Persons of the Drama
Laias, uncle of Aepytus, brother of Merope
Aepytus, son of Merope and Cresphontes
Polyphontes, king of Messenia
Merope, widow of Cresphontes, the murdered king of Messenia
The Chorus, of Messenian maidens
Arcas, an old man of Merope’s household
Messenger
Guards, Attendants, etc.
The Scene is before the royal palace in Stenyclaros, the capital of Messenia. In the foreground is the tomb of Cresphontes. The action commences at daybreak.