Archephon is a trader from Sicily; he and Timodamos, a trader from Aegina, are talking about their use of the oracle.

Archephon has been to Delphi to ask a question and is unsure whether he should follow it up with a question to Zeus at Dodona. Timodamos has received a very clear answer from Zeus, and encourages Archephon to ask his question.

The character of Timodamos is based on this tablet, which has a question and an answer, and dates to the second half of the 4th century BCE:

Gods. Good Fortune. O Zeus, respond to Timodamos: to invest my capital in big business, on land and on sea, for as long as Timodamos himself thinks is right—is that the best thing?

Gods. Good Fortune. Live in your town and there pursue everyday business and big business, and give up your share of the boat. Trade on land and on sea (imports and exports); buy and sell.

Archephon’s character is based on this inquiry, dating to the 3rd century BCE:

O Zeus and Themis and Zeus Naios, I, Archephon has the ship dockside, the ship he built according to the order of Apollo. Will I be safe, myself and my ship, if I pay off my debts?

And this question, from the second half of the 5th century BCE:

Whether to seek an oracle consultation elsewhere?