Drona, also known as Dronacharya, is a prominent character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He serves as the royal preceptor (teacher) of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, two feuding factions in the epic. Drona is a skilled warrior and a master of advanced military arts, including the use of astras (divine weapons). He is the son of the sage Bharadvaja and is considered a descendant of the sage Angirasa.

Drona's early life is marked by his friendship with Drupada, who later becomes the king of Panchala. Drona and Drupada were initially close friends, but their relationship soured when Drupada refused to help Drona in his time of need. This rejection and insult fueled Drona's desire for revenge against Drupada.

Drona later becomes the preceptor of the Kuru princes, including the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He teaches them various military arts, including archery, and imparts his knowledge of celestial weapons to some of his exceptional students like Arjuna and Ashwatthama. Drona is particularly impressed by Arjuna's skills and predicts that he will become the greatest archer on Earth.

However, Drona's loyalty is conflicted during the Kurukshetra War, as he serves as the chief commander of the Kaurava army but has a deep affection for the Pandavas. He participates in several battles during the war and plays a significant role in various strategies. Notably, he forms the Chakravyuha formation to capture Yudhishthira, and it is during this battle that the young warrior Abhimanyu fights valiantly but tragically loses his life.

On the 14th day of the war, Drona becomes determined to capture Yudhishthira and engages in a fierce duel with his adversaries. He inflicts severe wounds on Dhristadyumna, the son of his friend Drupada, and clashes with Satyaki and Bhima as well. However, Drona's chariots are repeatedly destroyed by Bhima, and he is unable to overcome his opponents.

Drona's downfall comes on the 15th day of the war. Duryodhana, the leader of the Kauravas, instigates Drona by accusing him of being a traitor for failing to protect Jayadratha, who was killed by Arjuna. In a moment of vulnerability, Drona's attention is diverted, and he is beheaded by Dhrishtadyumna, seeking to fulfill the prophecy that Drona's death would come at his hands.

Drona's character in the Mahabharata represents complex moral dilemmas, conflicting loyalties, and the consequences of personal desires and ambitions. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals face in times of war and conflict.