# Aegisthus — Electra character guide

> Aegisthus in Electra by Sophocles.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** King Aegisthus, Aegisthus Alas

**First appearance:** 0002-electra

## Snapshot

Clytemnestra's lover and co-ruler, who helped kill Agamemnon and now wears the dead king's power with a usurper's brittle confidence.

## Who they are

Aegisthus shares the throne and the guilt, ruling Mycenae as if the murder were already settled history. He is kept offstage for much of the action, a looming presence whose return is awaited with dread by Electra and satisfaction by Clytemnestra. His fate is bound up with the house's curse: the play's tension depends on whether the avenger can reach him before he consolidates his grip.

## Relationships

### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/orestes)

_rivalry_

Mortal enemies as Aegisthus is the usurper and murderer of Orestes' father, targeted for revenge.

### [Electra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/electra)

_rivalry_

Electra despises Aegisthus as her father's killer and the tyrant ruling her household.

### [Chrysothemis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/chrysothemis)

_family_

Stepfather and stepdaughter, with Chrysothemis living under his authority but not actively opposing him.

### [Agamemnon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/agamemnon)

_rivalry_

Aegisthus murdered Agamemnon to seize power and revenge for past family wrongs.

### [Electra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/electra)

_rivalry_

Electra despises Aegisthus as her father's killer and the tyrant ruling her household.

### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/orestes)

_rivalry_

Mortal enemies as Aegisthus is the usurper and murderer of Orestes' father, targeted for revenge.

### [Orestes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/orestes)

_rivalry_

Mortal enemies as Aegisthus is the usurper and murderer of Orestes' father, targeted for revenge.

## In the story

### [Dramatis Personae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/chapters/dramatis-personae)

Listed as cousin of Agamemnon, paramour of Clytemnestra, and prince consort.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/aegisthus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters