Philoctetes · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Philoctetes by Sophocles.
Philoctetes
major
Also known as Philoctetes Heracles, Philoctetes Son of Achilles, Philoctetes O wondrous weird, Philoctetes Never
Greek hero abandoned on Lemnos with Heracles' bow, central to the play's conflict.
Odysseus
major
Also known as Odysseus Entangle Philoctetes, Odysseus To Neoptolemus, Odysseus Wretch, Odysseus Great Zeus, Odysseus Son of Achilles
Cunning Greek leader who schemes to retrieve Philoctetes and his bow for Troy.
Neoptolemus
major
Also known as Neoptolemus Son of Laertes, Neoptolemus The Atridae
Young son of Achilles, torn between Odysseus' orders and his own conscience.
Heracles
supporting
Also known as Heracles, Zeus - born Heracles
Deified hero who appears as a divine messenger to resolve the plot.
Sailor
minor
Also known as Sailor Old Phoenix
Crew member who assists Odysseus and Neoptolemus in their mission.
Phoenix
minor
Also known as Old Phoenix
Aged tutor of Achilles, briefly mentioned as a potential companion.
Achilles
minor
Also known as Fate Achilles, Achilles
Deceased Greek hero, father of Neoptolemus, referenced as a legacy figure.
Zeus
minor
Also known as Zeus assail, Zeus
King of the gods, invoked in oaths and prayers by characters.
Laertes
minor
Also known as Laertes
Father of Odysseus, mentioned as part of Neoptolemus' patronymic.
The Atridae
minor
Also known as the Atridae
Collective term for Agamemnon and Menelaus, referenced as commanders.