Aptly named, Philoctetes is Sophocles' take on the character who is given little attention in The Odyssey. Philoctetes is a satyr, a species traditionally not welcome among human societies. He is, however, a gifted man who has trained Heracles and retired to anonymity after a lifetime of hard work. In his old age, he agrees once again to sacrifice his peace and quiet in order to help out the young Neoptolemus, and by extension Odysseus.
Philoctetes is the star of this show. He proves his worth by helping the two younger men at great personal risk, even traveling to Troy. Throughout this introduction and rising action, Philoctetes' character is established in tandem with his disability. He suffers from extreme pain in his foot. It's an old injury which appears permanent now. Acting out of faith on Heracles' promise, however, Philoctetes makes the dangerous and painful journey to Troy. His motives are twofold -- charity to the younger generation and hope that he will be healed. And his is successful in both. His actions demonstrate how one can act lovingly toward oneself while simultaneously sacrificing something desirable to the greater good of those around.
