Choephori characters

Also known as Son of Agamemnon

Appears from the start

Agamemnon's exiled son, returned secretly to Argos as a young man. Apollo has ordered him to punish his father's killers, and he comes to Agamemnon's tomb with his loyal companion Pylades before attempting to enter the palace.

Appears from the start

A prince of Phocis and Orestes' trusted companion in exile. He returns to Argos beside Orestes and supports the mission against the rulers of the palace, speaking little but remaining present at its decisive moments.

Also known as King Agamemnon

Appears from the start

The murdered king of Argos and father of Orestes and Electra. Buried without the full honor his children believe he deserves, he remains an unseen center of the action as they appeal to his spirit for aid and demand vengeance for his death.

Also known as Daughter of Agamemnon

First appears in chapter 2

The daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, still living under the authority of her father's killers. Sent to pour offerings at Agamemnon's tomb after Clytemnestra has a frightening dream, she is divided between the ritual she has been ordered to perform and her loyalty to her dead father.

Also known as Libation Bearers

First appears in chapter 2

Enslaved women of the palace who accompany Electra to Agamemnon's tomb with ritual offerings. Sharing hostility toward the household's rulers, they guide Electra's prayer, help her interpret signs of Orestes' return, and support the siblings' demand for justice.

Also known as Queen of Argos

First appears in chapter 3

Agamemnon's widow and the mother of Orestes and Electra, now ruling Argos with Aegisthus after killing her husband. Disturbed by an ominous dream, she sends offerings to Agamemnon's grave in an effort to appease the dead.

Also known as Nurse

First appears in chapter 5

Orestes' former nurse and a loyal servant of Agamemnon's house. She grieves sincerely when told that Orestes has died, remembering the labor of caring for him as a baby, and is sent to summon Aegisthus to meet the supposed messengers.

First appears in chapter 5

Clytemnestra's partner and Agamemnon's cousin, who shares the rule of Argos after helping bring about Agamemnon's death. He is called to the palace to hear in person the strangers' report that Orestes has died.