In Homer's Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, is stranded at sea after the Trojan War. He will have to overcome many obstacles to reach his home, Ithaca. Throughout the book we see the many admirable qualities that Odysseus possesses that make him such an influential literary character: including intelligence and loyalty. However, every hero also has his weaknesses, and Odysseus' main weakness is his pride. We can learn to live our lives from the positive and negative traits of a hero. Odysseus is known not only for using his strength; he also uses his intelligence during his journey. He is intelligent enough to know how to use his enemy's strength to his advantage. For example, when he is trapped in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus by a giant boulder, he knows that the boulder is too heavy for him and his men to move. If he kills Polyphemus, he will have no way to get out of the cave. Instead, Odysseus blinds the Cyclops and waits for him to move the boulder so he can escape. Another example of his ingenuity is that Odysseus plans and thinks about what he will do before he acts. When he finds himself on Scheria and sees that Princess Nausicaa is his only hope of rescue, he thinks about how to get closer to her: “Should he throw his arms around her knees and beg for mercy for the beautiful girl? or should he have stayed where he was and kindly asked her to give him some clothes and show him the way to the city? When he thought about the matter, it seemed best to stay where he was and speak politely and softly, in case he might offend the girl by hugging her knees” (Homer 76). Odysseus realizes that the best way to approach a stranger is not to throw himself at him and approach him recklessly, but to please...... middle of paper ......and son of Laertes, whose address is in Ithaca !” (110). As a result, Polyphemus asks Poseidon that “may he [Odysseus] never reach his home! But if it be his duty to see his friends and return to his high home and native land, he may arrive late and miserable, in another's ship, he may lose all his companions, and he may find another tribulation. home!" (111). Odysseus also tries to build his reputation throughout the book, such as when he passes the Sirens. He plugs the crew's ears with wax, but ties himself up so he can be the only man to hear the siren's song and survive. conclusion, Odysseus was an incredible hero, not only because of his muscles, but also because of his brains and his loyalty. Odysseus was such a significant character in literature because readers can admire him for his many good qualities and learning a lesson from its flaws..