The Iliad's cast of characters shapes the epic's narrative, with Greek heroes, Trojan leaders, and Olympian gods playing pivotal roles. From Achilles' wrath to Hector's valor, each figure contributes to the complex web of relationships and conflicts that drive the story forward.

These characters embody timeless themes of honor, duty, and fate. Their actions and interactions illuminate the human condition, exploring the consequences of pride, loyalty, and divine intervention in the midst of a devastating war.

Greek Heroes

Achilles and Patroclus

• Achilles is the central character of the Iliad and the greatest warrior among the Greeks
• Son of the mortal Peleus and the Nereid Thetis, making him a demigod with superhuman strength and skill in battle
• Leads the Myrmidons, a fierce group of warriors from Phthia in Greece
• Patroclus is Achilles' beloved companion and closest friend
• Serves as Achilles' second-in-command and fights alongside him in battle
• Borrows Achilles' armor and leads the Myrmidons into battle when Achilles refuses to fight, ultimately being killed by Hector

Agamemnon and Odysseus

• Agamemnon is the leader of the Greek forces and the king of Mycenae
• Brother of Menelaus, whose wife Helen was abducted by Paris, sparking the Trojan War
• Takes Briseis, Achilles' war prize, leading to Achilles' withdrawal from battle
• Odysseus is the clever and cunning king of Ithaca
• Plays a crucial role in the war as a strategist and diplomat, often tasked with resolving conflicts among the Greeks (convincing Achilles to return to battle)
• Known for his intelligence and resourcefulness, which later helps him during his long journey home in Homer's Odyssey

Ajax and Diomedes

• Ajax is a powerful Greek warrior, second only to Achilles in strength and skill
• Known as the "bulwark of the Achaeans" for his defensive prowess and ability to hold the line against Trojan attacks
• Fights valiantly throughout the war but ultimately takes his own life after losing a contest for Achilles' armor to Odysseus
• Diomedes is a young but fierce warrior from Argos
• Receives divine support from Athena, allowing him to wound even gods like Ares and Aphrodite in battle
• Plays a significant role in the war, often leading successful raids and skirmishes against the Trojans

Trojan Leaders

Hector

• Hector is the eldest son of King Priam and the greatest warrior among the Trojans
• Leads the Trojan forces in defense of their city against the invading Greeks
• Known for his bravery, honor, and devotion to his family and people
• Kills Patroclus in battle, mistaking him for Achilles due to the borrowed armor
• Ultimately faces Achilles in single combat and is slain, his body desecrated by the vengeful Greek hero

Priam

• Priam is the elderly king of Troy and the father of Hector and Paris
• Presides over the city during the war, offering wisdom and guidance to his sons and people
• Witnesses the deaths of many of his sons throughout the conflict, including Hector
• In a poignant scene, he visits Achilles in his tent to plead for the return of Hector's body for proper burial
• Represents the suffering and loss experienced by the Trojans as a result of the war

Olympian Gods

Zeus and Apollo

• Zeus is the king of the gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus
• Maintains a neutral stance in the war, ensuring that the conflict runs its fated course
• Occasionally intervenes to enforce divine laws or to protect his favored mortals (Sarpedon)
• Apollo is the god of music, poetry, and prophecy, as well as a skilled archer
• Supports the Trojans throughout the war, providing divine protection and guidance
• Sends a plague to the Greek camp in response to Agamemnon's mistreatment of his priest Chryses

Athena

• Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts
• Strongly supports the Greek cause, particularly favoring heroes like Odysseus and Diomedes
• Provides divine aid and guidance to the Greeks in battle, often appearing in disguise to offer counsel
• Plays a crucial role in the eventual fall of Troy, inspiring the creation of the Trojan Horse and guiding the Greeks to victory