The Song of Achilles Lesson Plan

What role does Chiron play in the novel, and in the heroes’ character development?

Chiron is a teacher and a compassionate authority figure - one of the few father figures in the text who is a nurturer instead of a warrior. Students may discuss the significance of the skills learned under Chiron's tutelage: Achilles, the warrior, learns music; Patroclus learns healing. Chiron does not train the boys in warfare, instead he fosters their sensitivity and thoughtfulness, and teaches them practical skills that they hadn’t learned due to their class privilege. Chiron is an advocate and protector of the two boys and really listens to them - he is one of the few characters who...