4.3 Major characters and their roles

The Iliad's cast of characters is a rich tapestry of heroes, gods, and mortals. From the mighty Achilles to the cunning Odysseus, each plays a crucial role in shaping the epic's narrative and themes.

These characters embody various aspects of human nature and divine power. Their interactions, conflicts, and alliances drive the story forward, illustrating the complex relationships between mortals and gods in ancient Greek mythology.

Greek Heroes

Achilles and Patroclus

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• Achilles, the central hero of the Iliad, is the greatest warrior among the Greeks
• Son of the goddess Thetis and the mortal Peleus, Achilles possesses superhuman strength and fighting abilities
• Withdraws from battle after a dispute with Agamemnon over the captive Briseis, leading to the Greeks' near defeat
• Patroclus, Achilles' beloved companion and close friend, fights in Achilles' armor to rally the Greeks
• Patroclus is killed by Hector, triggering Achilles' return to battle to avenge his friend's death

Odysseus and Diomedes

• Odysseus, king of Ithaca, is known for his intelligence, cunning, and eloquence
• Plays a crucial role in the war, devising strategies such as the Trojan Horse to infiltrate and defeat Troy
• Diomedes, a skilled and brave warrior, is known for his prowess in battle and his daring exploits
• Fights alongside Odysseus in various battles and is one of the heroes who enters the Trojan Horse

Ajax

• Ajax, also known as Ajax the Great, is a powerful and imposing warrior, second only to Achilles in strength
• Serves as a bulwark for the Greeks, defending their ships and engaging in fierce battles with the Trojans
• Ultimately driven to madness and suicide after losing a contest for Achilles' armor to Odysseus

Trojan Royalty and Warriors

Hector and Paris

• Hector, the eldest son of King Priam and the greatest of the Trojan warriors, is known for his bravery, nobility, and sense of duty
• Leads the Trojan forces in battle and faces off against the Greek heroes, including Achilles, in single combat
• Paris, another son of Priam, is known for his beauty and his role in sparking the Trojan War by abducting Helen from Sparta
• A skilled archer, Paris kills Achilles by shooting an arrow guided by Apollo into Achilles' heel, his only vulnerable spot

Priam and Helen

• Priam, the elderly king of Troy, is a wise and respected ruler who seeks to protect his city and his family
• Attempts to negotiate with the Greeks for the return of his son Hector's body after Achilles kills him
• Helen, the wife of Menelaus (king of Sparta) and the most beautiful woman in the world, is abducted by Paris, triggering the Trojan War
• Her presence in Troy is a source of tension and conflict, as the Greeks seek to reclaim her and the Trojans fight to keep her

Greek Leaders

Agamemnon

• Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, is the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces in the Trojan War
• Brother of Menelaus, Agamemnon leads the expedition to Troy to reclaim Helen and defend his brother's honor
• A powerful but arrogant leader, Agamemnon's actions, such as taking Achilles' war prize Briseis, lead to conflicts within the Greek camp

Achilles and Odysseus

• Achilles, although not an official leader, wields significant influence due to his unmatched combat skills and his status as the Greeks' greatest warrior
• His withdrawal from battle and subsequent return play a pivotal role in the course of the war
• Odysseus, known for his intelligence and oratory skills, often serves as a diplomat and advisor to the Greek leaders
• His clever strategies, such as the Trojan Horse, prove instrumental in the Greeks' ultimate victory over Troy

Olympian Gods

Athena and Apollo

• Athena, goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, is a strong supporter of the Greek cause in the Trojan War
• Aids heroes like Odysseus and Diomedes, providing them with guidance and divine assistance in battle
• Apollo, god of music, prophecy, and archery, sides with the Trojans, offering protection and support to heroes like Hector and Paris
• Guides Paris' arrow that kills Achilles, demonstrating his influence on the battlefield

Zeus and Thetis

• Zeus, king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus, maintains a neutral stance in the Trojan War, ensuring that the conflict unfolds according to fate
• Weighs the scales of destiny, determining the outcome of battles and the ultimate fate of the warring parties
• Thetis, a sea nymph and mother of Achilles, appeals to Zeus to honor her son and punish the Greeks for Agamemnon's insult
• Zeus grants Thetis' request, allowing the Trojans to gain the upper hand until Achilles returns to battle, showcasing the gods' influence on mortal affairs