Orestes is in love with Hermione, but she loves Pyrrhus, who in turn loves Andromache. However, Andromache only cares for her deceased husband and her young son.

In this first masterpiece by Racine, the conflict revolves around four characters, with a strong female presence embodied by Andromache and Hermione. Throughout the story, both Hermione and Orestes are consumed by madness, while the ending consecrates the triumph of purity.

The combination of intense violence and a remarkably simple plot were the key elements that ensured the success of Racine’s first great tragedy.