Through the use of characterization, characters' true identities and traits can be revealed to readers, particularly when viewed through qualities such as leadership. Collectively, this leads to narrative meaning becoming a tool that initiates thought through the use of emotional language or exaggeration. This notion is evident in David Malouf's historical fiction novel "Ransom" and Seamus Heaney's translation of "Beowulf", whereby both glorify the common perception that wars and battles are heroic and honorable events, however, in the context nowadays such situations are perceived as inhumane. and rather fuels the fall of individuals. Specifically, Ransom derives from an epic poem in the Iliad that explores a few weeks of the ten-year Trojan War, using characterization to focus on the burdensome and restrictive nature of leadership in a monarchical society. Furthermore, the epic poem set in the medieval literary period 'Beowulf', explores the two main events in the life of a legendary hero, Beowulf, with some references to the unsustainable nature of power and immortality. Essentially, both texts are fluid in any context as they describe characters that are intriguing and relevant to readers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay All individuals experience times of difficulty that can be difficult to overcome, however, in order for a leader to lead, they must be able to move forward, in turn revealing to readers their true character and identity in a light positive or negative. In Ransom, leadership ultimately becomes a quality that vividly portrays to readers the true nature of the main protagonists, particularly during times of conflict. Here, it is crucial to explore how Malouf uses leadership to characterize the inner worlds of Priam and Malouf, in turn stimulating reader engagement. At the forefront of the text, none of these characters maintain a stable sense of identity as they are occupied with their social roles. Initially, Achilles' character was complicated by the death of his friend Patroclus at the hands of the Trojan prince Hector, so the metaphor "clogging the gray net" conveys the pain that traps him and consequently tarnishes his image as a leader due to the his barbaric act. of revenge when Hector is killed. Malouf's earlier epithet relating to Achilles' "speed of foot" accentuates how his strong past characterization as a divine warrior is immediately undermined by the fact that his "spirit" "abandons" him moments after death – a connotation of abandonment and loss of his identity. In the Iliad, Achilles kills Hector and drags his body behind his chariot as punishment for Patroclus' death. However, Malouf describes Achilles in this scene as not necessarily angry, but rather dead himself. This contemporary remake of the Iliad allows readers to perceive the characters as more "normal" human beings and emphasizes that Ransom's primary interest is narrative and how stories are distorted in the telling. In comparison, Malouf uses Priam's characterization differently to describe him as a human. and compassionate one who is caught between physicality and spirituality. Here he is exposed to the same pain that affects other individuals but is trapped in a fixed social order that limits how he can express himself. The use of a simile of “banging like a pea in the golden skin of his…dazzling eminence” conveys Priam's concern about losing himself in his role as king.Here Malouf expresses to readers the often perceived idea that the character of a leader in a monarchical society must be suppressed and no emotions should be revealed. However, as the novel progresses, Priam experiences extreme grief over his son's death and realizes the need to be "stripped of all distractions" of power and to remain "bold" in his decision to confront Achilles. Here, the elusive use of the negative connotation, “distractions,” is representative of Priam's character as a humble leader who wants to “do what is most human,” rather than be the “executioner.” Furthermore, emotional language lies in “the possibility of freeing myself from the obligation to always be the hero, since I am always expected to be the king. Taking on the lighter bond of simply being a man…. Maybe this is redemption” characterizes Priam as a humble leader and allows readers to foresee the importance of compassion and empathy in every aspect of life, so after a life as a king, Priam wants to experience being a man and an ordinary father. Ultimately, Malouf reveals to readers that it was Priam's extraordinary act of leadership that influenced and transformed the character of Achilles by the end of the novel, into an empathetic and humane man who has "pity for each other's losses" and is capable of share other people's passions. people's misfortunes. It is important here to mention the incredible narrative meaning that is achieved through Malouf's powerful choice of words of which he is keenly aware. Here, Malouf's goal is to express beauty and, at the same time, a physical and spiritual tool that touches the inner self of an individual. The idea that leadership is a quality that can invite readers to see the true colors of characters in good times and bad times continues in the poem "Beowulf." Written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, the text shows all the traits of a hero and a leader through the main protagonists to represent to readers a good example of individuals who make sacrifices for their people. In this, the character of Beowulf is characterized as a courageous, strong and decisive leader, loyal to his people. The author conveys Beowulf's character to readers through other characters who speak highly of him. For example, the use of dialogue in Hrothgar's comment “Beowulf's actions were praised again and again. Nowhere, they said… was there anyone better to rule a kingdom” refers to Beowulf's wisdom – a kingly characteristic. Also, the use of the third person in “by the strength of one all prevailed; they would crush their enemy and emerge triumphant and happy” conveys to readers how Beowulf's strong character not only had a direct impact on him but also has great value for his people, as it is this act of courage and leadership that kept them alive. Essentially, Beowulf's characterization invites engagement with the reader as it describes what a true leader should be like: brave, strong, caring, and loyal. However, it is important to mention that Beowulf declares that his victory would have been impossible without God's grace and constantly recalls God's work/help during his moments of pride, which once again describes Beowulf's character. In contrast, King Hrothgar is depicted as a different kind of leader than the young warrior Beowulf, whereby he is characterized more as a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king Beowulf becomes. This portrayal of Hrothgar as a 'mentor'-like figure is evident in one of the epic's most important speeches, where the pleading tone in "beware of that trap" refers to the arrogance that can represent a.