Protagonist Patroclus speaks with Achilles, begging him to help their fellow soldiers who are dying and their ships being burned by the Trojans.
Achilles refuses to help due to his previous insult and punishment from Agamemnon. He feels the others have turned their back on him.
Patroclus continues to plead with Achilles, using their love and loyalty for each other to convince him.
Achilles holds firm in his refusal, stating he cannot compromise his honor by aiding Agamemnon.
Eventually Patroclus proposes a plan: he will put on Achilles’ armor and lead the Myrmidons; the Trojans will think Achilles has returned to battle and retreat.
Achilles reluctantly agrees but makes Patroclus swear he will not fight, only intimidate the Trojans and stay safe.
Achilles prepares Patroclus, dressing him in his armor and giving him advice on how to behave in battle.
Once on the battlefield, Patroclus continues to fight even when the Trojans begin to retreat, he disregards Automedon’s protests.
Patroclus kills Sarpedon, a son of Zeus and continues to chase the retreating Trojans towards the city of Troy.
Upon reaching the city of Troy, Patroclus is picked up and dropped by the god Apollo, leading to the removal of his helmet and the Trojans recognizing him.
Now in danger, Patroclus is desperately trying to run when a spear pierces his back and he falls.
Hector approaches and kills Patroclus, with Patroclus’s final thought focusing on Achilles.