# Helen — Poetry character guide

> Helen in Poetry by Thomas Gray.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** handy Nelly, Eleanor of Castile

**First appearance:** 0000-ode-on-a-distant-prospect-of-eton-college

## Who they are

Historical figure referenced in the poem's allusions.

## Relationships

### [Agrippina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/agrippina)

_social_

Agrippina and Helen are likely courtly acquaintances, possibly with Helen serving as a confidante or rival for attention.

### [Nero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/nero)

_social_

Helen and Nero have a brief or superficial connection, likely within the context of courtly intrigue or entertainment.

## In the story

### [A Long Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/chapters/a-long-story)

Referenced as 'Handy Nelly' or Eleanor of Castile, though not directly named; the poem mentions 'the lady Janes and Joans' and ghostly prudes.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/chapters/scene-ii)

Helen is referenced as a mythological parallel to Poppaea, describing her reluctant yet willing departure with Paris.

### [Comic Lines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/chapters/comic-lines)

Mentioned as 'handy Nelly' in the list of those affected by the poet's presence.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced as Eleanor of Castile, who died a few years after the conquest of Wales.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/characters/helen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_23_se/characters