The Triumph of Achilles

Louise Glück

17 pages 34-minute read

Louise Glück

The Triumph of Achilles

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Achilles is a nearly invincible Greek warrior possessing immense strength, with his only physical vulnerability located on his heel. Following a bitter dispute with King Agamemnon over a hostage, he stubbornly withdraws to his tent and refuses to assist the Greek forces. His emotional core revolves around his intense, devoted bond with his companion Patroclus. The warrior struggles to reconcile his divine martial prowess with his very human capacity for love and sorrow.

Key Relationships

Devoted Companion of Patroclus

Subordinate to Agamemnon

Son of Thetis

Opponent of Hector

Opponent of Paris

Patroclus is a Greek warrior and the closest companion to Achilles. Though he physically resembles Achilles when wearing his armor into battle, he lacks the same god-like abilities and occupies a subservient position in their interpersonal hierarchy. He actively attempts to convince his stubborn companion to rejoin the fight to save the struggling Greek forces.

Key Relationships

Devoted Companion of Achilles

Opponent of Hector

Hector is a prominent Trojan warrior fiercely defending his city from the invading forces. He serves as a primary military obstacle for the Achaeans and aggressively challenges the Greek champions on the battlefield. His actions in combat draw the unparalleled, frightening focus of the Greek forces.

Key Relationships

Opponent of Patroclus

Enemy of Achilles

Supporting Characters

Agamemnon is the King of the Achaeans leading the massive siege against Troy. His authoritative decision to return a hostage to appease the god Apollo, while simultaneously stealing one of Achilles's hostages as a replacement, sparks a bitter internal feud. This arrogant leadership choice deeply splinters the Greek military effort.

Key Relationships

Commander of Achilles

Punished by Apollo

Paris is a Trojan figure whose actions serve as the inciting incident for the entire war. Favored by the goddess Aphrodite, his abduction of the Greek woman Helen draws countless warriors and kings into the massive conflict. On the battlefield, he utilizes a bow and targets the specific physical vulnerabilities of his enemies.

Key Relationships

Abductor of Helen

Favored by Aphrodite

Opponent of Achilles

Helen is a Greek woman whose abduction triggers the Trojan War. Her removal from Greece by Paris serves as the foundational reason for the Achaean forces sailing to Troy, drawing countless soldiers into a brutal, years-long siege.

Key Relationships

Abducted by Paris

Thetis is the divine mother of the Greek champion Achilles. She attempts to protect her son from mortal danger by dipping him into the magical River Styx, successfully rendering almost his entire body immortal, save for the heel by which she holds him.

Key Relationships

Mother of Achilles

Apollo is the god of the sun and medicine who takes an active role in the mortal conflict. He intervenes directly by spreading a devastating disease through the Achaean camp as punishment for the Greeks acting against divine will.

Key Relationships

Punisher of Agamemnon

Aphrodite is a divine figure who takes an active, partisan interest in the Trojan War. She specifically extends her divine favor and supernatural protection to the Trojan Paris, influencing the course of the mortal conflict.

Key Relationships

Divine Patron of Paris