Characterization of Achilles and Hektor in the Iliad

Because of their commitment to the gods and man, or lack there of, Achilles and Hektor’s characterizations place them on opposite ends of the spectrum. Achilles is someone who is enamored with petty human emotions, while Hektor fulfills his commitment to the gods to the bitter end. Achilles and Hektor’s actions easily substantiate their respective hubris and arête and personify how man should and should not attempt to live. Their example is …

…remembered not only as the man who slayed Hektor, but also as the man who embarrassed Hektor’s corpse. Achilles wishes to be the quintessential warrior and when situations turn for the worst his temper rages out of control. Feeling that Agamemnon’s authority is irrelevant because of his lack of participation in battle, Achilles feel is that he is not only the true leader of the Greek but also the greatest of the Greeks.