Euripides V | Characters & Character Analysis

Euripides V Characters

Electra (from Electra)

Electra is Orestes' sister and the daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. After Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus killed Agamemnon, Aegisthus feared that Electra might have a child who would seek revenge on him. Aegisthus thus gave Electra to an impoverished farmer as his wife so that Electra could not have a wealthy, powerful son who might kill Aegisthus in revenge. Electra bemoans her lot in life, although she is always good to the farmer and works around his house. She wants to revenge her father Agamemnon's death, the exile of her brother Orestes, and her own plight by killing Aegisthus and Clytemnestra.

When Orestes returns from exile to seek revenge, Electra is more than ready to join him. In fact, she encourages him with all her heart to kill Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. Electra is single-minded and staunch in her purpose. She has grown to hate Clytemnestra, who not only killed...
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