Queen of Ithaca, daughter of Icarius, and the loyal wife of Odysseus. She waited for him for 20 years after Odysseus left for Troy. Thinking Odysseus was dead, arrogant nobles from surrounding kingdoms occupied the palace to marry her and seize the throne. Since she lacked the physical strength to openly resist these tyrants, she developed cunning strategies worthy of her husband's 'metis' (intelligence). She stalled the suitors for three years by weaving a shroud for Laertes by day and unweaving it by night. Even when Odysseus returns, she does not abandon her caution; she is a woman clever enough to test her husband with the secret of their bed.
Daughter of Icarius. She married Odysseus when she was a young and beautiful woman, and her husband went to war shortly after Telemachus was born. She spent her youth in sorrow, raising her son alone and watching for her husband's return.
Possesses an extremely beautiful and dignified appearance. Her beauty is often compared to goddesses (Artemis or Aphrodite). She often keeps her face covered with a thin veil. Although her face may grow pale from grief, she has a divine allure.
Antinoos
Her arch-enemy, whom she hates and who attempted to kill her son.
Odysseus
The center of her life, her husband whose return she never fully stopped awaiting.
Eurykleia
Her trusted, loyal servant and confidante.
Telemakhos
Her beloved son, whom she tries to protect but has had to accept is now grown.