Who Helen is
Helen is the woman whose departure with Paris leads to the war between the Greeks and Trojans. She lives inside Troy while the Greek army besieges the city.
When she comes to the wall, the old men watching there speak of her beauty. Helen's own words reveal shame and longing rather than pride in the attention she receives.
What Helen wants
Helen longs for her old home and grieves for her brothers. As Priam asks her about the Greek leaders below, she names Agamemnon, Odysseus and Ajax.
Her memories bring a personal sadness into the sight of the armies. Through Helen, the war is also a story of separation from home.
Helen and the others in the story
Paris is the Trojan prince who takes Helen away, while Menelaus is the husband he wrongs. The two men agree to fight a duel, with Helen and her treasure at stake.
When Aphrodite brings Paris away from the duel, she forces Helen to join him. Helen is bitter and ashamed, and her place beside Paris is not presented as simple happiness.
Questions
Who is Helen in The Iliad?
Helen is the woman living in Troy whose departure with Paris leads to the Trojan War.
Who is Helen's husband?
Menelaus is Helen's husband, and he faces Paris in single combat.
How does Helen feel about Troy?
Helen feels ashamed and misses her old home. Her grief sits beside the admiration others express for her beauty.