Although many characters and creatures are introduced there are a couple that have a more important role in the story line. Hrothgar, king of the Danes, resembles as a compassionate leader. "The fortunes of war favoured Hrothgar. Friends and Kinsmen flocked to his ranks, young followers, a force that grew to be a mighty army- (Heaney 7). Through this example of leadership he proves the extent to his wealth and status. He sent men to build "a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever - (Heaney 7). He also exhibits a lot of compassion because he gives his "God-given goods to young and old "but not the common land or people's lives- (Heaney 7). .
The second and most important character is Beowulf. Beowulf, the hero prince, "in his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful- (Heaney 15). As Beowulf defeats the monsters introduced in the story he gains honor and fame. According to the Anglo-Saxon society the only true immortality is fame. Beowulf has many qualities such as boastfulness, courage, and a sense of duty. His boastfulness is identified as he arrives to Heorot. "Beowulf is my name .the most renowned son of Halfdane- (Heaney 25). "I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats (their enemies brought it upon themselves, I devastated them)'' (Heaney 29). Beowulf makes it clear to the reader that he achieves many things throughout his life. His courage is exhibited when he is so willingly ready to fight any creature that puts harm on other people including a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf proves his sense of duty by traveling to Geatland to help rid his people of a threatening monster.
Throughout the story Beowulf defeats three monsters: Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Grendel is portrayed as the kin of the biblical Cain and, thus, was banished along with the rave of monsters which came from Cain. Grendel's mother is a much deeper evil.
