Who was Perses in Hesiod's Works and Days?

In the epic poem Works and Days, Perses is identified as the brother of the poet Hesiod.12

The relationship between the two is characterized by conflict regarding their inheritance. Hesiod accuses Perses of using guile and bribery to secure an excessive share of their shared inheritance and notes that Perses is actively seeking to gain further advantages through similar dishonest means.12

Throughout the poem, Hesiod addresses Perses directly to condemn these actions and urge him to abandon his schemes. Instead, Hesiod advocates for a life of honest, strenuous, and persistent labor, which he presents as the only legitimate path to prosperity and distinction. Hesiod’s message is framed against the backdrop of a broader critique of the injustice and hubris prevalent in his community, where local leaders appear inclined to support Perses's behavior.12