Helicanus: Loyalty Without Reward

Helicanus runs Tyre while Pericles is away. When the lords of Tyre want to crown a new king after Pericles's long absence, Helicanus refuses. He tells them to wait, and goes to find Pericles himself.

He is a minor but important character. His loyalty gives the play a stable domestic point while Pericles wanders the world. He tells difficult truths to power: an early scene has him telling Pericles that his brooding over Antioch's secret is unwise, and Pericles thanks him for it.