Friendship is a major theme in Philoctetes, as the play’s plot relies on trust (even when it’s based on deceit) and interpersonal relationships to achieve a broader goal. The clearest friendship in the plot is that between Philoctetes and Neoptolemus, as the two bond over their supposedly shared dislike of Odysseus and the Greek army—and, later, have a more real bond as Neoptolemus gives Philoctetes back his bow. When he first gives Neoptolemus his bow, Philoctetes—whose name translates to “he who gains a friend”—tells Neoptolemus that he is doing so because of their friendship: Neoptolemus responds, “I am fortunate to know you and earn your friendship./ One who knows how to give and take a kindness/ Will always gain a priceless friend” (33).

Philoctetes also befriends the chorus of soldiers, and both the chorus and Neoptolemus draw on their friendship to help persuade Philoctetes to go with them to Troy: “I am your friend and speak in friendship” (67), Neoptolemus tells Philoctetes as he argues with him to come to Troy and be healed. Ultimately, it is another friend, Heracles, who uses his friendship and bond with Philoctetes to finally convince him to go to Troy, emphasizing the importance of friendship through his successful persuasion: “I have longed to hear that

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