Euripides, celebrated for his compelling depictions of women, crafts yet another unforgettable figure in Iphigenia, though she may lack the tumultuous intensity of his Medea or Electra. Iphigenia stands proud and unyielding, having spent two decades hauntingly guiding her fellow countrymen to Artemis’s sacrificial altar—a grim fate bestowed upon them by the barbarian Taurians who capture them. However, this fierce priestess harbors a deep-seated resentment towards her own people for past betrayals, even as her heart aches with a longing for her homeland. Her love is reserved solely for her siblings, and she mourns her inability to honor Orestes with libations, misled by a dream she mistakes as a portent of his demise. Yet, hope rekindles when she learns from foreign Hellenes that Orestes lives. Elation swiftly follows when the stranger reveals himself as none other than her beloved brother. Iphigenia’s astute mind and commanding presence orchestrate their daring escape. Her character is a whirlwind of daring, composure, and fervor.

Athena

In the climactic finale of the play, the wise and serene goddess Athena descends, commanding King Thoas to cease his pursuit of the fleeing Hellenes. Embodying both intellect and the strategic facets of warfare, she heralds the end of human sacrifice, ushering in an era where a majority vote is required to condemn a man. With a divine touch, she ensures the safe passage of Orestes, Iphigenia, and Pylades, her divine favor firmly aligned with the Hellenes over the Taurians.

Chorus

The chorus, a cadre of female aides to Iphigenia, consists of captured Greek women, their status beneath that of Iphigenia. Through their lyrical reflections, they transform the somber events of the play into poignant moments of poetic beauty.

Herdsman

The herdsman acts as the storyteller, recounting the capture of Orestes and Pylades by the Taurians. He is among the group that discovers and encircles the strangers, his narrative highlighting the Hellenes' superior martial prowess compared to the stone-wielding barbarians.

Messenger

In a vivid and detailed soliloquy, the messenger reveals to Thoas that Iphigenia is not purifying her captives but is in fact fleeing with them. With a chilling warning, he holds the Greek temple attendants, who have shown loyalty to their lady, accountable for their complicity.

Orestes

Haunted by the curse of the relentless Furies, Orestes bears the weight of blood guilt. Having avenged his father's murder by killing his mother, he was exonerated by an Athenian jury yet remains restless until he fulfills Apollo's command to retrieve the sacred altar artifact from Artemis's temple in Taurus. Plagued by sporadic madness—perhaps induced by the Furies, perhaps by his own remorse—he cherishes an unbreakable bond with Pylades, his brother-in-law. When Iphigenia offers mercy to one, Orestes nobly chooses self-sacrifice over the life of Pylades, ultimately achieving Apollo's mandate and earning Athena's blessing, seemingly breaking his curse.

Pylades

Pylades stands as the embodiment of loyalty, fearlessly accompanying Orestes on a perilous quest for the sake of friendship. Married to Electra, Orestes's sister, he initially refuses Iphigenia's offer of freedom, willing to face death alongside his friend. Yet, he yields to Orestes's reasoning, understanding that his duty lies in returning to his wife.

Thoas

Thoas, the ruler of Taurus, perceived by the Hellenes as a foreigner rather than a brute, poses little threat. Although he questions Iphigenia about the prisoners, her cunning easily leads him astray. When she directs him to cleanse the temple with fire while she purifies by the sea, he complies. Once aware of her deception, he commands his men to give chase but ultimately heeds the counsel of Athena, the voice of reason.