Encolpius

Encolpius is a character in the Roman novel Satyricon by Petronius. He is the narrator and protagonist of the story. Encolpius is a young man, described as both attractive and unreliable, who is constantly struggling with poverty, sexual frustration, and bad luck. He is frequently involved in scandalous or comical situations, often centering around his lost virility and his rivalry with Ascyltus for the affections of the beautiful Giton.

Encolpius's character is complex, oscillating between moments of shrewdness and utter foolishness. He is prone to emotional outbursts and rash decisions, often driven by lust or jealousy. He is not presented as a particularly virtuous or admirable figure, reflecting the satirical nature of the Satyricon. Despite his flaws, Encolpius provides a first-person perspective on the decadent and morally ambiguous world depicted in Petronius's novel. His experiences and observations offer insight into the social and cultural landscape of first-century Rome, albeit through a highly subjective and often unreliable lens. His constant misfortunes and failures contribute significantly to the comedic and picaresque nature of the Satyricon.