Final answer:
Odysseus in 'The Odyssey' is best known for his courage and resourcefulness, traits leading to his ultimate survival and success. While his cleverness is usually an asset, it occasionally leads to additional challenges, such as when he angers the god Poseidon.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the epic The Odyssey, the protagonist Odysseus displays a complex character, but is most notably known for his courage and resourcefulness, traits that are evident throughout Homer's narrative. These qualities are directly linked to his survival and ultimate success in returning home to Ithaca. Whether it is outsmarting the Cyclops Polyphemus by claiming his name is 'Nobody,' thus ensuring his and his crew's escape, or navigating the perilous waters between Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus's quick thinking and bravery are central to the storyline. The consequences of these traits are generally positive, leading to his overcoming immense obstacles and fulfilling his heroic image as established by the oral tradition of Greek storytelling. However, traits such as deceit and arrogance at certain points do contribute to the isolating challenges he faces, such as the years lost at sea due to angering Poseidon.