The Odyssey Character Profiles

• Cunning/Resourceful - Master of strategems. 
• Selfish.
• Wants to get home to Ithaca, NOT Penelope - Nostos.
• Leader of men - But is he flawed?
• Good King - Respected by slaves who served under him. 
• Pious.
• Filial Piety - Being a good Father/Son. 
• In search of his Kleos. 
• Strong warrior/archer.
• Loyal - Only unfaithful with divinities. 
• Patient and much enduring. 
• Emotional - Typical of a Greek hero. 
• Proud/Arrogant. 

• Sensible - Not driven by emotion. Unlike Clytaemnestra. 
• Maternal - Great fears for Telemachus' safety. Obeys him as he grows as a leader. 
• Pious. 
• Emotional - Suffering but remains proud in public. Cries/has nightmares at night. 
• Cunning/Intelligent - Follows in her husband's footsteps. 
• Loyal/Patient - Key to being a great Greek woman. 
• Strong mentally, can speak with strength. 

• Only person Odysseus can't lie to - Bond between Father and Son too strong - Emotion takes over.
• Emotional - Pain of losing Anticleia and possibly losing Odysseus.
• Humble - Living a simple life. 
• Respects women - Didn't sleep with slave girl as didn't want to be unfaithful to his wife. 

• Diplomatic/Intelligent.
• Thoughtful/Selfless - Always thinking of his parents.
• Brave/Adventurous/Daring - 'Mini Odyssey'
• Strong relationship with Eumaeus. 
• Maturing/Learning to be a man - Odysseus disappointed in him. 
• Bitter at the start but learns to become a man/warrior. 
• Likened to Father - Respects elders. 

Eumaeus

• Definition of loyalty 

         - Wheras others were corrupted he has remained strong. 

         - Treats Telemachus as his own son. 

         - Listens to and respects Penelope and Laertes. 

         - Remains a good loyal swineherd/Provides food for the feasts - Loyal to his              job - Keeps things running smoothly in case Odysseus returns. 

• Brave in final conflict - Utterly obedient to Odysseus. 
• 'You, Eumaeus' - Loved and respected by Homer. 
• Humble/Hard working. 
• Good Xenia.
• Pious. 

Eurycleia

• Loyal - Lives at the end, deals with non-loyal maids. - Protects Penelope and helps Telemachus - Does it all to help Odysseus. 
• Part of the family - Brought up by them and allowed to be part of the family. 
• Strong/Brave - More vulnerable than male slaves but when Odysseus grabs her she has no fear. 

Melanthius and Melantho

• Greedy.
• Young - Raised by suitors, not Odysseus. 
• Agressive.
• Corrupted. 
• Not intelligent. 
• Define what happens when you don't have a good leader.