Hektor, the greatest of the Trojan warriors, begins the poem as the model of a Homeric hero. His dedication and strict belief in the code of honor is illustrated many times throughout the course of The Iliad. An example of this is presented in book three of the poem, where Hektor reprimands Paris for refusing to fight. He says to Paris, "Surely now the flowing-haired Achains laugh at us, thinking you are our bravest champion, only because your looks are handsome, but there is no strength in your heart, or courage" (3:43). Hektor believes that it is against the heroic code for a person to abstain from fighting when his fellow men are in the battlefield. Hektor faces a moral dilemma when dealing with Paris. By being Paris' brother, Hektor is supposed to protect and honor his decisions, but he believes that Paris is wrong in his actions, and feels it necessary to make that known

A character's social status was mainly based upon his performance in the battlefield. Achilleus is a tragic figure who believes strongly in social order, but questions the idea of fighting for glory. When Aias and Odysseus are sent by Agamemnon to plead with Achilleus' to fight for the Greeks, Achilleus denies them, saying "There was no gratitude given for fighting incessantly forever against your enemies. Fate is the same for the man who holds back, the same if he fights hard" (9:316). This statement shows that Achilleus is an individual, and does not conform to the ideas of the others. Achilleus is portrayed as a fatalist, believing that there is no point in fighting, because the end is the same for everyone. In book nine, when Agamemnon admits he is wrong and offers gifts, Achilleus still refuses to join his army in battle. He does not see Agamemnon's gifts as a reconciliation attempt, but rather as an insult. Achilles believes that Agamemnon's offerings are selfish and boastful, and he denies them to in order to show Agamemnon that his loyalty cannot be bought.

Nestor is the character in the poem who best convinces the others to diligently follow the code of honor. There are many instances in which the social order of The Iliad is disrupted, and Nestor comes forth to help restore the order. Although they are thought by the reader to be somewhat pointless, Nestor's stories always have a deeper meaning behind them. In book seven Hektor challenges the Achaians, asking which of them is willing to fight against him. When none volunteer, Nestor tells them the story of his victory against Ereuthalion, emphasizing that at the time he fought he was the youngest among the warriors. He says to the troops, " If I were young now, as then, and the strength still steady within me; Hektor of the glancing helm would soon find

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1234
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)