Charmian

Family: Cleopatra's household · Role: attendant · First appears: Antony and Cleopatra · Act I, Scene II

In Act I, Scene II, Charmian, an attendant in Cleopatra’s household, asks her mistress to arrange her marriage to Octavius Caesar, saying, “Find me to marry me with Octavius Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.” Cleopatra tells Charmian that she will outlive the lady she serves.

In Act V, Scene II, at Alexandria, Charmian applies an asp and dies beside Cleopatra. When a guard questions her, she answers, “It is well done, and fitting for a princess / Descended of so many royal kings,” and dies.

Relationship record

Life events

• Charmian applies an asp and dies beside Cleopatra.(Antony and Cleopatra · Act V, Scene II · 📍 Alexandria)
  • With: Cleopatra
  • “FIRST GUARD. Approach, ho! All’s not well. Caesar’s beguiled. SECOND GUARD. There’s Dolabella sent from Caesar. Call him. FIRST GUARD. What work is here, Charmian? Is this well done? CHARMIAN. It is well done, and fitting for a princess Descended of so many royal kings. Ah, soldier! [Charmian dies.]”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act I, Scene II

• courtship with Octavius Caesar “Find me to marry me with Octavius Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.”
• employer: Cleopatra “You shall outlive the lady whom you serve.”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act I, Scene III

• employer: Cleopatra “Cut my lace, Charmian, come!”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act I, Scene V

• employer: Cleopatra “Ink and paper, Charmian.— Welcome, my good Alexas.—Did I, Charmian, Ever love Caesar so?”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act II, Scene III

• employer: Cleopatra “Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act III, Scene III

• employer: Cleopatra “Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend, And serving you so long!”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act III, Scene VIII

• employer: Cleopatra “Enter Cleopatra led by Charmian, Iras and Eros.”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act IV, Scene III

• employer: Cleopatra (Charmian acts as Cleopatra’s attendant.) “CHARMIAN. Please you, retire to your chamber. CLEOPATRA. Lead me.”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act IV, Scene XV

• employer: Cleopatra “Enter Cleopatra and her maids aloft, with Charmian and Iras.”

Antony and Cleopatra · Act V, Scene II

• employer: Cleopatra “Now, Charmian! Show me, my women, like a queen. Go fetch My best attires.”

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Extracted from the original text of Shakespeare's Roman Plays. Made with Rho MD.