Philoctetes

Neoptolemus is a Grecian warrior and the son of Achilles, a famous warrior who is described by Odysseus as “the best of the Greeks” (3). Like his father, Neoptolemus is known to be honorable; Odysseus tells him when he lays out their deception of Philoctetes that he “know[s] it’s not in [Neoptolemus’] nature/ To consider or articulate such cunning” (7). The play tests Neoptolemus’ sense of honor, as he successfully lies to Philoctetes and gains possession of his bow, acting deceitfully for much of the play. However, Neoptolemus’ sense of honor and morality seemingly wins out in the end, as he goes back to Philoctetes and returns his bow, saying that he is disturbed by how he “cheated a man using trickery and deceit” (58): “You have shown your true nature, my boy,/ […] You are the son of Achilles” (64), Philoctetes tells Neoptolemus when he returns the bow.

While Neoptolemus is driven by a sense of morality and honor, however, he is also shown to value glory and the prospect of military victory. Neoptolemus ultimately agrees to go along with Odysseus’ plan when he tells Neoptolemus that deceiving Philoctetes is necessary for Neoptolemus to secure a military victory at Troy, as has been prophesied, and that it will lead to him being called “shrewd and courageous” (9).