Prometheus Bound

Main Characters and Their Development

• Prometheus - the Titan who defied Zeus and gave fire to humanity, for which he was chained to a rock. His character is marked by resilience, courage, and compassion for humans. Prometheus symbolizes the struggle for justice and knowledge despite suffering.
• Zeus - the supreme god of Olympus, who punished Prometheus for his disobedience. In the play, he is portrayed as a harsh and authoritarian ruler, eager to maintain his power.
• Hephaestus - the god of fire and blacksmithing, who reluctantly chains Prometheus to the rock. He feels compassion for Prometheus but is compelled to obey Zeus's orders.
• Io - a mortal woman turned into a cow and tormented by a gadfly at Zeus's command. She encounters Prometheus and learns of her fate, adding to the tragedy of her character.
• Oceanids - daughters of Oceanus, who sympathize with Prometheus and offer him support, serving as a chorus that comments on the play's events.
• Hermes - the messenger of the gods, who comes to Prometheus with demands to submit to Zeus's will. His character symbolizes the power and cruelty of the Olympian gods.