Timon of Athens

Timon of Athens (The Life of Tymon of Athens) is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the First Folio in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companions until he is poor and rejected by them. He rejects mankind and goes to live in a cave. The earliest-known production of the play was in 1674, when Thomas Shadwell wrote an adaptation under the title The History of Timon of Athens, The Man-hater. Multiple other adaptations followed over the next century, by writers such as Thomas Hull, James Love and Richard Cumberland. The straight Shakespearean text was performed at Smock Alley in Dublin in 1761, but adaptations continued to dominate the stage until well into the 20th century. Timon of Athens was originally grouped with the tragedies, but some scholars name it one of the problem plays. Timon: a lord and, later a misanthrope, of Athens. Alcibiades: captain of a military brigade and good friend to Timon. Apemantus, sometimes spelled Apermantus, a philosopher and churl. Flavius is Timon's chief Steward. Flaminius is one of Timon's servants. Servilius is another of Timon's servants. Lucilius is a romantic youth and Timon's servant. Ventidius, also spelled "Ventidgius", is one of Timon's "friends" and is in debtors' prison. Lucullus is Timon's "friend". Lucius, Timon's "friend" Sempronius is Timon's most jealous "friend". Poet and Painter are friends, artists who seek Timon's patronage. Jeweller and Merchant appear briefly The Senators of Athens. The Fool is briefly a companion to Apemantus. Three Strangers, one named Hostilius; friends to Lucius. The Old Athenian is the father of the woman Lucilius loves. Four Lords. False friends of Timon. Servants to Timon, Isidore, Lucullus, Lucius, Varro Timon's creditors: Titus, Hortensius, Philotus. (Isidore and Varro are also creditors but only their servants appear.) Phrynia. A prostitute. Timandra. A prostitute. Banditti, Soldier, Page, Cupid and Ladies at the Masque.