# Lichas — The Trachiniae character guide

> Lichas in The Trachiniae by Sophocles.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lichas Lady, Lichas Euboean

**First appearance:** 0002-the-trachiniae

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

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

_professional_

Lichas is Deianira's herald and messenger, but he deceives her about Iolè's true identity.

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

_psychological_

Lichas invokes Zeus as a witness to his false oaths, using the god's authority to manipulate Deianira.

### [Heracles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/heracles)

_professional_

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

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

_rivalry_

Hyllus confronts Lichas for his lies to Deianira, exposing his treachery.

### [Iphitus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/iphitus)

_professional_

Iphitus, as a servant or attendant, interacts with Lichas in the context of the royal household's affairs.

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

_rivalry_

The Messenger exposes Lichas's lies to Deianira, creating direct antagonism between them.

### [Iolè](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trachiniae_se/characters/iole)

_professional_

Lichas is tasked with delivering Iolè to Deianira, acting as her custodian and keeper of her secret.

## In the story

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

Herald of Heracles.

## Links

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