Briseis

Briseis is one of the main characters of the novel. Many of the novel's chapters are also written from her first person point of view. Before the Greeks' invasion, Briseis was a Trojan queen. During the war, Achilles killed her husband and brothers and took her as his battle prize. She was forced to sleep with him and pose as his slave. During their time together, Achilles impregnated Briseis. Shortly before his death, he insisted that one of his men, Alcimus, marry her so as to protect his unborn child.

In the narrative present, Briseis is living in Pyrrhus's compound. She is married to Alcimus and carrying Achilles's child. Her tenuous position often makes her fear for her life. However she also knows that her circumstances have been worse, and that technically her marriage to Alcimus makes her a free woman. Because she has already lost so many...