The central conflict arises when Helen of Troy discovers that the woman who caused the Trojan War was merely a phantom, leaving her to navigate the consequences of a reputation she did not earn. Helen seeks to reclaim her identity and reunite with her husband, Menelaus, while contending with the machinations of the Egyptian king Theoclymenus. The narrative operates within the framework of a tragicomedy, utilizing dramatic irony and complex character motivations to explore the instability of truth. The world is defined by the tension between divine intervention and human perception, forcing the protagonists to rely on wit and deception to survive.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the play's unique position as a precursor to romantic comedy due to its lighter tone and focus on reunion. Discussion often centers on the intellectual dexterity required to balance the absurdity of the plot with the underlying critique of the Trojan War. Scholars emphasize the play's sophisticated meta-theatrical qualities, which challenge the audience to question the reliability of historical narratives. The translation is often praised for maintaining the rhythmic precision and tonal shifts essential to Euripidean drama. This work remains a focal point for those interested in how ancient playwrights deconstructed their own cultural myths.