Andromache Summary

Andromache begins with Andromache, widow of Hector and now slave and lover of Neoptolemos the son of Achilles, giving a speech that outlines her fears and tribulations. She is taking refuge in the shrine of the goddess Thetis, clinging to the statue to prevent Neoptolemos' new wife Hermione the Spartan from killing her. Andromache has born a son to Neoptolemos and Hermione, who has been unable to bear children, believes that Neoptolemos loves Andromache and will cast the Spartan princess aside. Andromache bemoans her fate and curses Apollo, whom she blames for Hector's death and her current troubles. She talks to her Handmaid and asks her to go and find Neoptolemos's grandfather, Peleus to try to intercede against the scheming of Hermione. The Handmaid agrees to go and leaves Andromache at the shrine of Thetis.

After the Handmaid leaves, Hermione enters the shrine...