Pandarus: The Go-Between Who Named a Vice
First appears: Act 1, Scene 1
Pandarus gives his name to the English word 'pander': someone who facilitates illicit relationships for their own benefit (usually money or status). He arranges Troilus and Cressida's meeting, acts as their go-between, and takes considerable pleasure in having done so.
He is a comic figure for most of the play: fussy, cheerful, enjoying the drama. His observations on the Trojans returning from battle in Act 1 are brilliant specimens of infuriating commentary.
The epilogue Shakespeare gives him is strange and bitter. He addresses the audience directly and bequeaths them his diseases. The play ends with a pimp's closing speech.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“O world! world! world! thus is the poor agent despised!”
Pandarus — Act 5, Scene 10
“If ever you prove false one to another, since I have taken such pains to bring you together, let all pitiful goers-between be called to the world's end after my name; call them all Pandars.”
Pandarus — Act 3, Scene 2
Themes
Other Characters in Troilus and Cressida
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