Character guide

Deianira

major

Also known as Queen Deianira, Deianira Maidens, Alcmena Deianira, Enter Deianira

Heracles' anxious wife, whose long dread of losing him curdles into a desperate act she believes will win his love back.

Heracles

major

Also known as Dramatis Personae Heracles, Attendants bearing Heracles

The legendary hero whose far-flung labors keep him absent for years, returning home only through the ruinous gift his wife sends after him.

Hyllus

supporting

Also known as Hyllus Ay, Hyllus Hear, Hyllus Yea, Hyllus Woman

The dutiful son caught between an absent, glorious father and a frightened mother, sent to find news that will undo them all.

Lichas

supporting

Also known as Lichas Lady, Lichas Euboean

Heracles' loyal herald, who arrives bearing captives and tidings, and whose careful evasions crack open the household's fragile peace.

Messenger

supporting

Also known as Enter Messenger, Messenger Queen Deianira

A blunt informant whose untimely honesty about a captive girl strips away the herald's story and forces Deianira to see the truth.

Nurse

supporting

Also known as Nurse Deianira

Deianira's trusted attendant, whose plainspoken counsel—that a slave's words may breathe a free spirit—sets the play's search in motion.

Iolè

minor

Captive princess whose beauty sparks Deianira's jealousy.

Zeus

minor

Also known as Olympian Zeus

Father of Heracles, invoked as a divine figure.

Iphitus

minor

Also known as the doughty Iphitus

Son of Eurytus, killed by Heracles in a fit of madness.

Nessus

minor

Also known as The Centaur, the Centaur, Hyllus The Centaur Nessus

Centaur whose poisoned blood kills Heracles.

King Eurytus

minor

Also known as Eurytus

King of Oechalia, father of Iolè, killed by Heracles.

Pallas

minor

Goddess Athena, mentioned in passing.