Xanthias appears most famously in Aristophanes's Frogs as Dionysus's clever slave, though the name occurs in pastoral contexts; it represents the lower-class perspective in classical literature. In poetry, Xanthias provides comic relief, practical wisdom, or satirical commentary on his social superiors. The character enriches verse by introducing plebeian voices and concerns, demonstrating that classical poetry engaged with social hierarchy and the experiences of servants and working people, not only aristocratic shepherds and lovers.

Xanthias appears in classical poetry and drama as a servant or comic figure, the name meaning "blond" or "golden-haired" and suggesting physical description. Poets might use Xanthias when creating servants, comic characters, or depicting lower-class perspectives. The character demonstrates how Greek names often carried descriptive meanings that added characterization through etymology itself, with Xanthias's name providing immediate visual information about the character's appearance while also suggesting status through its conventional use for servants.