Homer: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in Homer, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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MenelausThe man from whom Paris abducts Helen, prompting the Greek expedition against Troy.First seen in chapter 2
HelenThe woman whose abduction by Paris prompts an army to gather against Troy.First seen in chapter 2
ParisThe man who chooses Venus and abducts Helen from Menelaus.First seen in chapter 2
AchillesA Greek fighter who refuses further military help after Agamemnon takes his captive Briseis.First seen in chapter 3
MinervaA goddess who prevents Achilles from attacking Agamemnon during their dispute over Briseis.First seen in chapter 3
AgamemnonA Greek leader who takes Briseis from Achilles after agreeing to return Chryseis.First seen in chapter 3
NestorA Greek who unsuccessfully urges reconciliation between Achilles and Agamemnon.First seen in chapter 3
HectorA Trojan who rebukes Paris before Paris proposes a duel with Menelaus.First seen in chapter 4
PriamA Trojan elder who hears Helen identify Greek leaders above the gate.First seen in chapter 4
UlyssesA Greek who joins the appeal to Achilles and raids the Thracian camp with Diomed.First seen in chapter 8
PatroclusA companion whom Achilles sends to learn about the fighting near the Greek ships.First seen in chapter 9
PenelopeUlysses' wife, who struggles to delay another marriage while suitors consume his wealth.First seen in chapter 16
TelemachusUlysses' son, whom Minerva encourages to confront the suitors and seek news of his father.First seen in chapter 16
EumæusUlysses' loyal swineherd, who welcomes his disguised master without recognizing him.First seen in chapter 21

Chapter 2
Paris abducts Helen from Menelaus, prompting the Greeks to gather an army against Troy.
Chapter 3
Agamemnon takes Briseis, and Achilles withdraws from the fighting in anger.
Chapter 4
Menelaus gains the advantage in their duel, but Venus carries Paris away to Helen's chamber.
Chapter 5
Minerva persuades Pandarus to shoot Menelaus, breaking the truce while protecting Menelaus from serious injury.
Chapter 7
Hector and Ajax fight until dusk, and the Greeks build defenses around their ships.
Chapter 8
Achilles rejects reconciliation, while Diomed and Ulysses kill Dolon and raid the Thracian camp.
Chapter 9
Hector breaks through the Greek defenses and drives the Greeks toward their ships.
Chapter 10
Patroclus borrows Achilles' armor, pursues the Trojans too far, and dies under Hector's spear.
Chapter 11
Achilles makes peace with Agamemnon and drives the Trojans inside Troy, leaving Hector outside alone.
Chapter 12
Achilles kills Hector but later grants Priam's appeal to return the body for burial.
Chapter 13
The narrator recounts legends of Achilles' death, Troy's capture, and the suffering of returning Greek heroes.
Chapter 16
Minerva encourages Telemachus to challenge the suitors, and he sails secretly to seek news of Ulysses.
Chapter 17
Telemachus visits Nestor and Menelaus and learns that Calypso holds Ulysses captive.
Chapter 18
Ulysses leaves Calypso, survives shipwreck, and receives help from Nausicaa and her royal parents.
Chapter 19
Ulysses recounts his escape from Polyphemus and the mistakes that repeatedly delay his return home.
Chapter 20
Ulysses consults the dead, then loses his companions after they slaughter the Sun's sacred cattle.
Chapter 21
Ulysses reaches Ithaca, receives a beggar's disguise from Minerva, and finds shelter with Eumæus.
Chapter 22
Telemachus returns safely, reunites with Ulysses, and agrees to conceal his father's return.
Chapter 23
Ulysses endures abuse in his palace and speaks with Penelope without revealing his identity.
Chapter 24
Ulysses wins the bow contest and kills the suitors with Telemachus, loyal servants, and Minerva's help.
Chapter 25
Penelope tests Ulysses through their marriage bed's secret and accepts him as her husband.
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