Troilus and Cressida · Character

Pandarus

Cressida's uncle and Troilus's eager go-between, forever praising his niece's suitor and meddling in a romance that is none of his business.

supporting

Also known as Pandarus Troilus, Pandarus Sweet Pandarus, Pandarus Ay, Pandarus Within, Pandarus Who, Pandarus Prithee, the Lord Pandarus, My Lord Pandarus, Lord Pandarus, Pandarus Friend, Pandarus Helenus, Pandarus Achilles, Pandarus Hark, Pandarus Condition, Pandarus Quoth, Pandarus Words, Pandar, Pandarus Grace, Pandarus Nay, Pandarus Pretty

First appearance: Scene I

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

Acts as the go-between for Troilus and Cressida, but grows weary of Troilus's impatience and threatens to withdraw his help.

In the storyScene IOpen this moment free

See Pandarus in Scene I Book page

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Pandarus bustles between the lovers, extolling Troilus's dimpled smile, his chin, his valor, until even Cressida tells him to be quiet. He speaks in food and baking metaphors — grinding, bolting, kneading, cooling — as if love were a cake that must not burn. His relentless chattering drives the courtship forward and gives the play its name for go-betweens, making him both comic engine and uneasy witness to what he arranges.

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See Pandarus in Scene I

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Psychological
Social
Other

Character groups

Trojan political and romantic figures
Greek camp and Trojan family
Protagonist
Diplomatic and command figures

+19 more in the full Character Web

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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.

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Relationships

Troilus
psychological · ambivalent
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's… How this plays out →
Ajax
social · negative
Agamemnon
social · ambivalent
Hector
social · ambivalent
Cressida
psychological · negative
Troilus
psychological · ambivalent
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's… How this plays out →
Troilus
psychological · ambivalent
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's… How this plays out →
Ajax
social · negative
Ajax
social · negative
Hector
social · ambivalent
Agamemnon
social · ambivalent
Cressida
psychological · negative

Troilus
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's romantic pursuit of Cressida for his own amusement and gain.
Ajax
Ajax and Pandarus have limited direct interaction, likely as opposing figures in the Trojan War context.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon and Pandarus have limited interaction, likely as opposing figures in the war's social fabric.
Hector
Hector and Pandarus are acquaintances in the Trojan court, with Pandarus serving as a go-between for romantic intrigues.
Cressida
Pandarus manipulates Cressida into a relationship with Troilus, acting as her uncle and panderer.
Troilus
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's romantic pursuit of Cressida for his own amusement and gain.
Troilus
Pandarus acts as a manipulative go-between and uncle figure, engineering Troilus's romantic pursuit of Cressida for his own amusement and gain.
Ajax
Ajax and Pandarus have limited direct interaction, likely as opposing figures in the Trojan War context.
Ajax
Ajax and Pandarus have limited direct interaction, likely as opposing figures in the Trojan War context.
Hector
Hector and Pandarus are acquaintances in the Trojan court, with Pandarus serving as a go-between for romantic intrigues.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon and Pandarus have limited interaction, likely as opposing figures in the war's social fabric.
Cressida
Pandarus manipulates Cressida into a relationship with Troilus, acting as her uncle and panderer.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Pandarus in Scene I

In the story

Pandarus appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Acts as the go-between for Troilus and Cressida, but grows weary of Troilus's impatience and threatens to withdraw his help.
Scene II
Acts as a go-between, praising Troilus excessively and arranging a meeting, while Cressida accuses him of being a bawd.
Scene I
Visits Paris and Helen, delivers a message from Troilus, and sings a song about love.
Scene II
Acts as go-between, arranging the meeting and witnessing the lovers' vows; declares that all go-betweens should be called 'Pandars' after him.
Scene II
Interrupts the lovers, then laments the exchange order.
Scene IV
Attempts to moderate Cressida's grief and later laments the parting, quoting a rhyme about heavy hearts.
Scene X
Rejected by Troilus, delivers a final soliloquy lamenting his role as a pander.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Pandarus in Scene I