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The Odyssey · Character

Irus

A beggar in Ithaca who challenges Ulysses to a fight and is easily defeated.

minor

First appearance: book xvii return of ulysses to his palace

See Irus in book xvii return of ulysses to his palaceBook page

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Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Irus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

MEMenelausPEPenelopeULUlyssesLALaertesTETelemachusIRIrus

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Mythological and Secondary Characters
  • Mycenaean Royal Family
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Eurycleia’s recognitio…

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See Irus in book xvii return of ulysses to his palace