Chaucer's Troilus: Character Arc and Love's Impact

Troilus and Criseyde Analysis

Troilus’ Appearance and Character

Physical and Psychological Traits

• Physical: Breathtaking, tall, thin, and well-proportioned, as a knight should be.
• Psychological: Full of courage and gallantry.

Key Relationships

• Pandarus: The only direct relationship shown prominently in the poem.
• Criseyde: The protagonist's love interest. They have little direct contact until the middle of the poem.
• His Family: They barely appear, with very little contact shown (e.g., Hector, Deiphebus, Helen).

Troilus’ Evolution Towards Love

Scepticism

At the beginning of the poem, Troilus is a sceptic. He mocks lovers because he does not believe in love at all. He thinks that love causes pain, as lovers only care about their beloved ones, living and sacrificing for them. He also believes lovers suffer constantly due to suspicious thoughts toward their partners.

Falling in Love

The God of Love manages to make Troilus fall in love. Cupid throws an arrow at Troilus to make him pay for his arrogance and pride. When Troilus sees Criseyde for the first time, he becomes a “slave of Love”. At first, he is surprised and shocked, as he never thought he could feel that way. At this point, we learn that no one can elude love, as one can be enslaved any minute.

His first thoughts are that he must hide these feelings; otherwise, his “weakness” would be exposed. However, in his imagination, there is neither shame nor weakness, but honour. Anyhow, he is afraid of what may happen in the future and how much he will have to suffer. He finally accepts that he is part of the lovers’ community and starts planning how he can win Criseyde’s love. Pandarus, Criseyde’s uncle, decides to help Troilus. Troilus and Criseyde start exchanging letters, and soon Pandarus conceives a plan to get the lovers together.

Rejection and Insecurity

Criseyde is sent to the Greek’s side and is unable to return to Troy. Distance freezes the relationship, and Troilus starts feeling insecure. While Criseyde is in Greece, she finds a new man (Diomede) who takes advantage of her vulnerability.

Troilus has a dream that shows Criseyde’s betrayal, and he becomes paranoid about the idea of her having forgotten him. His suspicions drive him madder every day, especially as he has not received any news from her. His attempt to get in touch with her finally reveals Criseyde’s infidelity, as in her letter she says that she no longer loves Troilus in the same way but would be keen on maintaining their friendship.

Death for Love

During the battle, he hopes to find Diomede and take his vengeance; however, he does not succeed. Achilles is the one killing him, even though, deep inside, one could say he was somehow already dead due to his latest romance failure.