Polynikes

Polynikes is a fictional character in Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. He is a Spartan Peer, a champion of his generation. Flawless in looks and peerless in valor, he is the nephew of King Leonidas and a member of the King's Three Hundred Spartans in addition to being an Olympic champion. At the age of 23, he is the youngest winner of two Prizes of Valour. His name, in fact, can be literally translated as "Many" (poly-) "Victories" (-Nikes). He is a member of the Krypteia and is selected as Captain of the Knights for his battlefield prowess. He is also called by his nickname, "Kallistos," which means "beautiful" or "handsome." He believes that the supreme embodiment of andreia or courage is manly valor in preparation as well as during war. He has a number of notable quotes throughout the book.

In the book, he is a pivotal part of Alexandros's education. He initially terrorizes him and tells him what a bad soldier he'd make. He is then chosen to go to Thermopylae, having already fathered three sons. He participates in a raid to kill the Persian King, Xerxes. By the end of the book he repents to Alexandros and says he should have believed in him from the start. The raid fails, and Polynikes helps Alexandros back to Greek lines after his wrist is severed. He also agrees with Dienekes by the end after being sobered by the gruesomeness of Thermopylai. Polynikes dies during the final stand in a barehanded attack on a Persian chariot officer along with the remaining Spartans.