Telemachus: (tel-lem-a -kus)Telemachus is the son of Odysseus, who hasn't seen his father since he was a baby. At the beginning of the story, Telemachus is a little out of his element when it comes to being assertive and dealing with the suitors. However, after Athena comes and speaks with Telemachus, suggesting to him ways to begin in getting rid of the suitors and how to start behaving like the Prince that he is, Telemachus immediately starts shaping up. For the first time since his father ruled Ithaca, a council is called among the citizens, and Telemachus makes an elaborate speech pleading for the council to help him out with the suitor problem. His growing courage is shown when he confronts the suitors about how they are ruining his inheritance.

Telemachus' attitude as a self-assured `man of the house" is revealed when instead of comforting Penelope as...