Characterize Polydorus, or the ghost of Polydorus, as he appears at the beginning of the play. What are his motivations? Does he anticipate, or want, his mother to avenge him the way that she does? Why or why not?

How does Hecuba’s character change over the course of the play? Is it a change for the worse or a change for the better?

How are aristocratic ideals exemplified by the characters of the play, especially Hecuba and Polyxena? How, if at all, do the Greeks exemplify democratic ideals?