Answer:
I do not believe Odysseus was a hero that everyone seemed to think he was because, when he battled a monster he had to get the credit for it. If he was a real hero, he would not put himself and his fame first. Odysseus was known to think himself out of situations, but would always jeopardize his men for his well being. Odysseus does, however, have some tragic flaws. His blinding of the Cyclops, for example, is what angers Poseidon and makes Odysseus's journey home take so long. He has moments of anger and pique that cause him to take rash actions, and, in these moments, he is not an ideal hero but a very human character.
(i don't have the book, so i cant quote evidence)