Discuss the ways Homer succeeds in presenting as differentiated individuals such as Hector, Nestor, Ajax, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Priam, and Phoenix....

One way Homer differentiates characters is by the use of fixed epithets that recur in reference to those characters every time they are mentioned. Rather than being relevant to the situation of the characters at the specific moment, these epithets are always used for the character whenever they are metrically appropriate. Any given character rarely has more than one or two epithets that fit a specific metrical pattern, a phenomenon known as "metrical economy." This gives a sense of characters with a strong, fixed set of vivid traits.

A second way Homer reveals character is through extended dialogue. Typically, characters state their intentions before performing actions and then there is usually some element of review of their actions or commentary afterwards. This is due in part for the need for repetition in oral epos due to the lack of possibility of backward scanning.

Nestor: Nestor's main characteristic is wisdom of the sort acquired by age. He is the oldest warrior in the epic and often gives examples of his previous experience or knowledge. He is also extremely pious and tends to explain events and duties in terms of the will of the gods, as in his statement: "Never once did the wind fail, once the god had set it blowing." (3.182-183)

Odysseus: The other figure known for his intelligence is Odysseus. Unlike Nestor, he is described as clever and sneaky. His epithets include "polutropos" and "polumetis," meaning clever in many ways and devising many types of schemes. He tends to counsel Agamemnon to use subtle and indirect ways to achieve goals, often pointing out when Agamemnon's initial plans are unfeasible as in his point: "There, O leader of the people, your plan will be ruin." (14.95-102)

Hector: Many critics consider Hector the most heroic figure in the Iliad. He is the only one of the men portrayed as interacting in a loving relationship with his wife, with whom he has tender and touching conversations. He is also the most noble and ethical of the characters, accepting death as better than dishonor, and deeply loyal to his family, with a strong moral sense. Even his moment of fear in fighting Achilles makes him seem the most deeply human and most rounded of the characters in the Iliad.