Troilus and Cressida

Roles

• Aeneas - Adult (36-50), Senior (>50), Male

About this piece

Aeneas brings a challenge from Hector to the Greeks

Summary

The prologue introduces us to the story. The play is about the Trojan War, the mythological war between Troy and several Greek kings led by Menelaus of Sparta. The war starts when Paris of Troy steals the beautiful Helen from Menelaus. In response, the Spartan king gathers 69 princes from several cities in Greece and attacks Troy in order to rescue Helen. The play starts in the middle of the war, that is 7 years after the war started. In the first two scenes we are introduced to the main characters in the Trojan side and Troilus' love for Cressida. In the third scene we are in the Greek camp. Agamemnon, the Greek general, Nestor and Ulysses, who are commanders, express their opinions on the war and propose plans of action. They are interrupted by Aeneas, a Trojan commander, who brings a challenge from Hector, the greatest Trojan warrior. Hector has decided to challenge any Greek soldier in a fight and in case he is defeated, he will give up his wife to whoever he will fight.

Tone

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