Act 5 — AGAMEMNON
Frank Justus Miller translation
AGAMEMNON
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Agamemnon King of Argos, and leader of all the Greeks in their war against Troy.
Ghost of Thyestes Returned to earth to urge on his son to the vengeance which he was born to accomplish.
Aegisthus Son of Thyestes by an incestuous union with his daughter; paramour of Clytemnestra.
Clytemnestra Wife of Agamemnon, who has been plotting with Aegisthus against her husband, in his absence at Troy.
Chorus Of Argive women.
Eurybates Messenger of Agamemnon.
Cassandra Daughter of Priam, captive of Agamemnon.
Electra Daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.
Strophius King of Phocis.
Orestes Son of Agamemnon (persona muta).
Pylades Son of Strophius (persona muta).
Band Of captive Trojan women.
The scene is laid partly within and partly without the palace of Agamemnon at Argos or Mycenae, on the day of the return of the king from his long absence at Troy, beginning in the period of darkness just preceding the dawn.
The blood-feud between Atreus and Thyestes was not ended with the terrible vengeance which Atreus wreaked upon his brother. It was yet in fate that Thyestes should live to beget upon his own daughter a son, Aegisthus, who should slay Atreus and bring ruin and death upon the great Atrides, Agamemnon.
The Trojan war is done. And now the near approach of the victorious king, bringing his captives and treasure home to Argos, has been announced. But little does he dream to what a home he is returning. For Clytemnestra, enraged at Agamemnon because he had sacrificed her daughter Iphigenia at Aulis to appease the winds, and full of jealousy because he brings Cassandra as her rival home, estranged also by the long-continued absence of her lord, but most estranged by her own guilty union with Aegisthus, is now plotting to slay Agamemnon on his return, gaining thus at once revenge and safety from his wrath.