Troilus and Cressida characters

Appears from the start

A young Trojan prince and son of Priam. Although known as a warrior, he has withdrawn from battle because he is consumed by love for Cressida and depends on Pandarus to help him approach her.

First appears in chapter 2

A young Trojan woman whose father, Calchas, has defected to the Greeks. She discusses the passing warriors with her uncle Pandarus while guarding her feelings behind wit and skepticism.

Appears from the start

Cressida's uncle and an eager intermediary for Troilus. Talkative, persistent, and proud of his influence, he carries messages between the young people and urges Cressida to recognize Troilus's merits.

First appears in chapter 5

The foremost warrior of Troy and an elder brother of Troilus. He regards the continued possession of Helen as morally wrong, even while family honor and military duty keep him defending the city.

First appears in chapter 5

King of Troy and father to Hector, Paris, and Troilus. He convenes his sons and counselors to decide whether keeping Helen is worth the cost of the war.

First appears in chapter 5

A daughter of Priam whose prophecies are treated as madness. She interrupts the Trojan council with a warning that keeping Helen will bring disaster.

First appears in chapter 3

A Greek commander noted for strategic intelligence and psychological insight. He argues that disorder among the Greek leaders has weakened the army and devises a plan to provoke Achilles through wounded pride.

First appears in chapter 3

The commander of the Greek forces at Troy. Frustrated by years of failure, he listens as Ulysses explains how rivalry and disregard for rank are damaging the campaign.

First appears in chapter 6

The greatest fighter in the Greek camp, currently refusing battle and spending his time with Patroclus. His absence has become both a military problem and a challenge to Agamemnon's authority.

First appears in chapter 4

A powerful but slow-witted Greek warrior. Ulysses promotes him as the Greek champion against Hector, hoping praise of Ajax will stir the inactive Achilles to jealousy.

First appears in chapter 4

A bitter and irreverent commentator attached to the Greek camp. He insults commanders and heroes without restraint, exposing their pride while offering little loyalty of his own.

First appears in chapter 3

A Greek warrior and commander who supports the plan to elevate Ajax as a way of challenging Achilles's pride.

First appears in chapter 3

A Trojan commander and herald who carries Hector's challenge to the Greek camp. He moves between the opposing armies under the protections of formal diplomacy.

First appears in chapter 5

A Trojan prince whose taking of Helen began the war. He lives with her in Troy and supports keeping her, treating reputation and desire as reasons to continue the conflict.

First appears in chapter 7

The wife of the Greek king Menelaus, brought to Troy by Paris and made the stated cause of the long war. In private with Paris and Pandarus, she appears playful and detached from the armies fighting over her.

First appears in chapter 9

Cressida's father, a Trojan priest who has defected to the Greek side. In return for services to the Greeks, he asks that his daughter be exchanged for a Trojan prisoner and brought to him.