Characterisation of Characters in The Iliad(according to Richard Jenkyns)

Richard Jenkyns describes Paris in three words; complicated, distinctive and attractive

Paris is a 'constant and erratic warrior', but we are not encouraged to hate him. Instead, he adds to the ethos of the poem.

When Menelaus is trying to kill him, Paris retreats back into the army like a 'man who catches sight of a snake in a wooded ravine and sharply recoils'. He is terrified of Menelaus, son of Atreus.

-Quotes that support his analysis include:

• 'He has put on his glorious armour of intricate bronze'
• 'Glorying as he runs'
• 'Godlike Alexandros'(Alexandros is another name for Paris)
• 'He holds his head high'
• 'Bright in his armour like the…