The Iliad · Character

Hector

Troy's eldest prince and commander, who fights to save a city he knows is doomed and drags Patroclus' body from the field in Achilles' armor.

major

Also known as Hector of the beamy helm, plumèd Hector

First appearance: The Iliad

As a major figure in The Iliad, Hector is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Trojan prince and chief defender; bids farewell to Andromache, kills Patroclus, and is ultimately slain by Achilles.

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Hector is the wall between Troy and annihilation, the son Priam sends out to lead while his brother Paris lounges indoors with Helen. He fights with a god's favor and a mortal's fear, and his worst moment comes when he strips Patroclus of Achilles' armor and hauls the body toward the city, deaf to Glaucus' furious reproach. His greatness and his flaw are the same: he must be seen to be brave, and that need will cost him everything.

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See Hector in The Iliad

Character Web

58 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major Greek and Trojan Figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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

Hector appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Iliad
Trojan prince and chief defender; bids farewell to Andromache, kills Patroclus, and is ultimately slain by Achilles.
Book III: Single Combat of Menelaus and Paris
Rebukes Paris for his cowardice and arranges the truce and duel; he measures the combat space and shakes the lots.
Book V: The Exploits of Diomed
Leads the Trojan phalanxes with Ares and Bellona, rallies the Trojans, and kills Menesthes and Anchialus.
Book VI: Interviews Between Glaucus and Diomed, and Hector and Andromache
Hector is recalled from battle by Helenus to organize a religious procession; he later meets with his mother Hecuba, rebukes Paris, and shares an emotional farewell with Andromache and their son.
Book VII: The Combat of Hector and Ajax
Challenges the Greeks to single combat, fights Ajax to a draw, exchanges gifts, and returns safely to Troy.
Book VIII: The Second Battle
Leads the Trojan assault, driving the Greeks back to their ships with Zeus's favor.
Book X: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses
Hector organizes the Trojan camp and sends Dolon on a spying mission, promising him Achilles' horses.
Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
Warned by Iris to avoid fighting until Agamemnon is wounded; after Agamemnon's retreat, he leads the Trojan counterattack and causes great havoc.
Book XII: The Battle at the Grecian Wall
Leads the Trojan assault, dismounts on Polydamas' advice, and later breaks through the Greek gate with a stone.
Book XIII: The Continuation of the Fourth Battle
Leads the Trojan assault, exchanges taunts with Ajax, and vows to destroy the Greek ships.
Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno
Wounded by Ajax with a stone, collapses but is rescued by his comrades and carried to the river Xanthus.
Book XV: The Fifth Battle at the Ships
Hector is healed by Apollo and returns to battle with renewed fury, leading the Trojan assault on the Greek ships. He is driven by Zeus's will and his own doomed fate.
Book XVI: The Sixth Battle—Death of Patroclus
Leads the Trojan assault, cuts Ajax's spear, sets fire to the Greek ships, kills Patroclus, boasts over his body, and is prophesied to die by Achilles.
Book XVII: The Seventh Battle
Leads the Trojan assault, strips Patroclus of his armor, and is rebuked by Glaucus for neglecting Sarpedon's body.
Book XVIII: The Grief of Achilles for the Death of Patroclus
Exults in wearing Achilles's armor but is warned by Polydamas; rejects the advice to retreat.
Book XX: The Battle of the Gods
Encourages the Trojans and confronts Achilles, but is saved by Apollo.
Book XXI: The Battle in the River Scamander
Mentioned as the target Achilles seeks to face after driving the Trojans into the city.
Book XXII: The Death of Hector
Hector resolves to face Achilles outside the Scaean gates, despite his parents' entreaties, but flees when Achilles approaches. He is deceived by Athena and ultimately killed by Achilles, his body dragged behind a chariot.
Book XXIV: The Body of Hector Recovered
His body is recovered, washed, anointed, and prepared for funeral rites.

Chapter companion notes

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See Hector in The Iliad