Demetrius is one of the iconic lovers in William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is a young man of Athens who abandons Helena and pursues Hermia, whose father Egeus finds Demetrius to be the better suitor. His obstinate pursuit of Hermia throws love out of balance among the Athenian lovers. He eventually comes to his senses, do to a love potion, and returns Helena's love.