Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" has many different types of characters and themes. It focuses on two main characters, Achilles and Hector. These two characters have completely different personalities and little to no similarities other than they are great warriors. In this epic poem, these two characters constitute excellent heroic figures for the Greek people of the time. Both of these characters demonstrate incredible strength and heroism as warriors in different ways. The Iliad gives us great insight into Greek culture and morals because it often shows what these people believed to be a hero and can even show us what they believed to be good and evil. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay To begin with, Achilies' main character flaw is that he is very prideful. Achilles is often overwhelmed by his emotions, unlike Hector. He tends to act on instinct and let his anger and pride take over his actions. He has great self-confidence and instinctive behavior that makes him most proud. He shows how proud he is in Volume 1 when he does a number of impulsive things and refuses to fight. In the book, Achilles abandons Apollo's daughter and argues with Agamemnon, the Athaean commander. Achilles surrenders his war prizes and refuses to fight. During this argument, Achilles said, "Ha, and think of the name people would call me if I bowed and scratched myself every time you opened your mouth." Try this on someone else, but not on me. I'll tell you, and you can put it in your gut. I'm not going to fight for this girl's story. You all gave it to me and you can all take it back. But nothing that belongs to me in my black sailboat, you don't touch that, you hear? In this passionate statement, Achilles completely ignores the girl's loss and instead defends his pride. He then refuses to fight for the Athean commander in order to protect his pride, leading his comrades to be severely beaten until his return. On the other hand, Hector is the prince of Troy and the commander of the Trojan army. Hector is much less controlled by emotions and instinct and is a more logical hero. He is also much more careful before acting because he is more aware of the consequences. Hector understands his duty to his people and serves to protect them while Achilles goes against his commander. An example of Hector's nature is when his brother Paris fought against Menelaus. Menelaus, a Trojan soldier and Paris argue over Hellen, the most beautiful woman of the time. Hector saw this as irresponsible and immoral behavior. Hector's statement to Paris reads: "Paris, you desperate, womanizing pretty boy!" I wish you had never been born or died single. Better that than this shame in front of the troops. Can't you just hear the long haired Greeks laughing and saying our champion won. For good looks, but not in attack and defense.” Hector thought that pitting himself against such a powerful adversary was almost foolish and demeaning as a prince and role model. Hector honors self-respect and responsibility over prideful pleasures. Although they are very different characters, Hector and Achilles both make great warriors. Their heroism displayed in The Iliad is a great example of what the Greek people stood for and valued as a civilization. Achilles and Hector are great figures for the Greek public. Achilles showed great heroism when he was.