In the book The Iliad, Homer presents several characters, which direct suspense and tension in his story. These characters carry personalities that develop through the story as situations arise. Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Achaean army, is one of the these characters that Homer presents as strong, courageous, and heroic, yet lacks the integrity to handle his pride. Achilles" pride is the one trait that throughout the story of The Iliad drives his fury of anger. It is his pride that activates his emotions through each passing situation.
Achilles is described as a young, strong warrior that has the potential to become an unforgettable hero. He is very stubborn however, and it is this characteristic that causes a few flaws in his perfect image. Achilles starts out against the Trojan War. He doesn't believe he should fight in it because he was directly insulted when Agamemnon demanded that he give up Briseis, which was female he claimed after the Achaean army sacked Chryse. This insult to his pride, is what drove his fury to refuse to fight against the Trojans. Achilles was so enraged by this insult that he even prayed to the gods that the Achaeans would suffer defeat.
It is when Nestor persuades Achilles to let his best friend, Patroclus, wear his armor that Achilles shows some remorse for his fellow comrades. Although concerned for his troops because they suffered heavy causalities, Achilles was still too proud to fight. It takes the death of his friend Patroclus to get him to fight. Although the death of Patroclus prompts Achilles to fight, it simply just redirected his anger from Agamemnon towards Hector, which was who killed Patroclus.
Achilles mourns from the death of Patroclus, but his anger is only put on hold. He quickly avenges Patroclus" death by killing Hector and brutally dragging his body for display throughout the Achaean camp. Another change in heart is noted when King Priam tearfully requests for the body of his son back.
