In order to understand Odysseus' characteristics, it is important to understand that he is an Epic Hero; as such, he displays characteristics that are both heroic as well as human. For example, he displays the characteristics of a classic Epic Hero when he is challenged with the task of returning home to Ithaca and successfully overcomes the odds. For example, he outwits Polyphemus the Cyclops; he battles Charybdis and Scylla; finally, he disguises himself as a beggar and wins his family back from the intruders in his own home. On the other hand, he displays human characteristics as well: he is overly curious, which gets him into trouble with the cyclops, Lotus Eaters, etc. He is a man, and has a difficult time resisting the temptations of the beautiful Circe and Calypso. So, his characteristics fit into two categories: epic hero and human.
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