The Characters of Theophrastus A Translation, with Introduction

A timeless collection of brief, sharply observed sketches, this work brings the ancient Greek moralist’s eye to the everyday personalities that still crowd our world. From the garrulous chatterer to the over‑zealous pretender, each portrait offers a witty, almost theatrical glimpse into habits that betray ambition, vanity, fear or simple folly. The translation strives for clarity while preserving the original’s crisp irony, making the ancient commentary feel surprisingly fresh.

An introductory essay frames the characters in today’s context, reminding listeners that the core traits of a flatterer, a coward or a superstitious man have hardly changed across millennia. By tying old Greek types to modern equivalents—newsboys, reporters, even social media influencers—the essay invites readers to recognize the continuity of human nature. The result is a concise yet rich listening experience that both entertains and encourages a reflective look at the people we meet every day.