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The Iliad · Character

Polydamas

Trojan commander and advisor, often cautious against Hector's rashness.

minor

Also known as brave Polydamas, excellent Polydamas

First appearance: the iliad

Polydamas shows up with force in Book XII: The Battle at the Grecian Wall. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Advises Hector to dismount the chariots and attack on foot in five columns.
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In Book XII: The Battle at the Grecian Wall: Advises Hector to dismount the chariots and attack on foot in five columns. Later, in Book XVIII: The Grief of Achilles for the Death of Patroclus: Advises the Trojans to…

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Character Web

25 connections

A slice of how Polydamas sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

HEHectorACAchillesPRPriamTETeucerAJAjaxPOPolydamas

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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Polydamas appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Polydamas in the iliad