Philoctetes · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Philoctetes by Sophocles.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Philoctetes
major
Also known as Philoctetes Heracles, Philoctetes Son of Achilles, Philoctetes O wondrous weird, Philoctetes Never
A crippled Greek archer marooned nine years on a barren island, he guards Heracles' bow — the one weapon Troy cannot fall without.
Odysseus
major
Also known as Odysseus Entangle Philoctetes, Odysseus To Neoptolemus, Odysseus Wretch, Odysseus Great Zeus, Odysseus Son of Achilles
The Greek army's most cunning strategist, sent to pry a wounded hero and his sacred bow off a deserted island by force or fraud.
Neoptolemus
major
Also known as Neoptolemus Son of Laertes, Neoptolemus The Atridae
Achilles' young son, newly arrived at Troy, ordered to lie to a suffering stranger — and discovering what his honesty is worth.
Heracles
supporting
Also known as Heracles, Zeus - born Heracles
The deified hero whose bow Philoctetes carries, he descends from Olympus to speak the will of Zeus over the play's final deadlock.
Sailor
minor
Also known as Sailor Old Phoenix
Crew member who assists Odysseus and Neoptolemus in their mission.
Achilles
minor
Also known as Fate Achilles, Achilles
Deceased Greek hero, father of Neoptolemus, referenced as a legacy figure.
Zeus
minor
Also known as Zeus assail, Zeus
King of the gods, invoked in oaths and prayers by characters.
Laertes
minor
Also known as Laertes
Father of Odysseus, mentioned as part of Neoptolemus' patronymic.
Phoenix
minor
Also known as Old Phoenix
Aged tutor of Achilles, briefly mentioned as a potential companion.
The Atridae
minor
Also known as the Atridae
Collective term for Agamemnon and Menelaus, referenced as commanders.
