The foster father of Heracles and a moral anchor in the play, he stands by his grandchildren with courage and persistence, advocating for their safety despite insurmountable odds.

The dignified wife of Heracles and daughter of Theban king Creon, she shows grace in adversity, confronting her and her children's dire situation with calm acceptance.

The king of Athens known for his heroism, who arrives in the play to support Heracles in his grief, demonstrating loyalty and encouraging his friend to persevere.

A member of Theban royalty who usurps the throne, portrayed as a practical ruler more than a villain, whose actions are motivated by a keen sense of political survival.

Comprised of old men from Thebes, the Chorus provides commentary on the unfolding events, embodying courage and resolution despite their physical frailty.

A goddess and messenger who briefly appears to further the plot against Heracles, illustrating the complexities and capriciousness of divine will in the play.

A personification of insanity tasked with driving Heracles to madness, ultimately showcasing the interplay between divine command and personal reluctance.

A character who delivers a key narrative recounting Heracles’s tragic actions, reflecting the Greek tragedy convention of conveying crucial events through detailed oral depiction.