ODYSSEUS:
the odyssey is the story of his journey home
from the Trojan war. He is brave, loyal, and
above all else clever. He is the king of
Ithaca
PENELOPE:
the faithful, loyal wife of Odysseus. She
patiently waits 20 years for his return. She
is Homer's example of the perfect Greek
wife and mother.
TELEMACHUS:
Son of Odysseus and Penelope. He was
only an infant when his father left to fight in
Troy. The Odyssey is also a story about
Telemachus' journey to manhood.
ANTINOUS:
The evil leader of the suitors. He is the first
one Odysseus kills.
EUMAEUS:
a servant of Odysseus. He is remained
loyal to Odysseus throughout his
master's twenty year absence. He and
Philoetius help Odysseus fight the
suitors.
PHILOETIUS:
a loyal servant to Odysseus. He and
Eumaeus help Odysseus fight the suitors.
EURYCLEIA:
an old woman servant who was a
devoted nurse to both Odysseus and
Telemachus.
EURYMACHUS:
as suitor. He is an evil coward. He tries to
blame Antinous for all the suitors action. He
is the second suitor killed by Odysseus.
IRUS:
the favorite beggar of the suitors. He is
cruel to Odysseus when Odysseus is
disguised as a beggar.
LAERTES:
Odysseus' father. He lives on a farm some
distance from Odysseus palace.
MELANTHO:
a servant girl. She has been disloyal to
Odysseus is this absence by becoming
the mistress of Eurymachus.
MENELAUS:
King of Sparta. He was a comrade of
Odysseus during the Trojan War. It was the
abduction of his wife, Helen, that caused
the war.
NESTOR:
King of Pylos. He fought at Troy with
Odysseus, He is known for his wise
counsel
TEIRESIAS:
a famous, deceased Greek prophet.
Odysseus goes to Hades to consult his
spirit.