Persians - Summary

  • Characters:
    • CHORUS: Elderly counselors.
    • QUEEN: Widow of King Darius.
    • MESSENGER: Reports Xerxes' defeat.
    • DARIUS: Ghost of Xerxes' father.
    • XERXES: King, Darius' Successor
  • Chorus:
    • Called 'the faithful'.
    • Anxious about Xerxes' army in Greece.
    • Lament the absence of news from the war.
    • Recall the vast Persian forces.
    • Express fear and foreboding through song and dance.
  • Queen:
    • Seeks counsel regarding Xerxes' campaign.
    • Shares a disturbing dream foretelling disaster.
    • Questions the Chorus about Athens and its people.
    • Receives news of the Persian defeat from the Messenger.
  • Messenger:
    • Reports the devastating defeat at Salamis.
    • Details heavy Persian losses and names fallen leaders.
    • Describes the chaotic battle and the subsequent disastrous retreat.
  • Stichomythia
    • Queen asks questions of the chorus about Athens to understand the foe.
  • Darius:
    • Ghost summoned, laments Xerxes' folly.
    • Explains defeat as divine punishment for hubris.
    • Recalls wise Persian kings.
    • Advises against further Greek invasions.
    • Directs the Queen to comfort Xerxes.
  • Xerxes:
    • Returns defeated, expresses grief with the chorus.
    • Lamenting and mourning the loss of his army.