Ransom

are given an insight into the characters and their thoughts. Achilles is renowned as a warrior and a strong man and even his raw emotions and thoughts are revealed by Malouf. This allows the reader to establish that Achilles mind, “even in its passive state, the most active part of him.” The closeness of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is drawn upon by Achilles own reflections on his soulmate. Achilles describes Patroclus as the, “other before he could fully become himself,” and his recollection that, “he had been mated with Achilles,” solidifies the tight bond that exists between the two. The subsequent grief from Patroclus’ death, plagues Achilles mind and Achilles, “(weeps) without restraint,” and lets the resulting, “self-consuming rage waste his spirit in despair.” Despite Achilles’,” never (betraying) to others what he felt,” these descriptions of Achilles feelings allows the reader to enter his mind and understand his grief and how much he is, “waiting for a break.” .Similar to Achilles, Priam too experiences, “grief that racks him… for his son Hector.” Beyond this, Priam also is worried by the responsibility that he has to save his kingdom, “ravaged and threatened with extinction.” Like Achilles, Priam has long hidden his past as Pordaces and this past leads him to believe himself as a, “pretender, substitute,” and a,” great one of this Earth, only be default.” These thoughts are unfamiliar to that of a king and Malouf brings out these thoughts to show Priam is indeed, “the price paid. “The actions of Priam to seek change only solidify his difference to other kings. Priam insists that the,” old filth stinks,” and this asserts the influence that the past has had on Priam and how it continues to persist in his thoughts. Although the role of women is downplayed in Ransom as the focus is on the men and war, Hecuba’s animated reaction to Priam’s dream brings out how she as a women still has somewhat of a say. Hecuba describes Achilles as,”