Pilippos is a wealthy merchant from Athens. He trades in goods from all over the empire and beyond. He brings ivory from Africa, raisins from Rhodes, carpets from Carthage, mackerel from Hellespont, puddings and beef from from Thessaly, rigging, sails and papyrus from Egypt. In return he sells wine, olive oil and pottery.
He lives in a big house with his wife, Diotima, their children and many slaves.
Demetrius is a banker. He looks after people's money and valuables and gives loans. He will lend money to people who want to start businesses of their own. He will also insure ships with bottomry loans. These are special kinds of loans that Pilippos often takes out if he is sending a ship far away to buy goods. The loan is very expensive but it only has to be paid back if the ship returns.
Demetius is a very important person in the town and many people try to be as nice to him as possible in case they ever need to borrow money. Demetrius is nice to everyone becasue he wants them to put their money in his bank so he can lend it to others. It's very important to Demetrius that all the businesses in the town do well. If everyone suddenly wanted their money back he would be in a great deal of trouble.
Herodotus own a huge vineyard outside town. He has many men and slaves working for him. The grapes are trodden in huge vats to make the best wine, then they are pressed to make poor quality wine. Herodotus sells a lot of his wine to Philippos who exports it, but he keeps the very best for himself.
People love to go to Herodotus' parties because that's where they will taste the best wine. His parties are also a good place to make deals and discuss the goings on of the town.
Xanthippe is a craftsman in all types of wood. Good wood to work from is scarce in Greece so he buys most of his from Philippos. From it he makes anything from ships and carts to boxes and furniture.
Hippocrates is a doctor and is well known for healling a great prince for which he was well rewarded.
Dionysius is a farmer on the hills just outside Corcyra. He grows many different crops for local people, though he does sell some of his olives to Pilippos.
Nicias makes pots and other things ceramic. He is valued as a craftsman in the town and has many powerful friends who buy his work. Nicias makes a good living in Corcyra, but he would not be judged as a rich or educated man in the eyes of many.