The Odyssey Study Of Poem

The main character and King of Ithaca. The Odyssey is the story of his journey home from the Trojan War. He is married to Penelope. He is the father to Telemachus. He is brave, loyal and clever. He encounters many supernatural beings and hardships. After the Trojan War he is prevented from returning home by Poseidon for many years.

The faithful, loyal wife of Odysseus. She patiently waits 20 years for his return. He is Homer's example of the perfect Greek wife and mother. She remains faithful to Odysseus despite the suitors. She postpones marriage to one of the suitors by saying that she will choose the spouse after she weaves a funeral shroud for Laertes, but each night she unravels it, thus preventing its completion. She also tests Odysseus, not sure that it is him when he is disguised as a beggar, by telling him that she moved their bed, which is impossible because it is attached to a tree.

Son of Odysseus and Penelope. He was an infant when Odysseus left to fight in the Trojan War. He embarks on a journey to find out if Odysseus, his father, is alive. He is courageous, steady, and fights the suitors with his father.

The evil leader of the suitors. He is the first one Odysseus kills when he returns to Ithaca (Book XXII). He is a cruel, greedy, and hyppocritical villain, always attempting to justify his evil behavior by distorting the motives or acts of others. He mistreats Odysseus (disguised as a beggar), constantly harasses Telemachus and Penelop, and plans the murder of Telemachus. Is proud of his deeds.

A servant of Odysseus (the chief swineherder). He has remained loyal to Odysseus throughout his master's 20 years absence. He and Philoetius help Odysseus fight the suitors. He is intelligent, loyal and compassionate.

An old woman servant who was a devoted nurse to both Odysseus and Telemachus. She recognizes Odysseus on his return to Ithaca from an old scar he received from a boar.

The second most important suitor. He is an evil coward. he tries to blame Antinous for all the suitors actions. He is the second suitor killed by Odysseus.He offers Odysseus cash for his sins. Unlike Antinous, he is unable to accept the blame for his deeds.

The favorite beggar of the suitors. He is cruel to Odysseus when Odysseus is disguised as a beggar.He is severely beaten by Odysseus.

Odysseus' father. He lives on a farm some distance from Odysseus' palace. He is old and lives alone but is in good shape despite his age.

A serving maid at Odysseus' home. She is disloyal by becoming the mistress of Eurymachus (a suitor) in his absence. She is hung by Odysseus when he returns to Ithaca.

A servant of Odysseus (The chief goatherder) who has betrayed Odysseus in his absence by helping the suitors. He attacks the disguised Odysseus and helps the suitors when Odysseus fights them. He is executed by Odysseus.

King of Sparta. He was a comrade of Odysseus during the Trojan War. It was the abduction of Helen, his wife, that cause the Trojan War. He is the brother of Agamemnon. He is angry when Telemachus tells him about the acts of the suitors, but doesn't help Telemachus.

King of Pylos. He fought at Troy with Odysseus. he is known for his wise counsel. Telemachus visits him in Book III and suggests that he vist Menelaus (King of Sparta). Nestor's son accompanies Telemachus.

A loyal servant (chief cowherder)to Odysseus. He and Eumaeus((the Chief Swineherder) help Odysseus fight the suitors.

A famous, blind, dead Greek prophet. Odysseus goes to Hades to talk to his spirit. Tiresias has the ability to see the future. He tells Odysseus his future. He also tells him how to make peace with Poseidon by offering a sacrifice in a place where the ora is a foreign and unknown object.