The tragedy centers on the catastrophic consequences of Phaedra’s unrequited, divinely-inflicted passion for her stepson, Hippolytos. Driven by the goddess Aphrodite to punish Hippolytos for his devotion to Artemis and his rejection of human desire, Phaedra struggles with the shame of her obsession. As she attempts to suppress her feelings, her nurse intervenes with disastrous results, leading to a series of misunderstandings and false accusations. The narrative unfolds through a structured sequence of choral odes and intense dialogue, adhering to the rigid constraints of classical Greek theatrical form.

Discussion often centers on the complex characterization of Phaedra and the perceived coldness of Hippolytos. Readers frequently highlight the play's exploration of how divine whims can dismantle human lives regardless of individual virtue. Critics often examine the tension between the characters' internal psychological states and the external pressures of societal expectations. The work is widely studied for its nuanced portrayal of the clash between different value systems and the inevitability of tragic outcomes in the face of pride.