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The Iliad · Character

Briseis

Captive woman taken by Achilles, whose seizure by Agamemnon sparks the quarrel.

minor

Also known as fair Briseis

First appearance: the iliad

Briseis shows up with force in Book XIX: The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Returned to Achilles; laments over Patroclus' body.
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In Book XIX: The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon: Returned to Achilles; laments over Patroclus'…

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Character Web

15 connections

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AGAgamemnonPAPatroclusHEHermesHEHectorACAchillesBRBriseis

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Supporting Mortals and Divine Agents
  • Major Greek and Trojan Figures
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jupiter’s wrath, as he…

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In the story

Briseis appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Briseis in the iliad