CHARACTER ANONYMITY IN THE DIALOGI OF SULPICIUS SEVERUS

Abstract

In approximately 403

Sulpicius Severus, a Gallo-Roman litterateur, composed his Dialogi , following on from his hagiographic tour de force, the Vita sancti Martini. Anonymous characters feature throughout the three books. This article argues that the dialogue genre is ideally positioned to interrogate the dynamics of character anonymity. Using Sulpicius’ Dialogi as its focus, the article explores three case studies: Gallus ‘The Gaul’, the Empress Arriana/Justina and Rufinus of Aquileia. The anonymity of these characters assists Sulpicius in his assertion of Martin’s pre-eminent standing among Christian holy men, while enabling specific narrative functions to emerge.