Iphigenia in Tauris

Main Characters and Their Development

• Iphigenia: Daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, who was to be sacrificed to Artemis but was saved by the goddess and taken to Tauris. In Tauris, she serves as a priestess of Artemis and must sacrifice foreigners. Iphigenia longs for her homeland and family but maintains her strength and hope for salvation. Her encounter with her brother Orestes becomes a turning point when she learns of his fate and decides to help him escape.
• Orestes: Brother of Iphigenia, who killed his mother Clytemnestra to avenge his father's death. He is pursued by the Furies and seeks purification. Orestes arrives in Tauris with his friend Pylades to steal the statue of Artemis and thus gain forgiveness. Meeting Iphigenia is an unexpected and joyful event for him, and together they devise an escape plan.
• Pylades: Loyal friend and companion of Orestes, who accompanies him to Tauris. Pylades is willing to sacrifice himself for Orestes and assists him in completing the mission. His loyalty and bravery play a crucial role in the rescue of Iphigenia and Orestes.
• Thoas: King of Tauris, who demands the sacrifice of all foreigners who land on his shores. He is cruel and ruthless but ultimately outwitted by Iphigenia and Orestes, allowing them to escape.