Troilus and Cressida · Character

Achilles

Greece's greatest champion, sulking in his tent and refusing to fight, stung by the way his fellow commanders now pass him by.

major

Also known as the Greeks Achilles, Achilles Old Nestor, The large Achilles, the hart Achilles, god Achilles, Achilles Patroclus, Achilles Thou, Achilles Peace, Achilles Ay

First appearance: Scene III

As a major figure in Troilus and Cressida, Achilles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Proud Greek warrior who is the target of Ulysses' scheme to humble him by sidelining him from the combat.

In the storyScene IIIOpen this moment free

See Achilles in Scene III Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Achilles has withdrawn from battle, and the Greek lords — Agamemnon, Nestor, Menelaus, Ajax — walk past him with pointed indifference. He feels his greatness slipping and reads his own decline in their cold looks, musing that 'greatness, once fall'n out with fortune, must fall out with men too.' His wounded pride and refusal to fight paralyze the Greek cause, and his strange, hungry scrutiny of Hector at the feast signals the danger he still represents.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Achilles sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Achilles in Scene III

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek camp and Trojan family
Trojan political and romantic figures

+5 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Troilus’s rage and…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Achilles appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene III
Proud Greek warrior who is the target of Ulysses' scheme to humble him by sidelining him from the combat.
Scene I
Intervenes in the fight, reveals Hector's challenge, and dismisses it as 'trash'.
Scene III
Remains in his tent, refuses to see the Greek commanders, and is described as proud and self-absorbed.
Scene III
Feels slighted by the Greek commanders' coldness and is provoked by Ulysses' words to consider action.
Scene V
Confronts Hector with threats and challenges him to a fight tomorrow, but agrees to be friends for the night.
Scene I
Receives a letter from Queen Hecuba and his Trojan love, vowing to honor his oath over the Greek cause.
Scene V
Enters demanding Hector, vowing to face him in anger.
Scene VI
Challenges Hector but withdraws, claiming his arms are out of use.
Scene VII
Commands his Myrmidons to surround and kill Hector.
Scene VIII
Achilles leads the Myrmidons in ambushing and killing the unarmed Hector, then orders his body dragged behind his horse.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Achilles unlock in the free preview.

See Achilles in Scene III