The Iliad by Homer (Adapted Stories) Reader's Theater Script | Greek Mythology

This reader’s theater script for The Iliad covers some of the most famous stories from Homer's classic (700 BC/BCE).

This script should take about ~40 minutes to read depending on your classroom's level. Extra time for discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should be planned.

This product includes a docx file (MS WORD) consisting of:

• Grades 6-12 Version (~30 Characters, 4000 words, 20 pages)
• Student & Teacher Reader's Theater Tips & Notes
• 15 Comprehension Short Answer/Discussion Questions and 15 Vocabulary Words
• Note: All files are in editable DOCX format
• Character Note: There are 32 characters but some have only 1 line, if necessary one student can read multiple lines. Likewise some of the main characters can be read by multiple students.

This script includes the following select stories in 5 acts:

Act 1: The Quarrel and the Duel

A plague strikes the Greek camp because Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis to her father, a priest of Apollo. Achilles and Agamemnon quarrel over this, resulting in Achilles withdrawing from battle. Meanwhile, Paris challenges Menelaus to a duel to end the war, but Aphrodite intervenes, saving Paris and breaking the truce, which leads to the resumption of hostilities.

Act 2: Hector and the Cost of War

Hector returns to Troy to urge Paris back to battle and shares a poignant farewell with his wife, Andromache, highlighting the personal costs of war. He then challenges the Greeks to single combat, leading to a respectful duel with Ajax that ends in a draw, demonstrating the mutual respect between warriors.

Act 3: Achilles’ Refusal to Return

The Greeks, suffering without Achilles, send envoys to persuade him to return to battle. Despite offers of gifts and apologies, Achilles refuses, still angered by Agamemnon's dishonor. The act explores themes of pride and the consequences of personal grievances on a larger community.

Act 4: The Death of Patroclus and Achilles’ Return

Patroclus enters the battle wearing Achilles' armor to rally the Greeks but is killed by Hector. Grief-stricken, Achilles resolves to avenge his friend. His mother Thetis obtains new divine armor for him from Hephaestus. Achilles reconciles with Agamemnon and returns to the battlefield, unleashing his fury upon the Trojans.

Act 5: The Duel and Reconciliation

Hector decides to face Achilles alone, leading to a dramatic chase and final duel where Hector is killed. Achilles dishonors Hector's body, prompting the gods to intervene. King Priam bravely visits Achilles to ransom his son's body. Moved by Priam's plea, Achilles returns Hector’s body, allowing for a moment of humanity and reconciliation amid war. The Trojans hold a funeral for Hector, bringing temporary peace.

General Tips for Using this Resource:

1. Print one, double-sided script for each student
2. For digital classrooms, upload the MSWORD DOC version and convert to Google docs
3. Character roles can be adjusted based on class size; characters can be combined or split as needed

SAVE 50% and get this RT in the bundle below:

Greek Mythology Reader's Theater Scripts Bundle (13)