Troilus and Criseyde characters

Appears from the start

A young prince of Troy, son of Priam and brother of Hector. At first he mocks those enslaved by love, but the sight of Criseyde at a religious festival overturns his confidence. He hides his sudden anguish until Pandarus persuades him to name its cause.

Appears from the start

A young Trojan widow whose father has deserted to the Greek camp. Beautiful, intelligent, and cautious of scandal, she remains in Troy under Hector's protection. She is Pandarus's niece and becomes the object of Troilus's secret love.

Appears from the start

Criseyde's uncle and Troilus's friend. Sociable, inventive, and persistent, he draws the lovesick prince into confidence and undertakes to bring the pair together, treating secrecy and persuasion as practical problems he can solve.

Appears from the start

Criseyde's father, a Trojan priest who has foreseen the fall of Troy and defected to the besieging Greeks. His absence leaves his daughter politically vulnerable inside the city even though she has not shared his treason.

Appears from the start

The foremost Trojan warrior and Troilus's elder brother. He publicly guarantees Criseyde's safety despite her father's defection, separating her conduct from Calchas's betrayal and allowing her to remain in Troy.

Appears from the start

King of Troy and father of Troilus, Hector, and their royal siblings. His besieged court provides the public world in which Troilus must conceal a private love that conflicts with war and family duty.

First appears in chapter 2

A Trojan prince and brother of Troilus. Pandarus uses his household and good standing to arrange a respectable gathering at which Criseyde can meet Troilus without openly compromising her reputation.

First appears in chapter 4

A Trojan noble captured by the Greeks. The proposal to exchange him for Criseyde places the lovers' private commitment under the authority of both armies and the Trojan parliament.

First appears in chapter 4

A Greek warrior assigned to escort Criseyde when she is exchanged for Antenor. Courteous and observant, he recognizes her isolation on entering the Greek camp and begins offering his protection and service.

First appears in chapter 5

Troilus's prophetic sister. When his dreams suggest that Criseyde has turned to another lover, Cassandra interprets their classical signs and identifies the threatening figure, though Troilus resists her conclusion.