# Philoctetes — Character guide

> Key figures in Philoctetes by Sophocles.

- [Philoctetes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/philoctetes.md): Greek hero abandoned on Lemnos with Heracles' bow, central to the play's conflict.
- [Odysseus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/odysseus.md): Cunning Greek leader who schemes to retrieve Philoctetes and his bow for Troy.
- [Neoptolemus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/neoptolemus.md): Young son of Achilles, torn between Odysseus' orders and his own conscience.
- [Heracles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/heracles.md): Deified hero who appears as a divine messenger to resolve the plot.
- [Sailor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/sailor.md): Crew member who assists Odysseus and Neoptolemus in their mission.
- [Phoenix](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/phoenix.md): Aged tutor of Achilles, briefly mentioned as a potential companion.
- [Achilles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/achilles.md): Deceased Greek hero, father of Neoptolemus, referenced as a legacy figure.
- [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/zeus.md): King of the gods, invoked in oaths and prayers by characters.
- [Laertes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/laertes.md): Father of Odysseus, mentioned as part of Neoptolemus' patronymic.
- [The Atridae](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/the_atridae.md): Collective term for Agamemnon and Menelaus, referenced as commanders.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philoctetes_se/characters