# Chrysothemis — Electra character guide

> Chrysothemis in Electra by Sophocles.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Chrysothemis Sister, Sister, Chrysothemis Orestes⁠—hear

**First appearance:** 0002-electra

## Snapshot

Electra's sister, who chooses survival over defiance, urging compromise and warning that open rage only tightens the chains they live in.

## Who they are

Chrysothemis moves through the same humiliated household but bends where Electra refuses, accepting the queen's orders and hoping for a quieter life. She loves her sister and fears her, caught between loyalty to their dead father and a practical instinct to endure. Her caution gives the play its central argument about how to live under tyranny, and her errand to the tomb becomes the first sign that someone else has been there.

## Relationships

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

_family_

Sisters with opposing views on justice and resistance, leading to tension and emotional conflict.

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

_family_

Siblings with a distant bond, as Chrysothemis is cautious while Orestes is driven by revenge.

### [Aegisthus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/aegisthus)

_family_

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

### [The Greeks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/the_greeks)

_social_

Chrysothemis is aware of the Greek public's opinion and uses it to caution Electra against open defiance.

### [Menelaus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/electra_se/characters/menelaus)

_family_

Uncle and niece, with Chrysothemis hoping for his intervention but receiving none.

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

_family_

Sisters with opposing views on justice and resistance, leading to tension and emotional conflict.

## In the story

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

Listed as daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.

## Links

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