helplessness Criseyde demonstrates flexibility and adaptability as the story progresses nbsp Woman of Surprising Beauty Criseyde's beauty is central to her character Her beauty is often described in glowing terms throughout the poem Her physical attractiveness captivates Troilus the titular character and other men who encounter her This beauty catalyzes much of the plot's action It drives Troilus to pursue her ardently and provokes jealousy and desire in other characters Chaucer describes her beauty in such a way nbsp So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee That lyk a thing immortal semed she As doth an hevenish parfit creature nbsp However Criseyde's beauty is not merely superficial it also symbolizes her inner qualities such as intelligence wit and charm nbsp Wise and Clever Criseyde is portrayed as a woman with considerable wisdom and cleverness She is capable of navigating the complexities of courtly love and political conspiracy Despite her youth and inexperience she demonstrates tricky and insightful beyond her years She often outplays those who seek to manipulate or deceive her Her wisdom is particularly evident in her interactions with Troilus and other characters Here she adeptly manages her emotions and desires to achieve her goal nbsp Betrayal of Love Despite her wisdom Criseyde's character is also marked by betrayal She surrenders to the pressures of political expediency and rejects her love for Troilus in favour of a marriage of convenience with the Greek warrior Diomedes This betrayal is a pivotal moment in the narrative It leads to Troilus's despair and the tragic outcome of their love affair So Chaucer states at the very outset of the poem nbsp The double sorwe of Troilus to tellen That was the king Priamus sone of Troye nbsp Criseyde's actions challenge conventional notions of loyalty and commitment It complicates her character and adds depth to the poem's exploration of human nature nbsp Aristotelian Tragic Hero In considering Criseyde's character through an Aristotelian lens she exhibits the qualities of a tragic hero Her downfall is not brought about by inherent flaws or vice but by circumstances beyond her control Her betrayal of Troilus is driven by the political and social pressures of her time This highlights the tension between personal desires and external forces Despite her best intentions Criseyde's tragic fate is sealed by the constraints of fate and fortune It makes her a figure worthy of sympathy and reflection nbsp Practical and Realistic Criseyde demonstrates a practical and realistic outlook on life throughout the poem particularly concerning love and relationships While she experiences genuine affection for Troilus she understands the limitations of their romance within the context of a society torn by war and political strife Though heartbreaking her decision to marry Diomedes reflects her practical approach to securing her future and survival in a tumultuous world Troilus finds the brooch in the coat of Diomedes which he gave Criseyde as a token of his love So Troilus laments at the end nbsp O lady myn Criseyde Wher is your feyth and wher is your biheste Wher is your love wher is your trouthe nbsp In conclusion Criseyde emerges as a complex and multidimensional character in Troilus and Criseyde She embodies various qualities from her initial portrayal as a helpless widow to her eventual betrayal of Troilus Her beauty wisdom and practicality are balanced by vulnerability and betrayal It makes her a character whose humanity and complexity resonate across centuries of literary interpretation