Character Analysis: Paris

Paris was son of Priam and Hecuba and Brother of Hector. In both the Iliad and Troy his actions and affair with Menelaus’s wife Helen caused the war. There are key differences between the portrayals of Paris.

In the Iliad Paris is disliked by the Trojan people. We can see from quotes from the Iliad such as  “You, why are you so afraid of war and slaughter? Even if all the rest of us drop and die around you, grappling for the ships, you’d run no risk of death: you lack the heart to last it out in combat—coward!” He appears to be rather arrogant. He is not a courageous character. His choice of weapon is the bow and arrow which is often known as a coward weapon. He shy’s away from the front line and prefers to stay with Helen in the town. Unlike in the Movie Hector insults and isn’t as supportive to his brother. He scolds and belittles him about his shortcoming in battle. It might seem strange to know that the weak Paris manages to kill the mighty Achilles. Paris famously shoots him in the heel with his bow. Some say the Paris was guided by Apollo or even was Apollo in disguise. Another difference between the ancient and modern text is what happens when Paris and Menelaus fight. He is easily beaten by Menelaus but is lucky as Aphrodite spirits him away from the fight and back to the bedroom with Helen. He is later mortally wounded and pleads to his first wife Oenone but she refuses and lets Paris die.

In the Movie Paris is less hated. He faces Menelaus but then losses and cowers under his Brother and is saved from Menelaus because Hector kills him, this then causes the Greeks to charge. In the movie he is not hated by the Trojans and is supported by his family. He also appears less arrogant as at first he regrets stealing Helen and wanted to give her back but his never happens so the war begins.

This vase painting below depicts Paris and Helen, shows him in the bedroom rather then with soldiers. 

This vase shows Paris judging a beauty contest between gods.