In the Iliad, the characters of Hector and Achilles carry similar traits, although a deeper investigation into each character will show some stark contrasts between the two. Victory and defeat is not the most telling sign as to which is the greater hero of the two. There are flaws within each character and each one fights to overcome them throughout the story. By the end, it is clear which one emerges as the most appropriate symbol of a hero. The character of Achilles is greater than the character of Hector because he was able to overcome more of his character flaws to become a more realistic portrayal of what a heroic character should be.
Both characters of Achilles and Hector show that they have a significant amount love. Despite being great warriors, the capability of love is still within their capacity. However, both men have different ways of directing and showing that love. Hector shows his love in a more traditional sense in that he is devoted entirely…
However, each one displayed their pride in different ways. Achilles did so to a fault when he first refused to fight for Agamemnon. Achilles’ pride got in the way over the fact that Breisis was taken away from him by Agamemnon. Achilles knew the state would be better served if he joined the war, but pride initially kept him out of it. He then overcomes that pride to help lead his state into victory. Hector shows his pride in his country immediately even though he also has great pride in his family. Hector is aware of his duty to his country and does not let his pride get in the way of compromising his service. Instead, he fights as a representative of Troy and it is pride that permits him to make that choice. Hector explains this by saying “All this weighs on my mind too, dear woman. But I would die of shame to face the men of Troy and the Trojan women trailing their long robes if I would shrink from battle now, a coward” (6….
