Characters
Troilus
Troilus (TROY-luhs), the valiant and idealistic young son of Priam, embodies the quintessential trusting lover. Initially, with Pandarus's assistance, he wins over Cressida, but her fickle nature leads to his heartbreak when she shifts her affections to Diomedes. This betrayal turns Troilus bitter as his idealistic view of love crumbles. As a warrior, Troilus is formidable and ruthless, demonstrating no compassion for his foes. He's steadfast in supporting Paris's decision to retain Helen, viewing it as a noble defense of Troy's honor. Disillusioned, Troilus becomes a symbol of youthful innocence lost amidst the brutal realities of love and war.
Cressida
Cressida (KREHS-ih-duh), the daughter of Calchas, is depicted as a captivating woman, yet lacks the resolve to resist desires. Initially coy, she succumbs to Troilus's advances but soon after expresses genuine sorrow upon being sent to her father among the Greeks. Despite her vows of fidelity to Troilus, she quickly becomes Diomedes' lover, illustrating her inconstancy. Compared to Chaucer's rendition of Criseyde, Shakespeare's Cressida appears less complex, eliciting disdain from characters like Ulysses and the audience alike for her betrayal.
Hector
Hector (HEHK-tohr), the noblest warrior among Priam's sons and Troy's chief defender, is characterized by his superior judgment and chivalric honor. Despite his wisdom, Hector agrees to continue harboring Helen, a decision Troilus would later question. Renowned for his martial prowess, Hector's adherence to chivalric codes leads to his downfall, dying unarmed at the hands of Achilles and his Myrmidons. His demise highlights both his tragic heroism and the destructive consequences of pride and honor.
Achilles
Achilles (uh-KIHL-eez), the renowned Greek champion, is portrayed as egotistical and arrogant. His refusal to fight, sparked by a grudge against Agamemnon and his affection for Polyxena, reflects poorly on the morale of his fellow soldiers, prolonging the conflict. His eventual return to battle is motivated by vengeance for Patroclus's death, leading to Hector's treacherous murder. While typically celebrated as a mighty warrior, Shakespeare's Achilles is remembered here more for his hubris and dishonorable tactics than for any martial valor.
Thersites
Thersites (thehr-SI-teez), a cowardly and foul-mouthed Greek, serves as a cynical chorus throughout the narrative, offering scathing and often truthful commentary on those around him. Known for his sharp tongue, he candidly admits his own vileness to Hector, saving his life in the process. Thersites embodies the pervasive cynicism and depravity underlying the war, stripping away its romanticized facade.
Ulysses
Ulysses (yew-LIHS-eez), the shrewd Greek strategist, is noted for his insightful speeches on order and hierarchy, emphasizing the Great Chain of Being. Partnering with Nestor, Ulysses excels in psychological manipulation and strategy. His disdain for Cressida is evident as he orchestrates an encounter for Troilus to witness her infidelity with Diomedes. Ulysses's speeches often reflect his deep understanding of human behavior and the pivotal role of respect and order in society.
Pandarus
Pandarus (PAN-duh-ruhs), Cressida's uncle, acts as the intermediary in Troilus and Cressida's relationship. Unlike Chaucer’s complex portrayal, Shakespeare presents Pandarus as a degraded, crude figure, particularly in the lovers' presence. His role is pivotal in bringing Troilus and Cressida together, viewing their relationship as a mere transaction. His distasteful epilogue further underscores his unsavory character, with some scholars attributing it to a later addition by another playwright.
Nestor
Nestor (NEHS-tohr), the venerable Greek commander, frequently collaborates with Ulysses, embodying the rational perspective in their strategic discussions. Despite his wisdom, his enthusiasm for battle often exceeds his physical capacity, and he nostalgically recalls his own past valor. Nestor's recognition of Hector's prowess reinforces his respect for valor and chivalry, even among his foes.
Diomedes
Diomedes (di-oh-MEE-deez) is a pragmatic Greek...
(This entire section contains 1580 words.)
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warrior tasked with escorting Cressida to the Greek camp. Unburdened by romantic ideals, he asserts his independence when addressing Troilus's demands and subsequently woos Cressida. His success with Cressida further antagonizes Troilus, particularly when he intends to carry Cressida's token into battle, symbolizing his triumph over Troilus.
Ajax
Ajax (AY-jaks), a Greek warrior related to the Trojan royal family, is noted for his bear-like strength and dull wit. Selected to challenge Hector, Ajax is strategically leveraged by the Greeks to provoke Achilles. Despite his lack of cunning, Ajax’s loyalty and straightforward nature are evident, especially when he refrains from fighting Hector due to their kinship.
Priam
Priam (PRI-am), the king of Troy, appears briefly in the narrative, overseeing critical decisions about Helen's fate and attempting to dissuade Hector from entering his final battle. Despite his position of power, Priam often defers to Hector's judgment, embodying the tragic impotence of Troy's leadership amidst its impending downfall.
