Ajax

Ajax (AY-jaks), the son of Telamon, emerges as a towering figure among the Greeks besieging Troy, rivaled in valor and strength solely by Achilles. Upon Achilles' death, Ajax and Odysseus both laid claim to his cherished armor. However, based on testimony from Trojan captives, the Greeks adjudged Odysseus the greater adversary, thus awarding him the armor. This decision kindled a fierce jealousy and rage within Ajax, compelling him to plot the killings of Odysseus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus by night. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, intervened by afflicting him with madness, leading him to slaughter livestock under the delusion they were his intended targets. The play opens with Ajax ensnared in this peak of hallucination. Once the madness abates, he reemerges as a figure of towering pride and excess, yet he garners sympathy for his noble spirit and for being a pawn in Athena's vengeance. His overwhelming sense of honor leaves him with only one path out of his shame: suicide. Despite earnest entreaties from Tecmessa and the Chorus, he resolves to take his own life. Ajax symbolizes immense inner strength and noble isolation that sets him apart from others and places him at odds with the divine. His tragic demise is a profound commentary on the destructive force of pride and the unpredictable whims of the gods.

Odysseus

Odysseus (oh-DIH-see-uhs) stands as a paragon of resourcefulness and leadership among the Greeks at Troy, marked by his strategic acumen and eloquence. Serving as a counterpoint to Ajax's brute force, Odysseus embodies the archetype of a reasoned and enlightened leader. Despite their rivalry, Odysseus is horrified when Athena displays Ajax's madness, revealing him to be in the throes of delusion, tormenting animals instead of foes. After Ajax's suicide, Odysseus plays a crucial role in convincing Agamemnon to permit Ajax a dignified burial. His respect for Ajax transcends their conflict, showcasing his capacity for empathy and fairness, and reinforcing his image as a wise and just leader.

Teucer

Teucer (TEW-sur), an adept archer and the half-brother of Ajax, faces a storm of adversity upon his return to the camp after Ajax’s madness and suicide. Warned by the seer Calchas that Ajax's safety depended on staying sheltered that day, Teucer arrives too late to prevent his brother's tragic end. Challenged by rivals who seek to disgrace Ajax, Teucer remains undeterred. His loyalty and devotion shine through as he defies Menelaus and Agamemnon to secure a proper burial for Ajax, underscoring his courage and commitment to his brother's honor.

Tecmessa

Tecmessa (tehk-MEE-sah), Ajax's devoted concubine and the mother of his son Eurysaces, is profoundly affected by Ajax’s bout of insanity. Her love for Ajax is evident as she recounts his derangement to the Chorus in vivid detail, capturing the extent of his delusions. Her heartfelt pleas for him to renounce his suicidal intent reveal her vulnerability and the precarious future she faces as a captive. Encountering Ajax's lifeless body marks the culmination of her sorrow and devotion.

Agamemnon

Agamemnon (ah-geh-MEHM-non), the Greek forces' commander and Menelaus's brother, initially upholds the decision to deny Ajax a burial, a reflection of his unwillingness to honor an enemy. His confrontation with Teucer is intense, underscoring his authoritative disposition. However, Odysseus's wise counsel and fraternal persuasion lead him, albeit reluctantly, to permit Ajax’s funeral rites, highlighting his capacity for political acumen and diplomacy, albeit reluctantly exercised.

Menelaus

Menelaus (mehn-eh-LAY-uhs), the Spartan king and wronged husband of Helen, is portrayed as bombastic and cowardly. In the wake of Ajax's suicide, he stubbornly enforces a decree against his burial, seeking to tarnish Ajax's legacy. His confrontation with Teucer...