Hippolytos, son of Theseus and Amazon queen Antiope, wants to leave Troezene to look for his father and, at the same time, flee from a dilemma: he has fallen in love with his father's prisoner, Arikia. Phaedra, second wife to Theseus, on the other hand, is possessed by passionate love for Hippolytos. In a moment of desperation, she even confesses her sinful feelings to her Amme Onone. The news of Theseus' death alters the situation. Onone convinces the queen to openly express her love without shame. Phaedra follows her advice. But Hippolytos turns away incensed. He would rather flee with Arikia to help her as she by virtue of birth has a claim on the Athenian throne. But, the return of Theseus, whose death has been falsely proclaimed, leads the plot to a catastrophe.