Characters
Troilus
Troilus (TROY-luhs), the heroic young son of Priam, is depicted as an idealistic and trusting lover. With the help of Pandarus, he initially wins Cressida's affection but subsequently loses her to Diomedes due to her fickle nature. Disillusioned by love, Troilus becomes bitter. As a warrior, he proves himself a competent fighter, exhibiting no sympathy for his adversaries. Troilus is supportive of Paris's decision to keep Helen, viewing it as a defense of Troy's honor.
Cressida
Cressida (KREHS-ih-duh), the daughter of Calchas, is portrayed as a beautiful woman lacking the ability to say "no." Initially coy, she yields to Troilus but later expresses genuine regret upon leaving to reunite with her father among the Greeks. Despite swearing eternal fidelity to Troilus, she quickly becomes Diomedes' lover. Shakespeare's depiction of Cressida is less nuanced and appealing compared to Chaucer's Criseyde. The character Ulysses in the play views her with disdain, a sentiment often shared by audiences.
Pandarus
Pandarus (PAN-duh-ruhs), Cressida's uncle and the intermediary for Troilus and Cressida, is a degraded version of the character in Chaucer’s poem. In Shakespeare’s play, he is a crude jester, particularly in the presence of the lovers. He delivers a distasteful epilogue, which some scholars attribute to an unknown playwright rather than Shakespeare himself. Pandarus is pivotal in bringing Troilus and Cressida together, treating them as commodities to be bartered.
Hector
Hector (HEHK-tohr), the noblest of Priam’s sons and the principal defender of Troy, is portrayed with superior judgment. However, he succumbs to pressure and consents to Helen staying in Troy, which Troilus later challenges. Hector is a paragon of medieval chivalry, recognized for his prowess. His death occurs treacherously at the hands of Achilles and his Myrmidons, marking the murder of an unarmed man. Despite his strong chivalric code, Hector’s pride in noble deeds contributes to his downfall.
Achilles
Achilles (uh-KIHL-eez) is depicted as a self-centered, arrogant Greek champion. He avoids combat due to a sulk over Agamemnon's leadership and a pledge to Polyxena. His inactivity sets a poor example for other soldiers, which prolongs the war. Achilles is portrayed as malicious, orchestrating Hector’s death in a cowardly ambush after being spurred into action by the death of his companion Patroclus, whose body galvanizes him.
In most accounts, Achilles is a prominent warrior, but in Shakespeare’s portrayal, he spends time in his tent while others mimic his arrogance. Despite his reputation, it is his treacherous actions rather than valor that mark his character in this narrative.
Thersites
Thersites (thehr-SI-teez) is a cowardly, foul-mouthed Greek who acts as a chorus, offering vile commentary on those around him. He saves himself by truthfully admitting his base character to Hector. Accepted by his peers as a fool, Thersites embodies extreme cynicism, highlighting the depravity in human nature and stripping away romanticized notions of the Trojan War.
Ulysses
Ulysses (yew-LIHS-eez) is the astute Greek hero who delivers a notable speech on order and hierarchy, emphasizing the Great Chain of Being. He and Nestor are aligned in their practical psychological insights. Ulysses disdains Cressida, guiding Troilus to witness her betrayal with Diomedes. His speeches reflect his understanding of human nature and the importance of respect for rank and order.
Nestor
Nestor (NEHS-tohr), the venerable Greek commander, frequently consults with Ulysses, embodying the rational perspective. Despite his wisdom, Nestor's enthusiasm for combat exceeds his physical capabilities. He acknowledges the prowess of Hector, himself reminiscing about past glories when he was a worthy opponent.
Diomedes
Diomedes (di-oh-MEE-deez) is the pragmatic Greek warrior assigned to escort Cressida to the Greek camp after her exchange for Antenor. Unencumbered by courtly niceties, he...
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bluntly asserts his autonomy when Troilus commands him to treat Cressida well. Diomedes later successfully woos Cressida, adding insult to Troilus by intending to wear a token from her in battle.
Ajax
Ajax (AY-jaks) is a slow, bear-like Greek warrior with Trojan ties, being related to Hector. Selected to confront Hector, he is strategically used by Greek commanders to incite Achilles’ jealousy. Despite his dullness, Ajax is strong and second only to Achilles in fighting prowess. His willingness to cease fighting Hector out of kinship illustrates his simplistic but loyal nature.
Priam
Priam (PRI-am), the king of Troy, appears briefly, presiding over critical decisions regarding Helen and attempting to dissuade Hector from his fateful battle. Although depicted as an authority figure, Priam often defers to Hector’s judgment, embodying the tragic helplessness of Troy’s leadership.
