# Dramatis Personae explained — The Trachiniae

> Chapter companion for The Trachiniae by Sophocles.

## What happens

This chapter lists the characters of the play, including Heracles, his wife Deianira, their son Hyllus, the herald Lichas, a messenger, a nurse, an old man, Iolè, captive women, and the Chorus of Trachinian maidens, setting the scene before the house of Heracles at Trachis.

## Character check-ins

### Heracles

Son of Zeus and Alcmena, central hero of the play.

### Deianira

Daughter of Oeneus, wife of Heracles.

### Hyllus

Son of Heracles and Deianira.

### Lichas

Herald of Heracles.

### Iolè

Daughter of Eurytus, captive wife to Heracles, mute character.

## Key lines

> Dramatis Personae Heracles, son of Zeus and Alcmena Deianira, daughter of Oeneus, his wife Hyllus, their son Lichas, herald of Heracles A messenger Nurse Old man Iolè, daughter of Eurytus, captive wife to Heracles, mute character Captive women, mute character Chorus of Trachinian maidens Scene: Before the house of Heracles at Trachis.

The cast includes Heracles (son of Zeus and Alcmena), his wife Deianira (daughter of Oeneus), their son Hyllus, the herald Lichas, a messenger, a nurse, an old man, Iolè (daughter of Eurytus and Heracles' captive wife, who does not speak), mute captive women, and the Chorus of Trachinian maidens. The action takes place in front of Heracles' home in Trachis.

_This opening establishes the key characters and setting for the tragedy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trachiniae_se/chapters/dramatis-personae
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trachiniae_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trachiniae_se/chapters