Harpax is the emissary/messenger of Polymachaeroplagides, a Macedonian General, sent to give the money and seal to Ballio in exchange for Phoenicium.
- Situational comedy: he provides the misunderstanding, deception and disguise in Pseudolus' plan to trick him- 'I'm not paying a penny to anyone but Ballio in person'- when really he gives the money to Pseudolus
- Plot: he provides the complication of Pseudolus' plan in trying to get the seal in the first meeting and in turning up after Simia has already tricked Ballio- 'I've caught him in the act now, haven't I?'- no, Ballio, I believe you haven't.
- Character development: he paints Pseudolus as untrustworthy- 'I'm not trusting you with any petty cash', highlighting the meaning of his name. He also shows Ballio to be an arrogant idiot in his gloating over Harpax's supposed disguise- 'How much- or how little- did Pseudolus get you for?... the one who put you up to this clever trick.'
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