The Iliad Book III

Character Analysis:

Paris: In book three of the Iliad, Paris is portrayed as a coward 3.34 - 41. When we first see Paris he swaggers up to the front lines, but as soon as he sees Menelaus, he shrinks back in fear and goes to hide behind his soldiers.

Hector: Hector, brother of Paris is seen to be one who hates cowardice and upholds heroism 3.43 - 69. He is seen mocking his brother for being a coward, and he tells Paris how much of a disgrace he is to them.

Menelaus: After first meeting Menelaus in book three, we see that he is powerful, as in strength, and that he is vengeful, 3.23 - 33

Helen: We see Helen as beautiful 3.86 - 91. But we also see that the war was not her fault, and that she misses her home, and her people 3.210 - 214.

Priam: We do not see much of Priam but our brief glimpse of hom shows that he might not have a full respect for the gods, he blames the gods for the war, and for Helen's capture 3.191 - 201.