Narrative Structure and Characterization Rise of an Empire employs an episodic narrative intercutting between Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) and Artemisia (Eva Green). The intercutting structure attempts to create a chess-like duel between two primary agents—one Greek and one Persian—thus thematizing strategic maneuvering. Themistocles functions as the film’s moral center: pragmatic, honor-driven, and strategically astute. Artemisia is rendered as a femme fatale antagonist, driven by vengeance for personal trauma and ambitious cruelty. This dichotomy simplifies political motivations into personal psychodramas, aligning with the film’s mythic ambitions but flattening complex interstate considerations into binary moral conflict.