# Neoptolemus — Philoctetes character guide

> Neoptolemus in Philoctetes by Sophocles.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Neoptolemus Son of Laertes, Neoptolemus The Atridae

**First appearance:** 0001-dramatis-personae

## Who they are

Achilles' young son, newly arrived at Troy, ordered to lie to a suffering stranger — and discovering what his honesty is worth.

## Relationships

### [Odysseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/odysseus)

_professional_

Neoptolemus is initially Odysseus's subordinate and accomplice in the plot against Philoctetes.

### [Philoctetes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/philoctetes)

_friendship_

Neoptolemus develops genuine sympathy and friendship for the abandoned Philoctetes, eventually betraying Odysseus's plan.

### [Sailor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/sailor)

_professional_

Neoptolemus and the sailor are both part of Odysseus's crew, sharing a professional but distant relationship.

### [Achilles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/achilles)

_family_

Achilles is Neoptolemus's deceased father, whose legacy heavily influences Neoptolemus's actions.

### [Laertes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/laertes)

_social_

Laertes and Neoptolemus are not directly related; they are merely part of the same Greek heroic lineage.

### [Heracles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/heracles)

_social_

Heracles appears as a deus ex machina to resolve the conflict, but has no personal relationship with Neoptolemus.

### [Philoctetes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/philoctetes)

_friendship_

Neoptolemus develops genuine sympathy and friendship for the abandoned Philoctetes, eventually betraying Odysseus's plan.

### [Odysseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/odysseus)

_professional_

Neoptolemus is initially Odysseus's subordinate and accomplice in the plot against Philoctetes.

## In the story

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

Listed as a character in the dramatis personae.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters/neoptolemus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/characters