Dikaiopolis
Dikaiopolis is the main character of the play, and he is a middle-aged Athenian who is fed up with the ongoing Peloponnesian War. In order to find some respite from the conflict, he negotiates a personal peace treaty with the Megarians, a neighboring people who are at odds with both Athens and Sparta. Dikaiopolis's actions serve as a commentary on the futility of the ongoing conflict and the possibility of finding alternative solutions to problems through individual action and negotiation.
The Commissioner
The Commissioner is a politician who has been away in Persia for a long time and is depicted as being out of touch with the reality of the war and the suffering it has caused for the people of Athens. His lengthy absence in Persia is meant to symbolize the disconnect between the politicians and the general populace and the fact that they are not experiencing the same hardships as those on the front lines. The Commissioner's character serves to highlight the theme of the disconnect between those in power and the general population.
The Chorus of Acharnians
The Chorus of Acharnians is made up of farmers from the town of Acharnae. They are depicted as hardworking and dedicated to their craft. However, they are also frustrated by the ongoing conflict and become jealous of Dikaiopolis's ability to secure peace with the Megarians. The Chorus's character illustrates the theme of the toll that the war has taken on ordinary people and their desire for peace.
The Megarians
The Megarians are neighboring people who are at odds with both Athens and Sparta, and they are depicted as cunning and opportunistic. They are willing to negotiate a peace treaty with Dikaiopolis in order to secure access to Athenian markets and resources. The Megarians' character serves to illustrate the theme of the importance of trade and commerce and the way in which it can bring people together and foster understanding and cooperation.
The Embassy
The Embassy is a group of politicians who are sent to negotiate with the Megarians on behalf of the Athenian government. They are depicted as being pompous and self-righteous, and they are unable to secure a peace treaty despite their best efforts. The Embassy's character serves to highlight the theme of the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of traditional political structures and processes in bringing about change and resolution.