Paris
Paris, Priam’s son, and Helen’s lover, insists on retaining Helen, an action that continues to fuel the Trojan War. His selfishness, supported by Troilus and reluctantly by Hector, underscores the personal desires that spark and sustain the war. Paris's impetuous nature is metaphorically linked to his mother's dream of fire at his birth, symbolizing the fiery conflict he perpetuates.
Helen
Helen, Menelaus's wife and Paris's lover, is portrayed as stunningly beautiful yet superficially engaged in the conflict she incites. Her relationship with Paris is central to the Trojan War's cause, though she indulges in frivolity, reflecting the hollow nature of the war itself. Helen's character embodies the fleeting allure and inherent emptiness of the desires that drive the war.
Andromache
Andromache (an-DRO-muh-kee), Hector’s devoted wife, pleads with him to avoid battle, foreseeing his demise. Her premonitions, although ignored by Hector, underline their affectionate yet tragic relationship. Andromache's desperate appeals highlight the personal sacrifices and emotional toll the war exacts on the families involved.
Cassandra
Cassandra (kuh-SAN-druh), Priam's daughter and a prophetess cursed to never be believed, foresees the fall of Troy and Hector's death. Her warnings are dismissed as madness, adding a tragic dimension to her character and highlighting the futility of foresight in the face of inevitable destiny. Cassandra's plight underscores Troy's doomed fate, accentuating the sorrow of the narrative.
Calchas
Calchas (KAL-kuhs), a Trojan priest who defects to the Greeks, foresees the fall of Troy and orchestrates Cressida’s exchange for Antenor, a strategic move underscoring his dual allegiances. His prophetic abilities and betrayal highlight the complex web of loyalty and strategy that defines the Trojan War's intricate dynamics.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon (a-guh-MEHM-non), the Greek general, is depicted as a regal and fair-minded leader. He commands respect for Hector’s valor, yet remains steadfast in his commitment to the Greek cause. Despite his leadership, Agamemnon’s presence lacks dominance, exemplified by Aeneas’s initial ignorance of his identity, illustrating the subtle complexities of his character.
Menelaus
Menelaus (meh-nuh-LAY-uhs), Agamemnon’s brother and Helen’s lawful husband, is portrayed as a cuckold subjected to ridicule. His pursuit of Helen symbolizes the futility of the Greek cause, as the war, driven by his desire to reclaim his wife, parallels the superficiality of the Trojans' defense of Helen. Menelaus's character serves as a reminder of the personal grievances fueling the grand conflict.
Patroclus
Patroclus (pa-TROH-kluhs), the youthful and devoted companion of Achilles, is known for his mimicry. While his antics amuse Achilles, they draw Ulysses's disapproval for distracting Achilles from battle. Patroclus’s death at Hector’s hands becomes the catalyst for Achilles’s vengeful return to combat, underscoring his vital role in the narrative's unfolding events.
Aeneas
Aeneas (ee-NEE-uhs), a Trojan commander, primarily serves as a messenger within the narrative. Although his mythological significance is renowned, Shakespeare restricts Aeneas’s role to delivering messages and engaging in diplomatic exchanges. His character, while limited in portrayal, contributes to the strategic dimensions of the conflict.
Antenor
Antenor (an-TEE-nohr), another Trojan commander, is captured and exchanged for Cressida, highlighting the strategic exchanges and shifting loyalties that permeate the war. His character underscores the tactical maneuvers and allegiances that shape the epic struggle between the Greeks and Trojans.
Deiphobus
Deiphobus (dee-IH-fuh-buhs), a son of Priam, plays a minor role, participating in the Trojan procession and aiding in Cressida's transfer to the Greek camp. His presence highlights the familial and political intricacies that complicate the war's dynamics.
Helenus
Helenus (HEHL-eh-nuhs), yet another son of Priam, serves as a priest allied with Hector against prolonging Helen's defense. His character reflects the internal divisions within the Trojan leadership concerning their war strategies, emphasizing the discord that plagues the Trojan council.
Margarelon
Margarelon (mahr-GAR-eh-lon), Priam's illegitimate son, appears briefly, confronting Thersites in the final act. His presence and the ensuing interaction reveal themes of dishonor and the stigma attached to his status, enriching the narrative's exploration of societal and familial tensions.
Alexander
Alexander, the servant to Cressida, is a minor character who provides insights into the daily movements and affairs of the Trojan royalty. His observations offer a glimpse into the mundane activities that unfold amidst the epic backdrop of war.
Servant (to Diomedes)
Diomedes's servant makes a brief appearance, tasked with handling Troilus’s horse, symbolizing Diomedes’ temporary superiority over Troilus within the narrative's context.
Servant (to Paris)
Paris’s servant is involved in a lighthearted exchange with Pandarus, illustrating the more personal and comedic elements interwoven within the broader tapestry of war.
Servant (to Troilus)
Troilus’s servants, including a "Boy" and "Man," assist in delivering messages concerning Troilus's movements and interactions with Pandarus, highlighting the logistical support that underpins the actions of the principal characters.
Soldiers
The soldiers, depicted as common foot soldiers, are observed during the processional return from battle. Their presence serves to remind the audience of the broader, often unacknowledged, human cost of war that underlies the heroics of the primary characters.
