The Odyssey: Characters

Odysseus

Odysseus is a self-made and self-assured man, an embodiment of virtues such as strength, wit, and endurance. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. However, he is far from a stereotypical epic hero; he is more complicated than that. Although he is self-disciplined (refusing to eat the lotus), his curiosity sometimes lands him in trouble (as with the Cyclops). He is unable to resist giving the Cyclops his real name, earning him Poseidon’s wrath. Odysseus can be merciful, as can be seen in his interaction with the bard, Phemius. That he can also be brutal is evident in the way he deals with the dozen disloyal maidservants.

The struggles Odysseus endures during his long voyage home play a significant role in shaping his character. His journey makes him humbler. Upon his return to Ithaca, Odysseus has matured into a wise leader, capable of maintaining peace in his kingdom.

Telemachus

The subplot that features Prince Telemachus is an example of a coming-of-age story. As the epic opens, Telemachus, about 21 years old, is on the brink of manhood. He is uncertain and insecure about his future, fearing the wrath of his suitors who would prefer to see him dead. With guidance and instructions from Athena, however, Telemachus undergoes an important transformation: he becomes a particularly brave and decisive man.

After he joins his father and is made an important part of the king’s plot to overcome the suitors, a good deal of Telemachus’ motivation is based on faith. He bravely fights alongside Odysseus and helps to restore order to Ithaca, becoming a hero in his own right.

Penelope

Penelope, the long-suffering wife of Odysseus, is the epitome of feminine virtues and unwavering fidelity. Unlike Clytemnestra, who had betrayed her husband after he had left for war, Penelope remains faithful to Odysseus. In addition to being loyal and devoted, she is also clever. For three years, she works at weaving a shroud for the eventual funeral of her father-in-law, Laertes. She claims that she would choose a husband as soon as the shroud is completed. However, each night she secretly unravels what she had done, thereby effectively deceiving the young suitors. The contest of the bow and axes is another example of Penelope’s guile. She holds a contest in which the suitors are asked to string Odysseus’ bow. The choice of this contest is no coincidence; Penelope knows that only Odysseus can perform this feat.

Penelope is not a pasteboard figure; her intelligence matches her husband’s, making her a worthy partner for the hero.