Character Analysis Mind Map

Enkidu is described as being covered with hair and having long, flowing hair like that of a woman. He is basically living alongside beasts at the beginning of the story so has a very undomesticated quality to his appearance.Enkidu is created as a rival for Gilgamesh and oddly enough they become best friends instead. Enkidu provides a confidant for Gilgamesh and in many ways they feed off one another in their adventures. Toward the end, Enkidu grows fearful as his punishment of death draws near and he lashes out at those around him.

Protagonist: Enkidu actually begins the story as a true protagonist to rival to Gilgamesh who comes across as the antagonist. However, in the end, the relationship with Enkidu changes Gilgamesh for the better which further strengthens Enkidu as a protagonist just not in the traditional sense.

Dynamic: In some ways Enkidu was consistent but his overall arc as a character was dynamic. He was transformed from a wildly beast to a more domesticated version of himself by Shamhat. While he originally intended to defeat Gilgamesh, they instead became comrades. However, when Gilgmesh had the same opportunity to find a truce with Humbab, Enkidu encouraged Gilgamesh to kill Humbaba.He turned his face toward his cattle. The gazelles, resting, beheld Enkidu; they and the cattle of the field turned away from him. This startled Enkidu and his body grew faint; His knees became stiff, as his cattle departed, And he became less agile than before. Then Enkidu spoke to Gilgamesh: “Of the advice which Humbaba Gives to you—you cannot risk accepting it. Humbaba must not remain alive.”

External Forces: Enkidu is driven to decisions by those around him. Had Shamhat not intervened, he may still be living among the animals in the forest. Furthermore, Gilgamesh's desire to seek out conflict ultimately led to Enkidu's death.

Penelope's character is not given much physical description in The Odyssey. Odysseus makes reference that Penelope could not compete with the goddess Calypso in beauty because Penelope is a mere mortal. Penelope herself speaks of her beauty leaving her when Odysseus left so it leads one to believe that Penelope is most likely an attractive woman but the years of stress waiting for Odysseus have taken some physical toll on her."Penelope, wary and thoughtful, Now came from her bedroom, and she was like Artemis or golden Aphroditem" (167).Penelope is a pitied character for much of the story as the reader is more in tune with the struggles of Odysseus and mainly thinks of Penelope as the sorrowful wife who longs for her husbands return. While that is true in many ways, the later books reveal just how steadfast and clever that Penelope is in dealing with the suitors.

Protagonist: Penelope may not have been the strong and powerful hero in a traditional sense but her virtues of patience and faithfulness were heroic nonetheless. By keeping the suitors at bay and providing Odysseus with the opportunity to win back his house and family, she filled the part of protagonist every bit as equal as Odysseus.

Static: Penelope remained steadfast and loyal to Odysseus ever hopeful that he would eventually return. However, she also remains very cautious in order to protect both her and her son Telemachus."Every day I would weave at the great loom, And every night unweave the web by torchlight. I fooled them for three years with my craft (170)."“My child, I am lost in wonder and unable to speak or ask a question Or look him in the eyes. If he really is Odysseus come home, the two of us Will be sure of each other, very sure. There are secrets between us no one else knows (218).”

Both Internal and External: Penelope was under siege from the suitors. She felt a constant pressure and burden from their presence as an external factor. Internally, Penelope had to find an inner peace and strength to persevere despite her heartache. Many factors outside of her control kept Odysseus from returning home.