Briseis Character Analysis

Introduction and Role in the Text

Briseis serves as the central narrator and a pivotal character in Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls. She is a queen, captured and enslaved by Achilles during the Trojan War. Her perspective offers a crucial counter-narrative to the traditional heroic tales of ancient Greece.

Her role is to give voice to the voiceless women of the Trojan War, highlighting their suffering and resilience. Through her eyes, readers witness the brutal realities of conflict and captivity.

Motivations, Conflicts, and Changes Throughout the Text

Motivations

Briseis is primarily motivated by survival and a deep desire to protect the other captive women. She strives to maintain her dignity and identity in dehumanising circumstances. Her actions are often driven by a sense of responsibility towards her fellow slaves.

Conflicts

Her primary conflict is internal, battling despair and the loss of her former life. Externally, she faces constant threats from her captors and the inherent power imbalance. The conflict with Achilles, her owner, is central to the narrative, marked by a complex mix of fear and reluctant dependence.

Changes

Initially, Briseis is consumed by grief and resentment. Over time, she develops a pragmatic acceptance of her situation, learning to navigate the treacherous world of the Greek camp. She transforms from a passive victim into an astute observer and a resilient survivor.

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Character Traits with Supporting Evidence

Resilience

Briseis displays remarkable resilience in the face of immense hardship. Despite losing her family and kingdom, she endures the brutality of enslavement. Her ability to survive and adapt showcases her inner strength.

Observant

As narrator, Briseis is keenly observant of her surroundings and the people within them. She notes the subtle power dynamics and the true nature of the Greek heroes. Her detailed observations provide critical insights into the novel’s general vision and viewpoint.

Compassionate

Briseis consistently shows compassion towards other captive women, offering comfort and solidarity. She understands their shared plight and strives to alleviate their suffering. This trait underscores her humanity amidst inhumane conditions.

Character Development Arc

Briseis begins the novel as a grieving queen, stripped of her status and subjected to extreme trauma. Her initial stance is one of profound shock and resistance to her new reality. She struggles with the loss of her identity.

By the novel’s conclusion, Briseis has evolved into a survivor who has found a form of agency. She navigates her circumstances with a quiet strength, having learned to endure rather than simply suffer. Her journey illustrates a profound shift from despair to a cautious form of acceptance and self-preservation.

Key Relationships and How They Shape the Character

Achilles

Her relationship with Achilles is central, defining much of her experience. It is a complex dynamic of captor and captive, marked by power imbalances and moments of unexpected intimacy. This relationship forces Briseis to confront her own humanity and the nature of her survival.

The Other Captive Women

Briseis’s bonds with the other enslaved women are vital for her emotional survival. Their shared experiences foster solidarity and a sense of community. These relationships provide Briseis with support and a reason to continue resisting despair.

Significance to Major Themes

The Horrors of War

Briseis’s narrative directly illustrates the devastating impact of war on non-combatants, especially women. Her experiences highlight the loss, trauma, and dehumanisation inherent in conflict. She embodies the “silence” of those often overlooked in heroic narratives.

Power and Agency

Through Briseis, Barker explores themes of power, powerlessness, and the struggle for agency. Despite her enslaved status, Briseis finds subtle ways to exert influence and maintain her inner freedom. Her story questions the nature of true power.

Exam Tips: How to Use This Character in Answers

When discussing Briseis, focus on her role as a narrator and a symbol of female suffering and resilience. Use specific examples of her observations and internal struggles to support your points. Emphasise her development from victim to survivor.

Connect her experiences to the novel’s general vision and viewpoint regarding war and patriarchy. Analyse her relationships to show how they shape her character and reveal thematic concerns. Always refer back to Barker’s authorial intent in giving Briseis a voice.

Related Pages

• The Silence of the Girls Study Guide
• The Silence of the Girls Summary
• Themes in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Moments in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Quotes in The Silence of the Girls
• Achilles Character Analysis