Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Blog
Log In
Help
Perform Search
Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Blog
Log In
Help
Home
Literature
The Odyssey
Analysis of Major Characters Quick Quiz
The Odyssey
by:
Homer
Summary
Plot Overview
Five Key Questions
What Does the Ending Mean?
Summary & Analysis
Books 1–2
Books 3–4
Books 5–6
Books 7–8
Book 9
Books 10–11
Books 12–14
Books 15–16
Books 17–18
Books 19–20
Books 21–22
Books 23–24
Video Plot Summary
Full Text
Preface to First Edition
Preface to Second Edition
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Book V
Book VI
Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book X
Book XI
Book XII
Book XIII
Book XIV
Book XV
Book XVI
Book XVII
Book XVIII
Book XIX
Book XX
Book XXI
Book XXII
Book XXIII
Book XXIV
Footnotes:
Characters
Character List
Odysseus
Telemachus
Penelope
Athena
Calypso
Circe
Main Ideas
Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
What makes Odysseus “the man of twists and turns”?
Quotes
Important Quotations Explained
Quotes By Theme
Homecoming
Divine justice
Cunning
Quotes By Section
Books 1–2
Books 3–4
Books 5–6
Books 7–8
Book 9
Books 10–11
Books 12–14
Books 15–16
Books 17–18
Books 19–20
Books 21–22
Books 23–24
Quotes By Character
Odysseus
Telemachus
Athena
Penelope
Circe
Calypso
Further Study
Context
Hospitality in Ancient Greece
The Odyssey and The Fantastic Journey
Movie Adaptations
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Books 1-2
Books 3-4
Books 5-6
Books 7-8
Book 9
Books 10-11
Books 12-14
Books 15-16
Books 17-18
Books 19-20
Books 21-22
Books 23-24
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Companion Texts
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
Sample A+ Essay
How to Cite This SparkNote
Table of Contents
Analysis of Major Characters Quick Quiz
1
of 5
What is Odysseus’s most distinguishing trait?
His intellect
His compassion
His bravery
His sexuality
2
of 5
What is kleos?
Homecoming
Noble marriage
Glory through deeds
Dignity in battle
3
of 5
What does Telemachus do that makes him seem less competent than his father?
He yells at and threatens the suitors.
He leaves the weapons room unlocked.
He doesn’t ask for his mother’s advice.
He doesn’t have the same respect for the gods.
4
of 5
Why do Odysseus, Telemachus, and Athena repeatedly withhold information from Penelope?
Because she is too excitable
Because she is too skeptical
Because she trusts no one
Because her health is weak
5
of 5
How does Penelope handle the suitors?
She treats them with disdain.
She vows never to marry again.
She refuses to acknowledge them.
She avoids decisions about remarrying.
Previous
Character List Quick Quiz
Next
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
More Help
Character List
CHARACTERS
Odysseus: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS
Plot Analysis
MAIN IDEAS
What makes Odysseus “the man of twists and turns”?
MAIN IDEAS
Quotes by Theme
QUOTES
Themes
MAIN IDEAS
Review Quiz
FURTHER STUDY
From the SparkNotes Blog
Literary Characters Summed Up in Quotes from
The Office
By
Elodie
7 Beloved Fictional Characters Who Are Secretly Terrible People
By
Elodie
If Shakespeare Could Text
By
Elodie
7 Dirty Jokes You Didn't Catch in Shakespeare's Most Popular Plays
By
Elodie
Honest Names for All the Books You'll Have to Read in Your English Class
By
Elodie
