The Characterization of Achilles in the Iliad
             Although Achilles possesses superhuman strength, has a close relationship with the Gods, and is the mightiest warrior of the Achaean army, he also has deep-seated character flaws that consistently impede his ability to act with nobility and integrity. Throughout the Iliad, Achilles is seen as prideful, jealous and stubborn. He is unable to control his pride and in turn, is controlled by is rage. Not only do these flaws cause harm to the Achaean army, they also result in the death of his closest friend. In the Iliad, Achilles is characterized by what he does, what he says, and what others say about him.
             Achilles is characterized by what he does. In Book I, lines 153-164, Agamemnon tells Achilles that he will take Achilles' prize, the girl Briseis, to compensate for his loss of Chryseis. Achilles perceives this as a dishonor towards him by Agamemnon and is consumed by such anger that he strides toward Agamemnon to kill him. He is stopped by the goddess Athena who tells him that he will be compensated for this dishonor. Achilles refuses to fight the Trojans because of this insult to his honor. His perceived disgrace by Agamemnon was so great that he asks his mother, Hera, to persuade Zeus to help the Trojan cause.
             Achilles is further characterized by what he says. His pride and stubbornness will not allow him to forgive or forget the offense Agamemnon has inflicted on him. Achilles' anger and hatred is so overwhelming that even when Ajax and Odysseus come to him with an offer of gifts from Agamemnon if he will relent and rejoin the battle he refuses to do so. "I hate that man like the very Gates of Death who says one thing but hides another in his heart...Will Agamemnon win me over? Not for all the world, I swear it-nor will the rest of the Achaeans."(IX. 378-382)
             Achilles is also characterized by what others say about him. The Achaeans might ...