Characters from The Odyssey

Front

Who is Penelope?

Back

Wife of Odysseus; Queen of Ithaca. Pursued by dozens of suitors in Odysseus’ absence. Uses cleverness and patience to delay remarriage until Odysseus returns.

Front

Who is Telemachus?

Back

Son of Odysseus; Prince of Ithaca. Suitors plan to kill him before he can inherit the throne. Grows in maturity and courage throughout the epic.

Front

Who is Eumaeus?

Back

Odysseus’ old and faithful swineherd. Welcomes Odysseus (disguised as a beggar) upon his return. Helps Odysseus reclaim his home from the suitors.

Front

Who is Laertes?

Back

Odysseus’ father. Lives in isolation, grieving his son’s absence. Reunited with Odysseus at the end and helps defend their home.

Front

Who is Argos?

Back

Odysseus’ loyal hound. Very old and neglected by the people of Ithaca. Recognizes Odysseus upon his return, then dies peacefully.

Front

Who is Antinous?

Back

Arrogant leader among the suitors. Plots Telemachus’s death and insults Odysseus (in disguise). First suitor to be killed by Odysseus.

Front

Who is Tiresias?

Back

Blind prophet from Thebes. Meets Odysseus in the Land of the Dead. Warns Odysseus not to harm the cattle of Helios. Foretells his difficult journey home and the trials he will face.

Front

Who is Elpenor?

Back

Young sailor from Odysseus’ crew. Falls from Circe’s roof and dies. Appears to Odysseus in the Land of the Dead asking for a proper burial.

Front

Who is Polyphemus?

Back

A Cyclops and son of Poseidon. Traps Odysseus and his men in his cave and eats several of them. Odysseus blinds him to escape. His curse brings Poseidon’s anger upon Odysseus.

Front

Who is Athena?

Back

Goddess of wisdom and war strategy. Protector of Odysseus and Telemachus. Guides and aids Odysseus throughout his journey home.