Confessions Characters

Patricius is Augustine’s father and Monica’s husband. He is described as a hot-tempered man and an unfaithful husband. As a father, he cared more about Augustine’s schooling and professional future than about his moral or spiritual upbringing. He did not convert to Christianity until the end of his life.

Ambrose is the Christian bishop of Milan when Augustine moves there in 384. His preaching, especially his figurative interpretation of the Old Testament, changes Augustine’s mind about the reliability of the Bible.

Alypius is Augustine’s former student and good friend who is present during Augustine’s conversion in Milan. Alypius becomes a Christian on the same occasion, though his experience is quieter and less dramatic than Augustine’s.

Ponticianus is a friend of Augustine and Alypius who tells them the story of Antony and the story of some friends who were converted to the monastic life by Antony’s example.

Nebridius is a good friend of Augustine and Alypius in Milan.

Faustus was a Manichean bishop whom 29-year-old Augustine met in Carthage. Though Augustine found Faustus to be charming and eloquent, he was disappointed that Faustus proved unable to answer Augustine’s questions about Manicheism.

Firminus is a friend of Augustine who talked him out of believing in astrology not long before Augustine’s conversion to Christianity.

Simplicianus, a devout elderly Christian man, was Ambrose’s mentor. Augustine goes to him for advice while struggling with the decision to convert to Christianity.