# Pirithous — The Two Noble Kinsmen character guide

> Pirithous in The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Pirithous All, Pirithous These, Pirithous Sir, Prince Pirithous, Pirithous O

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i-scene-i

## Snapshot

Theseus's closest friend and best man at his wedding, whose loyalty to the duke places him at the hinge of Athens's public and private worlds.

## Who they are

Pirithous enters leading Hippolyta to the altar, the trusted companion whose bond with Theseus is the play's model of devoted male friendship — the very ideal Palamon and Arcite will shatter. He later intercedes for the imprisoned kinsmen, winning Arcite's liberty on oath, and so becomes the unwitting instrument of the cousins' separation and disguise. His presence keeps the audience aware of what noble friendship should look like, sharpening the tragedy of two men who once embodied it.

## Relationships

### [Palamon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/palamon)

_friendship_

Pirithous is a friend and ally to Palamon, advocating for him before Theseus.

### [Emilia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/emilia)

_friendship_

Pirithous is a close friend of Theseus and a respectful acquaintance of Emilia.

### [Emilia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/emilia)

_friendship_

Pirithous is a close friend of Theseus and a respectful acquaintance of Emilia.

### [Palamon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/palamon)

_friendship_

Pirithous is a friend and ally to Palamon, advocating for him before Theseus.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Pirithous leads Hippolyta in the wedding procession and is instructed by Theseus to continue the feast in his absence.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Bids farewell to Hippolyta and Emilia, expressing his loyalty and affection before departing for war.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-v)

Commends Arcite and arranges for him to serve Emilia.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-v)

Accompanies Theseus and gives money to the performers.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-vi)

Kneels to beg mercy, appealing to their friendship and Theseus's noble soul.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Mentioned as supporting the queens' plea for mercy, helping secure the prisoners' pardon.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii)

Pirithous describes the knight leading with Palamon in detail, praising his noble appearance and valorous demeanor.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Pirithous announces the entrance of Palamon and Arcite and wishes honour to crown the worthiest.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

Pirithous urges Emilia to watch the combat and supports Theseus in the proceedings.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iv)

Arrives in haste to halt Palamon's execution and recounts Arcite's accident.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/pirithous
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters