Clytemnestra

Agamemnon serves as a significant antagonist in the narrative. Characterized as ambitious and domineering, he is the catalyst for many of Clytemnestra’s hardships. His early actions, such as orchestrating the death of Clytemnestra’s first family, establish him as a character who lacks moral integrity and is most often driven by the desire to increase his power and influence. In addition to being a personal adversary to Clytemnestra, he also serves as a representation of the broader patriarchal system against which she struggles throughout her life. His character remains relatively static throughout the novel, for he consistently embodies the toxic traits of corrupt power and domination. However, Agamemnon’s very consistency allows him to act as a foil to Clytemnestra’s evolving nature, highlighting her growth in contrast to his unchanging demeanor.

As Agamemnon’s wronged cousin and Clytemnestra’s lover, Aegisthus plays the role of an anti-hero and a romantic interest in Clytemnestra’s life. Initially introduced as a secondary character whose intentions toward the queen and her family are questionable at best and threatening at worst, his influence grows throughout the story, and he ultimately plays a crucial role as Clytemnestra’s accomplice in her revenge against Agamemnon. His enigmatic character is marked by a sense of moral complexity, and he often acts as a catalyst for emotionally intense scenes that allow Casati to develop Clytemnestra’s internal conflicts and decisions.

Aegisthus’s relationship with Clytemnestra evolves from a mere political alliance to a deeper, more personal connection, showcasing his dynamic nature. His actions and motivations are often driven by his personal vendetta against Agamemnon and his genuine affection for Clytemnestra. His presence in the narrative therefore challenges the traditional notions of heroism and villainy, making him an integral part of Clytemnestra’s journey of empowerment and revenge.

Helen, Clytemnestra’s sister is not as central as Clytemnestra, but because her actions help to precipitate the Trojan War, her character arc also influences the narrative considerably. While she represents the archetype of the “damsel in distress,” she also challenges this trope by demonstrating a great deal of agency in her decisions. Throughout the novel, Helen reveals her vulnerabilities, her desires, and the societal pressures that she faces. Her relationship with Clytemnestra offers a nuanced exploration of sisterly bonds, loyalty, and the complexities of familial relationships. In many ways, her life becomes a foil to Clytemnestra’s struggle for power and agency, for Helen’s own experiences are limited to becoming a pawn in political alliances and an unwitting catalyst to a devastating war.

Electra, Agamemnon and Clytemnestra’s daughter, reflects the themes of loyalty, family, and inner conflict. Electra is primarily defined by her relationship with her mother and her status as a princess. However, as the story unfolds, she evolves into a more complex figure who becomes driven by her inability to accept the actions of her mother. As her relationship with Clytemnestra sours following Agamemnon’s murder, her resentment comes to represent the consequences of morally ambiguous choices, and like her brother Orestes, she is foreshadowed to perpetuate the family’s legacy of violence and revenge. While her revenge against Clytemnestra is not described in the novel, her character arc reveals her internal struggle between familial love and moral outrage, providing a counterpoint to Clytemnestra’s narrative and offering a different perspective on the complexities of familial bonds.

Chrysothemis, another daughter of Clytemnestra, contrasts with her sister Electra in her character portrayal. Initially presented as a more compliant and less confrontational figure compared to Electra, Chrysothemis’s character is emblematic of the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. She is often caught in the crossfire of family politics and personal ambitions, portraying the role of a peacemaker within the family dynamics. Her character, while essentially flat, provides insight into the different methods by which women navigate and respond to the circumstances of their times. Chrysothemis’s interactions serve as a subtle reflection of the themes of duty, conformity, and personal agency.

Orestes, the son of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, represents the next generation’s response to the legacy of violence and revenge. Initially, Orestes appears as a background figure and is overshadowed by the more dominant personalities of his mother and sisters. However, his character gains prominence as he comes of age and begins to understand the weight of his family’s history. Orestes’s journey is marked by his struggle to reconcile his love and loyalty to his mother with the darker aspects of her actions. His character development highlights the theme of legacy and the burden of family history, as he grapples with the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon him as the male heir in a royal family steeped in turmoil and tragedy.

Cassandra, a Trojan princess and war prize of Agamemnon, serves as a tragic figure, a victim of war and conquest. Despite her limited role in the plot, Cassandra’s presence is notable, for she embodies the suffering and helplessness of those caught in the crossfire of power struggles. Her interactions with Clytemnestra and the other characters provide a contrast to the royal intrigue, highlighting the human cost of war and vengeance.

As Clytemnestra’s highly traditional mother, Leda embodies the values and expectations of Spartan women. She is portrayed as a strong, resilient figure who imparts these values to her daughters. Throughout the novel, Leda’s influence on Clytemnestra and Helen shapes their perceptions of duty, strength, and womanhood. Leda’s static character consistently represents Spartan ideals, and her interactions with her daughters are designed to provide insight into their motivations and conflicts.

Castor and Polydeuces are Clytemnestra’s brothers, and they serve as embodiments of Spartan heroism and the warrior ethos. Their characters are not deeply explored, but they play a role in the backdrop of the narrative. They represent the external pressures and expectations placed on Clytemnestra’s family, reinforcing the themes of honor, duty, and the legacy of a warrior society. Their presence and actions indirectly shape Clytemnestra’s character and her decisions.

As Clytemnestra’s first husband, King Tantalus is a pivotal character in Clytemnestra’s life, representing her initial foray into the complexities of marriage and queenship. His character is characterized by his wisdom, understanding, and kindness, which contrasts with the later harshness she faces from Agamemnon. As a result, Tantalus represents a source of both love and tragedy, standing as the lost ideal for which Clytemnestra grieves and in whose name she enacts her revenge, along with the other casualties of Agamemnon’s cruelty.

As a wayward prince of Troy, Paris’s multifaceted character symbolizes the allure and danger of external influences. His relationship with Helen catalyzes the Trojan War and reflects the themes of desire, betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of personal choices. His interactions with Clytemnestra and other characters also highlight the novel’s exploration of fate, passion, and the destructive power of love.