Philario Character Analysis in Cymbeline

Philario is Posthumus’ host in Rome and a friend of Posthumus’ family, since he was a soldier with Posthumus’ father, Sicilius Leonatus. Philario tries to make Posthumus feel welcome in his new home in exile, and doesn’t expect any payment in return. He introduces Posthumus to his friend Iachimo, which turns disastrous when Iachimo goads Posthumus into making a wager over Imogen’s chastity. While being friends with Iachimo doesn’t reflect well on Philario, Philario does consistently discourage the bet, encouraging Posthumus to trust Imogen.

Philario Character Timeline in Cymbeline

The timeline below shows where the character Philario appears in Cymbeline. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...to write to him in Rome, where he will be staying with his father’s friend, Philario. (full context)

In Rome, Iachimo—a Roman nobleman whose father was Duke of Siena, and a friend of Philario—describes Posthumus to Philario. According to Iachimo, people in Britain expected Posthumus to grow up to... (full context)

Iachimo asks Philario why he’s planning to host Posthumus. Philario explains that he fought alongside Posthumus’ father Sicilius... (full context)

...he is sure that there are plenty of thieves, he isn’t worried about his ring. Philario suggests that the men stop talking about this subject. Posthumus is happy to oblige, but... (full context)

Philario begs the gentlemen to cease their discussion of a wager, but this only emboldens Iachimo,... (full context)

Philario says that he won’t allow the bet to happen, but it’s too late. Iachimo swears... (full context)

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Theme Icon

...King will come around to him, just as he feels sure of Imogen’s staunch fidelity. Philario asks Posthumus how he will repair his relationship with Cymbeline, and Posthumus says that he... (full context)

Philario thinks that Lucius must have reached Cymbeline by now, and that Cymbeline will prove faithful... (full context)

Philario spots Iachimo entering and welcomes him. Posthumus marvels at the speed with which Iachimo returned,... (full context)

Philario asks Iachimo if Lucius arrived at the British court. Iachimo informs Philario that Cymbeline was... (full context)

...outward appearances. He says women’s vows can’t be trusted, as their virtue means nothing. But Philario still clings to hope: he tells Posthumus to take the ring back. Imogen probably lost... (full context)

...swears to go to Britain to kill her in front of Cymbeline, and he exits. Philario marvels at Posthumus’ anger, and suggests that he and Iachimo follow Posthumus so he won’t... (full context)