Samson Agonistes characters

Appears from the start

The blinded Israelite champion held captive in Gaza after revealing the secret of his strength. Once empowered to fight the Philistines, he now performs forced labor and regards his defeat as the consequence of his own disobedience. His physical power has begun to return, but he is burdened by shame, isolation, and uncertainty about whether he can still serve a divine purpose.

Appears from the start

A group of Israelite men from Samson's tribe who come to lament with him during a Philistine festival. They question the meaning of his rise and fall, respond to each visitor, and frame his suffering within the hopes of an oppressed people.

Appears from the start

Samson's elderly father, grieving his son's blindness and captivity. He has retained hope, resources, and a practical plan to negotiate Samson's release, even while struggling to understand how a life announced by divine promise reached such misery.

Also known as Dalila of Sorek

Appears from the start

Samson's estranged Philistine wife, whose persistent questioning led him to disclose the source of his strength and enabled his capture. She comes richly dressed to seek forgiveness, explaining her betrayal in terms of fear, love, and loyalty to her people, and offers to care for him if he will accept her.

Appears from the start

A celebrated Philistine warrior from Gath who visits Samson to taunt him. Proud of his stature and military reputation, he treats Samson's captivity as proof of Philistine superiority while avoiding the captive's proposal that they settle the boast in single combat.

Also known as Public Officer

Appears from the start

A Philistine official sent to order Samson to perform feats of strength at the festival honoring Dagon. He presents the summons as a command backed by the rulers of Gaza and returns with threats when Samson initially refuses.

Appears from the start

A witness who reaches Manoa and the Chorus after a terrible crash interrupts their waiting. Shaken by what he has seen, he reports the destruction at the Philistine festival and explains Samson's part in it.