Character Analysis: The Iliad

Major Characters

The characters in The Iliad are carefully constructed to embody the central conflicts of the narrative. Homer uses character relationships to explore themes of epic poetry.

Protagonist

The protagonist undergoes significant transformation throughout The Iliad, moving from an initial state of limited understanding to a more complex, mature perspective by the novel's conclusion.

Antagonist & Conflict

The central conflict in The Iliad is driven by opposing values and worldviews. The antagonist — whether a person, society, or internal force — represents the obstacles the protagonist must overcome.

Minor Characters

Supporting characters in The Iliad serve crucial narrative functions: they reflect, contrast, or challenge the protagonist's arc, enriching the reader's understanding of the book's central themes.