The Odyssey · Character

Ulysses

The shrewd, much-enduring king of Ithaca, whose longing for home and wife drives him through a decade of wandering, monsters, and divine wrath.

major

Also known as Odysseus, sage Ulysses, Godlike Ulysses, great Ulysses, King Ulysses, the shrewd Ulysses, wise Ulysses, the Ithacan Ulysses

First appearance: The Odyssey

As a major figure in The Odyssey, Ulysses is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The protagonist, a cunning and resourceful hero striving to return home to Ithaca.

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Ulysses is the resourceful hero whose cunning took Troy but whose longing for Ithaca keeps him pinned on Calypso's isle while suitors devour his house. He is a man of stratagems and grief, blamed by no god but Neptune,…

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Character Web

72 connections

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Relationship types

Family
Romantic
Friendship
Psychological

Character groups

Protagonist
Mycenaean Royal Family

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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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Relationships

Telemachus
family · positive
Telemachus is the son of Ulysses, and their relationship is one of longing, reunion, and… How this plays out →
Penelope
romantic · positive
Pallas Athene
friendship · positive
Jove
psychological · ambivalent
Eumaeus
friendship · positive
Medon
professional · positive
Laertes
family · positive
Menelaus
friendship · positive
Alcinoüs
social · positive
Phaeacians
social · positive
Calypso
romantic · ambivalent
Clytemnestra
social · negative

Telemachus
Telemachus is the son of Ulysses, and their relationship is one of longing, reunion, and mutual support in reclaiming their home.
Penelope
Penelope is the faithful wife of Ulysses, enduring years of separation and suitors while remaining devoted to him.
Pallas Athene
Pallas Athene is the divine patron and protector of Ulysses, guiding and advising him throughout his journey.
Jove
Jove (Zeus) is the supreme god who sometimes aids Ulysses but also allows his trials, representing a distant, fate-controlling power.
Eumaeus
Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd and faithful servant of Ulysses, who aids him upon his return to Ithaca.
Medon
Medon is a herald in Ulysses' household, who is spared by Ulysses for his loyalty during the suitors' occupation.
Laertes
Laertes is the aged father of Ulysses, and their reunion is a deeply emotional moment of recognition and love.
Menelaus
Menelaus is a fellow Greek king and comrade-in-arms of Ulysses from the Trojan War, sharing a bond of old alliance.
Alcinoüs
Alcinoüs is the king of the Phaeacians who hosts Ulysses and helps him return home, acting as a generous benefactor.
Phaeacians
The Phaeacians are a seafaring people who welcome Ulysses and provide him passage to Ithaca, acting as gracious hosts.
Calypso
Calypso is a nymph who keeps Ulysses as her lover on her island for years, creating a relationship of captivity and affection.
Clytemnestra
Clytemnestra is mentioned as a cautionary figure in contrast to Penelope, representing unfaithfulness in a king's household.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Ulysses appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Odyssey

Chapter companion notes

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