Eteocles is the ruling king of Thebes and the son of Oedipus. He acts as a composed and resolute military commander, determined to protect his city from an invading Argive army led by his own brother. While he demonstrates strategic capability in assigning champions to guard the city's seven gates, he also displays a harsh, authoritarian demeanor when dealing with the frightened civilian populace.

Polynices is the exiled prince of Thebes who marches on his homeland with a foreign army. Feeling cheated out of his rightful turn on the throne, he is willing to destroy his own city to claim his inheritance. His shield displays the goddess Justice leading him back to his ancestral home, reflecting his belief in the righteousness of his cause.

The Chorus consists of a group of young, unmarried Theban women. They represent the civilian experience of war, expressing profound terror at the prospect of the city falling and the subsequent enslavement of its populace. Their fearful prayers to the gods draw the severe anger of King Eteocles, who demands they remain silent and leave the war to the men.

The Messenger acts as a vital scout and informant for the Theban defense. He closely observes the invading forces and delivers detailed, systematic reports to Eteocles regarding the enemy champions stationed at each gate. He pays special attention to the terrifying and symbolic imagery painted on the attackers' shields.

Antigone is a princess of Thebes and the sister of the warring brothers, Eteocles and Polynices. She is characterized by her intense loyalty to her kin and her strict adherence to personal and divine duty. She stands ready to honor her family obligations regardless of the personal danger posed by civic decrees.

Ismene is a princess of Thebes and sister to Eteocles, Polynices, and Antigone. She stands alongside her sister in grieving the devastating toll the conflict takes on their family, bearing witness to the tragic end of their brothers' dispute.

The Herald serves as an official mouthpiece for the city's leadership. He announces civic edicts in the aftermath of the siege and represents the strict enforcement of state law, demanding that the city's decrees supersede personal or familial loyalties.

Oedipus is the former king of Thebes whose tragic history brought ruin to his royal house. Though he does not physically appear in the play, his lingering presence drives the entire conflict, as the bitter curse he placed upon his sons fuels their violent dispute over the throne.

Jocasta is the deceased queen of Thebes. She was married to Laius and later to Oedipus, bearing the four children who now suffer the consequences of their family's tragic history. Her life story forms the foundation of the generational curse haunting the city.

Laius is the ancient king of Thebes and the original source of the royal family's misfortune. By disobeying the god Apollo's clear command, he set into motion a multi-generational doom that continues to afflict his descendants.

Tydeus is an arrogant and animalistic warrior leading the assault at the first gate of Thebes. His shield displays a full moon surrounded by stars, and he aggressively thirsts for battle.

Melanippus is a modest and capable Theban warrior. King Eteocles selects him to defend the first gate specifically to counter the extreme arrogance of his assigned attacker.

Capaneus is a massive and impious warrior stationed at the second gate. He openly mocks the gods, and his shield depicts a naked man holding a torch with a threat to burn the city.

Polyphontes is a pious Theban champion with a fiery spirit. He is deployed by Eteocles to counter an enemy who openly disrespects the gods.

Eteoclus is one of the seven heroes attacking Thebes. He stands at the Gates of Neïs wielding a shield that shows an armed man scaling an enemy tower.

Megareus is a loyal Theban defender. Eteocles tasks him with holding the Gates of Neïs against the third enemy champion.

Hippomedon is a giant, fearsome warrior attacking the gate near the Temple of Onca Athena. His vast frame is intimidating, and his shield bears the image of the fire-breathing monster Typhon.

Hyperbius is a Theban champion whose shield prominently features the god Zeus. He is purposefully selected by Eteocles because Zeus historically defeated the monster depicted on his opponent's shield.

Parthenopaeus is a youthful but highly dangerous attacker stationed at the Northern Gate. Despite his young age, he possesses a terrifying demeanor, and his shield features the Sphinx.

Actor is a dependable Theban warrior. He is deployed to the fifth gate to stop an opponent bearing the city's old nemesis, the Sphinx, on his shield.

Amphiaraus is a modest and pious prophet fighting alongside the invaders, despite actively disapproving of the war. He wears a plain shield without a boasting emblem, standing apart from his arrogant allies.

Lasthenes is a Theban champion chosen to fight at the Homoloian Gate. He is sent to face a righteous but misguided enemy prophet.