Hippolytus is the illegitimate son of the Athenian king Theseus and a former Amazon woman. As an ardent devotee of Artemis, he spends his time hunting and aggressively shuns romantic relationships. His strict adherence to sexual purity and intense self-assurance frequently manifest as arrogance and profound hostility toward women.

Phaedra is the wife of Theseus, queen of Athens, and the daughter of the Cretan king Minos. She suffers under a divine curse placed upon her by Aphrodite, which forces her to experience a forbidden desire for her stepson. Desperately concerned with her reputation, she tries to suppress her feelings to protect her family's social standing.

Theseus is the famous mythical hero and king of Athens, currently living in exile in Troezen after killing political rivals. He is a passionate ruler who tends to react impulsively and make snap judgments based on intense emotion. As the patriarch of the family, his decisions carry severe weight.

Aphrodite is the ancient Greek goddess of love and sexuality. She demands absolute reverence from mortals, actively destroying those who slight her domain. Offended by Hippolytus's refusal to acknowledge her power, she coldly orchestrates a devastating curse, treating human collateral damage as acceptable.

The Nurse is an elderly servant utterly devoted to Phaedra's well-being. She possesses a highly pragmatic view of morality, believing that strict adherence to rules is less important than practical solutions. Her determination to cure her mistress drives her to bend social conventions.

Artemis is the goddess of hunting and untamed nature. She receives exclusive devotion from Hippolytus, who honors her above all other deities. Like other gods, she remains somewhat distant from mortal suffering and prioritizes her own divine reputation.

The primary Chorus consists of the noble women of Troezen. They serve as sympathetic witnesses to the royal family's crisis, perceiving the errors of the main figures while remaining powerless to intervene. They watch the disaster unfold with a strong sense of moral conscience.

The Servant is a member of the royal household who accompanies Hippolytus. He demonstrates a conventional understanding of how mortals should respect the gods, attempting to offer practical religious advice to his proud master.

The Messenger is one of Hippolytus's loyal servants who witnesses events outside the city limits. He brings crucial reports back to the royal palace, maintaining a strong belief in his master's essential goodness regardless of the circumstances.