Polites was a soldier in the Greek Army and Odysseus' closest childhood friend. Born and raised in Ithaca, Polites grew up alongside Odysseus, sharing a deep bond that stretched back to their youth. As revealed in Your Light, Odysseus once saved Polites from a magical boar sent by Athena while the two were playing in the woods—an event that cemented their friendship for life.

During the Trojan War, Polites fought under Odysseus' command and returned with him as part of the Ithacan fleet. In Act I of the musical, he is the one who first spots the island of the Lotus Eaters after the crew runs out of food and suggests they ask for help. Polites accompanies Odysseus to the island and attempts to teach him the value of compassion and trust, believing that kindness could accomplish more than violence. In Open Arms, he urges Odysseus to approach the world with empathy rather than suspicion, and even when the Winions offer them dangerous Lotus Fruit, Polites finds a peaceful solution that allows them to continue their journey safely.

However, tragedy soon follows. On the next island, Polites is part of the scouting party that discovers a cave full of sheep, unaware that it belongs to the Cyclops Polyphemus. When the giant returns and attacks, a brutal fight ensues. Though the men initially manage to hold their own, the tide turns when Polyphemus brings out his club. Polites is killed in the ensuing violence, crying out for his captain in his final moments.

His death leaves a lasting impact on Odysseus and the entire crew. The memory of Polites haunts Odysseus throughout the journey, serving as a painful reminder of what has been lost and of the burden of leadership in a world where kindness is not always enough.