Sophocles's play recounts the tale of the ill-fated Ajax.  The tale begins while Odysseus is searching for Ajax, whom he believes has killed a herd of cattle over the night.  The Greek commander is soon approached by Athena, who tells him that his enemy, possessed, killed the herd, mistaking them for Greek soldiers.  She calls Ajax from his tent, and reveals that he truly is possessed.

In the next scene, Tecmessa, Ajax's captive bride, informs the chorus that Ajax is possessed.  Ajax emerges from the tent,sane this time, and expresses remorse for his actions.  He decides he must die. Tecmessa pleads with him, but he appears to have made up his mind.

Later, Ajax reappears and expresses a change of heart.  He decides that rather than dying, he will devote himself to yielding to the gods and to Greek leaders. The chorus rejoices.
Next, a messenger arrives to the Greek headquarters and announces the return of Ajax's half-brother, Teucer.  He also warns Ajax to remain inside his tent if he wants to stay alive.
In the next episode, Ajax is seen alone with Hector's sword in front of him.  He makes his final speech and then kills himself with the sword.   Tecmessa finds his body and laments.  Teucer joins her mourning.  Then Menelaus, the brother of Agamemnon appears, and proclaims that Ajax's body should be left unburied.  He and Teucer have an altercation that
escalates when Agamemnon joins.  Finally, Odysseus arrives and makes peace, persuading Agamemnon to bury his enemy.  The play ends as Teucer carries out Ajax's final burial rites.

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