Who Telemachus is
Telemachus is about twenty when the poem opens, living on Ithaca while his father remains far from home. He sits among the suitors, angry and helpless, imagining Odysseus coming back through the door. His mother Penelope delays choosing another husband, while the men consume the household's cattle and wine.
What Telemachus wants
Telemachus wants news of his father, and Athena gives him a plan for seeking it. Disguised as the family friend Mentes, she urges him to call an assembly and challenge the suitors. He speaks well before the gathering, but the suitors laugh and refuse to leave his house.
How Telemachus changes
Although the assembly does not drive the suitors away, Telemachus now has a purpose beyond waiting. He slips out to sea with Athena's help and visits men who knew his father at Troy. His journey takes him from anger at home toward seeking answers for himself.
Telemachus and the others in the story
Nestor welcomes Telemachus at Pylos, but cannot tell him where Odysseus is now. At Sparta, Menelaus and Helen share memories that reveal his father's courage, patience and skill with disguises. Menelaus also brings him the news he seeks, that Odysseus is alive on Calypso's island.
Questions
Who are Telemachus's parents?
Telemachus is the son of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and Penelope.
Why does Telemachus leave Ithaca?
He leaves to discover what has happened to his father, following Athena's advice.
How does Athena help Telemachus?
Athena encourages him to confront the suitors and helps him set out on his search.