather at Timon’s home
to present him with gifts
and seek his patronage. Timon is
well-known for his extravagant
generosity. A poet at the gathering
has written a fable in which a
patron like Timon falls from fortune
to find himself destitute. Timon
receives the poet’s work gladly,
and pays bail to release one of his
friends from prison, but will not
accept any favors in return.
The satirist Apemantus tries to
warn Timon that his “friends” are
simply feeding off his generosity.TIMON OF ATHENS
Flavius, a servant, reveals privately
that Timon’s wealth has been
spent, and that he is running
further into debt. Timon remains
unperturbed, believing that his
friends will come to his financial
aid. However, when three of his
“friends” are asked to lend money,
they all refuse, making elaborate
excuses to justify their lack of
kindness. Hearing this news,
Timon flies into a rage and decides
to treat them to a feast. Believing
Timon to be wealthy again, his
friends are shocked when he
serves them stones and warmDRAMATIS
PERSONAETimon A prodigal Athenian
lord who showers gifts upon
his visitors. He falls into debt
and discovers that no one is
prepared to help him. He
leaves the city to live alone
in the woods.Apemantus A misanthropic
philosopher with a talent for
sarcasm. He warns Timon
about the fickle flatterers
feasting on his generosity.Flavius Timon’s faithful
steward, who is troubled by
his master’s prodigality, and
tries to warn him about his
changing fortune.Alcibiades An Athenian
soldier who is banished
from Athens. He plans his
revenge and encounters
Timon in the woods.Phyrnia and Timandra
Two prostitutes who
accompany Alcibiades when
he visits Timon in the woods.
Timon offers them gold to
spread sexual diseases.Poet and Painter Two
artists who visit Timon
hoping to receive payment.
They visit Timon in the
woods when they hear that
he has discovered gold.An old Athenian He
takes Timon’s money after
complaining that Timon’s
servant has been trying to
seduce his daughter.A fool He exchanges
witticisms with servants.1.2
2.2
1.1
1.2
2.2
Apemantus berates
Timon for being vain
and blind to the
sycophancy of
his “frends.”Merchants and artists
gather at Timon’s house
to benefit from the
Athenian lord’s
generosity.Timon pays a
friend’s prison bail,
and provides money for
his servant to marry.Servants are sent to
Timon’s “friends”
to ask for money. They
all leave empty
handed.Creditors call upon
Timon to receive
payment. Timon
is enraged but is
certain that his
friends will help
him with
his debt.Act 1 Act 2