Koryphaios Character Analysis in Hippolytus

Again, in every Greek tragedy, one member of the chorus speaks as a character in dialogue, and the name Koryphaios translates as “speaker of the chorus”. Another Troizenian maiden, she regularly expresses surprise and grief over the tragedy she witnesses. She might have the power to prevent Theseus from unleashing his fatal anger on his son, except that she swore and oath of silence to Phaidra.

Koryphaios Character Timeline in Hippolytus

The timeline below shows where the character Koryphaios appears in Hippolytus. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Truth, Falsehood, and Reputation Theme Icon

...As a result, she asks the nurse to cover her face. While Phaidra hides, the Koryphaios – the name given to the spokesperson of the chorus, in this case a young... (full context)

Desire, Sexuality, and Chastity Theme Icon

Phaidra, leaning against the palace doors, groans about what she hears inside. The Koryphaios gets her at last to describe what she’s hearing: it’s Hippolytus “in a huge fury”,... (full context)

...like the one that binds Hippolytus, not to reveal what they have seen unfold. The Koryphaios, speaking for the rest of the Troizenian women, swears by Artemis. That done, Phaidra hints... (full context)

Then, Theseus notices a wax tablet that Phaidra’s body holds in its dead hand. The Koryphaios makes a dire prediction when Theseus goes to read it, and it turns out to... (full context)

The Koryphaios moans that everything is lost. Then, Hippolytus embarks on a long defense. He begins by... (full context)

...even though it would help clear the charge, referencing his oath to the nurse. The Koryphaios comments that Hippolytus’ swearing to Zeus feels convincing. Nonetheless, it does not move Theseus. (full context)

The Koryphaios recognizes Hippolytus’s end as a cruel fate, but Theseus feels satisfied with the punishment, even... (full context)