The Iliad · Character

Patroclus

Achilles' closest companion, whose loyalty pulls him onto a battlefield his friend has abandoned.

major

Also known as Menoetiades, knight Patroclus, Noble Patroclus, the gallant Menoetiades

First appearance: The Iliad

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

Achilles' beloved companion; dons Achilles' armor, is killed by Hector, prompting Achilles' return to battle.

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Patroclus fights in Achilles' shadow, loved and overshadowed by the greatest of the Greeks, and it is his compassion for the wounded army that draws him out. When he can no longer watch the Achaeans die, he takes up…

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See Patroclus in The Iliad

Character Web

56 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
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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Relationships

Achilles
friendship · positive
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over… How this plays out →
Hector
rivalry · negative
Achilles
friendship · positive
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over… How this plays out →
Achilles
friendship · positive
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over… How this plays out →

Achilles
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over Patroclus's death driving the central conflict.
Hector
Hector kills Patroclus in battle, mistaking him for Achilles, which triggers Achilles' rampage.
Achilles
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over Patroclus's death driving the central conflict.
Achilles
Achilles and Patroclus are extremely close companions, with Achilles' grief over Patroclus's death driving the central conflict.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Patroclus in The Iliad

In the story

Patroclus appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Iliad
Achilles' beloved companion; dons Achilles' armor, is killed by Hector, prompting Achilles' return to battle.
Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
Engages in conversation with Nestor, learning of the Greek casualties and the need for aid.
Book XVI: The Sixth Battle—Death of Patroclus
Weeps before Achilles, persuades him to lend his armor, leads the Myrmidons, kills Sarpedon, disobeys orders, is disarmed by Apollo, wounded by Euphorbus, and slain by Hector.
Book XVII: The Seventh Battle
Fallen hero whose body is the central object of the battle.
Book XVIII: The Grief of Achilles for the Death of Patroclus
Lies dead, his body recovered by the Greeks after Achilles's intervention.
Book XIX: The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon
His body is preserved by Thetis; mourned by Achilles and Briseis.
Book XXIII: The Funeral of Patroclus
Appears as a ghost to Achilles, pleading for a proper burial so he can enter Hades.

Chapter companion notes

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