Paris
Paris, Priam’s son and Helen’s lover, is adamant about retaining Helen, his actions having ignited the Trojan War. His selfishness continues to fuel the conflict, supported by Troilus and reluctantly by Hector. Paris’s fiery nature is suggested by his mother’s dream of fire at his birth, metaphorically linking him to the destructive war he perpetuates.
Helen
Helen, the wife of Menelaus and lover of Paris, is portrayed as beautiful yet superficial. Her actions, along with Paris, catalyze the Trojan War. Despite her role, she indulges in frivolous activities, reflecting her insubstantial character, much like the war’s theme she embodies.
Andromache
Andromache (an-DRO-muh-kee), Hector’s devoted wife, tragically pleads with him to avoid battle, foreseeing his death. Despite her premonitions, Hector dismisses her concerns. Their interaction underscores their affectionate yet tragic relationship, as Hector remains resolute in his warrior duties.
Cassandra
Cassandra (kuh-SAN-druh), Priam's daughter, is a prophetess cursed to never be believed. Her warnings about the fall of Troy and Hector’s death go unheeded, with her raving prophecies dismissed as madness. Cassandra’s tragic foresight intensifies the sorrow of Troy’s doomed fate.
Calchas
Calchas (KAL-kuhs), a Trojan priest who defected to the Greeks, foretells the fall of Troy. He orchestrates Cressida’s exchange for the Trojan commander Antenor, emphasizing his strategic worth. His prophetic gift and betrayal highlight the complex allegiances within the war.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon (a-guh-MEHM-non), the Greek general, displays royal dignity and fair-mindedness. He respects Hector’s valor, yet he remains committed to the Greek cause, seeing the prolonged siege as a divine trial. Agamemnon, despite his leadership, lacks an imposing presence, as evidenced by Aeneas's initial ignorance of his identity.
Menelaus
Menelaus (meh-nuh-LAY-uhs), Agamemnon’s brother and Helen’s lawful husband, is portrayed as a cuckold and subjected to ridicule. He symbolizes the futility of the Greek cause, as the war driven by his pursuit of the adulterous Helen lacks substantive justification, paralleling the superficiality of the Trojan defense of Helen.
Patroclus
Patroclus (pa-TROH-kluhs), Achilles’s devoted companion, is known for his mimicry. His presence amuses Achilles, but he incurs Ulysses’s disapproval for diverting Achilles from battle. Patroclus’s death becomes the catalyst for Achilles’s vengeful return to combat.
Aeneas
Aeneas (ee-NEE-uhs), a Trojan commander, serves mainly as a messenger. Despite his mythological significance, Shakespeare limits Aeneas’s role to relaying messages and fulfilling diplomatic tasks. Critics argue over whether his character is underdeveloped, though others see the play’s concise portrayal as intentional.
Antenor
Antenor (an-TEE-nohr), a Trojan commander, is captured and exchanged for Cressida, deemed essential by Calchas for Trojan strategy. His role highlights the strategic exchanges and shifting loyalties throughout the conflict.
Deiphobus
Deiphobus (dee-IH-fuh-buhs), Priam’s son, plays a minor role, partaking in the Trojan procession and escorting Cressida to the Greek camp. His presence underscores the familial ties complicating the war dynamics.
Helenus
Helenus (HEHL-eh-nuhs), another son of Priam, is a priest who sides with Hector against prolonging the defense of Helen. His character highlights the internal divisions among the Trojans regarding their war efforts.
Margarelon
Margarelon (mahr-GAR-eh-lon), the illegitimate son of Priam, appears briefly in the final act. His interaction with Thersites, which ends in Thersites’ retreat, underscores the recurring themes of dishonor and stigma.
Alexander
Alexander, Cressida’s servant, provides information on the movements of the Trojan royalty and their activities. His observations reflect the everyday happenings amidst the epic backdrop of war.
Servant (to Diomedes)
Diomedes's servant appears briefly, tasked with handling Troilus’s horse, indicating Diomedes’ momentary advantage over Troilus.
Servant (to Paris)
Paris’s servant partakes in a humorous exchange with Pandarus, highlighting the lighter, more personal aspects interwoven with the greater narrative of war.
Servant (to Troilus)
Troilus’s servants, one referred to as "Boy" and another as "Man," deliver messages concerning Troilus’s movements and interactions with Pandarus, underscoring the logistical support behind the main characters.
Soldiers
The soldiers are common foot soldiers, seen during the processional return from battle. Their presence represents the wider, often unacknowledged, human cost of war.
