How does pythias’s request to return home prior to being put to death affect the plot of the story? dionysius refuses to allow pythias to return home and he is imprisoned, which inspires damon to offer to take his friend’s place. when dionysius witnesses the selflessness of the two men, he pardons pythias and offers damon and pythias positions of leadership. when pythias does not return by the designated time, damon must figure out a way to escape imprisonment and avoid execution. damon demonstrates his loyalty by taking his friend’s place, which later causes dionysius to reverse his decision to punish pythias. (passage in comments)

The answer is:

Damon demonstrates his loyalty by taking his friend’s place, which later causes Dionysius to reverse his decision to punish Pythias.

In "The Legend of Damon and Pythias" the cruel king Dionysius of Sicily sentences Pythias to death, so his friend Damon requests the king to permit Pythias see his family for the last time. Thus, Dionysius allows Damon to take his friend's place in jail while he is gone. If he didn't return, Damon would be put to death. Finally, when Pythias is robbed and tied on the way back, the king is moved by Damon's selflessness and faithfulness, so he decides to let Pythias live.

idk tbh because i'm just getting points.