The Praise of Folly Characters

Folly is the narrative voice and sole character of The Praise of Folly. She is the goddess of folly, and in the work, she delivers an encomium, or eulogy, on folly to a crowded audience… read analysis of Folly

Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536), the author of The Praise of Folly, was a Dutch philosopher, theologian, humanist, and a key figure of the northern Renaissance. Despite being a lifelong Catholic (he was educated at religious… read analysis of Erasmus

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher known for creating a philosophical system based on logic, observation, and analysis. He was also a scientist, polymath, and a student of Plato’s, later becoming the… read analysis of Aristotle

Homer was an ancient Greek poet estimated to have lived between the 8th and 12th centuries BC. His primary works, the epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, are two of the most important works… read analysis of Homer

Thomas More (1478–1532) was an English lawyer, author, humanist, judge, social critic, and statesman. A lifelong friend of Erasmus, he was massively influential on the writing of The Praise of Folly, which is dedicated… read analysis of Thomas More

Saint Paul (5–c. 64/65 AD), or Paul the Apostle, was a Christian apostle who spread Jesus’s teachings in the first-century world. He was the author of several epistles, or letters, in the New Testament, and… read analysis of Saint Paul

Socrates (470–399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher widely considered to be one of the most important figures in Western philosophy. He was born in Athens and is known mainly through the writings of his… read analysis of Socrates