Literature: Characterisation

Homeric Characterisation

Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, serve as essential literature for understanding war characters.
Achilles is famous for both his physical passion and his burning rage, displaying the Greek ideal of a heroic warrior.
Priam, King of Troy, offers a striking contrast to the Greek warriors. Though not a warrior himself, he maintains high status and dignity, representing resilience in the face of adversity.
Homer’s female characters, such as Helen and Andromache, offer perspectives on war’s impact beyond the battlefield. Their roles underscore the stakes for which the men are fighting.

Tragic plays like Sophocles’ Antigone depict the devastating effects of war on individuals and society.
The character of Antigone highlights the tragedy of war, as she becomes a victim of the conflict between divine and state law.
Creon embodies the conflict between public duty and personal loyalty and presents the tough decisions that leaders must make during war.

Herodotus’ Histories features several key characters. Leonidas is presented as the epitome of Spartan courage during the Battle of Thermopylae.
However, figures like Xerxes are depicted as tyrants, showcasing the historical portrayal of warfare opponents.
The characterisation of these key figures provides insight into the perceptions of heroism, leadership, and the ideological conflict between East and West.

Minor works, such as the fragments of Tyrtaeus, present themes of bravery and Greek excellence in warfare.
Archilochus, another minor ancient Greek poet, is known for portraying the realistic and brutal aspects of war.
Studying these characters reveals nuanced interpretations of war from different socio-political perspectives.