English 10H Characters - themes and major events: Macbeth, The Odyssey, The Penelopiad

Duncan

very king, generous, but naive king that contrasts macbeth

Malcolm

son of Duncan who becomes king after the murder of Macbeth and returning from fleeing to England

Donalblain

son of Duncan who flees to Ireland

Macbeth

tragic protagonist that starts as a brave and loyal soldier, but his ambition and the influence of supernatural forces lead him to commit regicide and descend into madness. He is characterized by his ambition, moral conflict, and guilt. He is initially driven by his wife's ambition and the prophecies of the witches, which fuel his desire for power. However, his actions lead to a spiral of paranoia and guilt, as he becomes consumed by his crimes.

Lady Macbeth

plays a crucial role in influencing and manipulating Macbeth to pursue his ambitions. She is depicted as a strong and ambitious character who pushes Macbeth to commit regicide and seize the throne. Lady Macbeth's persuasive tactics and her ability to challenge Macbeth's masculinity contribute to his descent into madness and moral corruption. Her character highlights themes of power, ambition, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

Banquo

friend of Macbeth who is killed by him because of his suspicion and the prophecy that his descendants will be kings

Fleance

son of Banquo who avoids death by murderers sent by Macbeth

Macduff

Scottish nobleman who plays a significant role in the downfall of Macbeth seeking revenge for the murder of his family by Macbeth. and ends up killing him

Lady Macduff

wife of macduff and represent classic themes of femininity to contrast Lady Macbeth

Three Witches

represent the three fates of Greek mythology and tell Macbeth and Banquo their fates

Odysseus in Odyssey

hero of the Odyssey, is often described as a trickster as well as a good leader

Penelope in Odyssey

clever and resourceful character and known for her loyalty to her husband, Odysseus, and ability to outsmart her suitors

Telemachus

son of Odysseus who goes on a journey to retrieve him and also helps kill all the suitors after his return

Athena

goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare who assists Odysseus throughout his journey, offering guidance, protection, and support.

Calypso

Goddess living on the island of Ogygia who kept odysseus on her island and cared for him for ten years

Circe

Goddess living on the island of Aeaea, that transformed ten of Odysseus’s men into pigs, she kept Odysseus on her island for ten years before letting him leave for Ithaca

Nausicaa

daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of the Phaeacians. Nausicaa discovered Odysseus, when he washed ashore on the island of Scheria. She showed him kindness and helped him return to his homeland, Ithaca.

Antinious

one of the leading suitors of Penelope who devised the plan for the killing of Telemachus

Eurymachus

one of the leading suitors of Penelope trying to convince Penelope to choose him as her new husband, but was killed along with all the other suitors by Odysseus

Eurycleia in Odyssey

old maid who realized odysseus’s identity from the long scar on his ankle

Eumaeus

swineherd who helps Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca, providing him with shelter and assistance in his quest to reclaim his kingdom.

Tiresias

prophet visited by Odysseus in the Underworld and provides him with information regarding his journey back home to Ithaca

Penelope

more layered character that is not only intelligent but emotional and sympathetic to those around her and cared deeply for the 12 maids, her husband, and her son

Helen

cousin to Penelope and much more beautiful and wanted by men, but not as smart, loyal, or responsible as Penelope

Telemachus

supports his mother, Penelope, and helps her maintain their household in Ithaca during Odysseus' absence but can have bad manners and degrade his mother

Odysseus in Penelopiad

described as cunning, resourceful, and strategic in his actions. However, he is also depicted as arrogant, unfaithful, and manipulative

Eurycleia in Penelopiad

responsible for the 12 maids being chosen, took the reigns in the raising of Telemachus

Anticleia

mother of Odysseus, hates Penelope

King Icarius

Father of Penelope who threw her into the ocean in an attempt to kill her, mourned her leaving