# Patroclus — Troilus and Cressida character guide

> Patroclus in Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Achilles Patroclus, Patroclus Achilles, Patroclus Paris, Patroclus Jove bless great Ajax, Patroclus Who, Patroclus Ay

**First appearance:** 0005-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

Achilles' constant companion, Patroclus is the quiet center of the greatest warrior's world — and the wound that will eventually wake him.

## Who they are

Patroclus moves through the Greek camp at Achilles' side, mocked by Thersites as 'Achilles' brach' and treated by the commanders as the lever to move the man they cannot move directly. His bond with Achilles is the play's most intimate relationship, and the Greek leaders openly scheme to exploit it, hoping Patroclus will coax the sulking hero back to war. He matters because everything the Greeks want from Achilles runs through him — and because his presence makes the cost of that manipulation personal rather than political.

## In the story

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

Attempts to quiet Thersites and observes the altercation.

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

Interacts with Thersites and relays messages between Achilles and the Greek leaders.

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

Urges Achilles to rouse himself from inaction and love, and participates in the mockery of Ajax.

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

Present with Achilles, subjected to Thersites' insults.

## Links

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- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se/characters