Geryon

Geryon is the book’s central character and protagonist. Throughout the narrative, he is both portrayed and perceived as a self-described monster, with red skin and wings. In spite of his mother’s best efforts early in his life, he is unable to see himself as anything other than different, which means that when Herakles sees him as someone worth spending time with, and perhaps even loving, he finds himself drawn into a relationship perhaps more quickly, and more deeply, than he otherwise might. As anyone who has experienced a longing to be liked can probably attest, discovering someone who actually fulfills that longing, no matter who that person is or what that person’s own flaws, can be simultaneously exciting and dangerous: both are aspects of Geryon’s relationship with Herakles that play key roles in how the narrative, and Geryon’s journey of transformation throughout that...