Final answer:
Briseis's role as a war prize in the Trojan War underscores themes of power, ownership, and the human cost of war, demonstrating the significant impact of her character on the story's events and the status of women in ancient warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Briseis in the Trojan War narrative is significant because she embodies the themes of power, ownership, and the spoils of war, thus highlighting the precarious position of women during ancient wartime. Briseis is initially given to Achilles as a war prize, representing a trophy of his accomplishments on the battlefield. Her subsequent forced transfer to Agamemnon triggers Achilles' wrath and withdrawal from battle, which has significant repercussions for the Greek forces. Her role underscores how women were used as pawns in the power dynamics between male warriors, and her narrative is pivotal in the unfolding of the literary events of the Iliad.