How did T.S. Eliot portray Thomas Becket in Murder in the Cathedral?

In T.S. Eliot’s poetic drama Murder in the Cathedral, St. Thomas Becket is portrayed as a figure undergoing a profound spiritual struggle before his martyrdom.12

Upon his return from seven years of exile, Becket must confront and resist four distinct temptations that challenge his resolve:
* The lure of worldly pleasures.
* The desire for lasting power as chancellor.
* The temptation to lead the barons against King Henry II.
* The final, most subtle temptation of seeking eternal glory through martyrdom.1

Eliot depicts Becket not merely as a historical figure, but as a man navigating the complex intersection of personal ambition and divine duty. By resisting these temptations, Becket moves toward his ultimate acceptance of death in defense of the church. The play frames his death as a deliberate act of faith, emphasizing his commitment to the church and state conflict of his time.12