Achilles: The hero of the Iliad
and the greatest warrior in the
Greek (Achaian) army. His
main flaw is his excessive
pride. He willingly subverts the
good of the whole army and
endangers the life of those
who are closest to him in
order to achieve emotional
blackmail.
Agamemnon: Brother to
Menelaus, he is the arrogant
king of Mycenae. Agamemnon
is commander in chief of the
Greek army, not because of his
great leadership ability or skill
in battle strategy, but because
he has brought the most men
to fight.
Aias (Ajax): Son of Telamon, he
is usually called Telamonian
Aias; his reputation is primarily
due to his brute strength and
bravery.
Amphinomis: Among the
dozens of suitors, the only
decent man seeking
Penelope’s hand in marriage.
Amphinomis sometimes
speaks up for Odysseus and
Telemachus.
Antilochos: The son of Nestor,
he is a brave young warrior
who takes an active part in the
fighting and the funeral
games.
Diomedes: One of the best and
bravest of the Achaian
warriors, he is always wise and
reasonable and is recognised
for his courtesy and gallantry.
Homer presents him as the
perfect young nobleman.
Eumaeus: The loyal shepherd
who, along with the cowherd
Philoetius, helps Odysseus
reclaim his fame after his
return to Ithaca. Even though
he does not know that the
vagabond who appears at his
hut is Odysseus, Eumaeus
gives the man food and
shelter.