# Heracles — The Trachiniae character guide

> Heracles in The Trachiniae by Sophocles.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Dramatis Personae Heracles, Attendants bearing Heracles

**First appearance:** 0001-dramatis-personae

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Hyllus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/hyllus)

_family_

Heracles is Hyllus's father, and Hyllus is deeply loyal to him, ultimately carrying out his final commands.

### [Deianira](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/deianira)

_romantic_

Deianira is Heracles's wife, but their relationship is strained by his infidelity and her jealous actions.

### [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/zeus)

_family_

Heracles is the son of Zeus, and he calls upon his father in agony, feeling abandoned by him.

### [Lichas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/lichas)

_professional_

Lichas serves as Heracles's herald, but Heracles later curses him for his role in the deception.

### [Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/messenger)

_professional_

The Messenger relays news of Heracles's suffering and final wishes to the household.

### [Hyllus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/hyllus)

_family_

Heracles is Hyllus's father, and Hyllus is deeply loyal to him, ultimately carrying out his final commands.

### [Deianira](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/deianira)

_romantic_

Deianira is Heracles's wife, but their relationship is strained by his infidelity and her jealous actions.

## In the story

### [Dramatis Personae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/chapters/dramatis-personae)

Son of Zeus and Alcmena, central hero of the play.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/heracles
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters