When the Trojans and the Greeks arrange a duel between Achilles and Paris to end the war, everyone including Queen Hecuba and Prince Paris, expect that Achilles will be victorious. After Paris wins, both camps must deal with the aftermath. The Trojans are ecstatic with their new hero, though Hecuba is not so optimistic. Helen realizes she must face more years of exile as Paris' wife. Odysseus plots and plans to steal Ajax's share of Achilles' spoils, including the lovely slave Briseis, who is given to the men for their sport. In a drunken rage, Ajax grabs his weapons and heads off to exact revenge on Odysseus and the Greeks for their insults. [Dramatic Verse in 9 scenes]
