Phaedra
Daughter of the Cretan king Minos and his wife, Pasiphäe. She is married to Theseus but in love with his son, Hippolytus.
Hippolytus
Son of Theseus and Antiope, queen of the Amazons. He is famous for his chastity. Because he rejects with horror his stepmother's incestuous love, she is responsible for his death.
Theseus
King of Athens, companion of Hercules, and famous for his legendary exploits. Falsely convinced of his son's guilt, he asks Neptune to kill Theseus.
Aricia
Royal princess, last descendant of a family destroyed by Theseus. In spite of Theseus' express prohibition, she and Hippolytus fall in love.
Oenone
Phaedra's nurse. Her fierce maternal-like love makes her give advice to her mistress which proves disastrous to all concerned.
Ismene
Aricia's confidante.
Panope
A member of Phaedra's household who plays the part of a messenger.
Theramenes
Tutor and confidant to Hippolytus.
