Final answer:
Sympathies for characters in the Iliad might differ, with Achilles' vulnerabilities, Hector's valor, and Priam's parental grief evoking different emotions. The complexity of the epic allows readers to connect with various aspects of these characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing characters from the Iliad, like Achilles, Hector, and Priam, one's sympathies might vary based on the character's qualities and their role in the narrative. Achilles, although a formidable warrior imbued with almost divine prowess, often attracts sympathy because of his vulnerability—the Achilles heel—and his personal losses. Hector, as the paragon of Trojan valor and family man, might garner sympathy due to his defense of home and sheer humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. Lastly, Priam, the aged king of Troy, evokes a deep sense of pathos, particularly when he begs Achilles for the return of his son Hector’s body, capturing the universal anguish of parental grief. One's connection to these characters can shift throughout the poem, reflecting the rich complexity of Homer's epic storytelling.