An Apology for Poetry : Characters

Characters

Sir Philip Sidney: Sir Philip Sidney is the writer and narrator of this essay. He speaks like a true gentleman. He defends poetry because critics attacked it. He shows his love for poetry but calls himself an amateur. He writes with calm confidence, not pride. His tone is polite and honest. He tries to win trust, not just argue. He acts like a true courtly man with strong values.

The Poet: The Poet is the central figure Sidney defends in the essay. The poet uses imagination to teach and delight. He does not just copy the world; he improves it. The poet can show moral lessons through stories and characters. He is greater than the historian or philosopher. Sidney calls him a “maker” like God. He creates new worlds. The poet teaches what should be, not just what is.

Edward Wotton: Edward Wotton is Sidney’s friend and travel partner. He appears at the beginning of the essay. They studied horse-riding together in Europe. Wotton was a famous scholar and diplomat. Sidney calls him “right virtuous.” His name shows Sidney’s connection with the educated and noble class. Wotton’s role is small, but he helps show Sidney’s place in royal and learned society.Giovanni Pietro Pugliano: Pugliano was the horse-riding master at Maximilian II’s court. He taught Sidney and Wotton. He loved horses deeply and spoke of them with great praise. He even said a horseman was the best kind of man. Sidney uses his words to begin the essay. Pugliano’s style of teaching helps shape Sidney’s way of writing. Although mentioned briefly, he serves as a model for Sidney’s creative and thoughtful voice in the essay