Patroclus

Patroclus was a man who cared for his country and its people, which was evident when he pursued a combat in Troy. He truly admired and recognized his beloved friend – Achilles’ greatness when it comes in battling, that is why he held that when he uses Achilles’ famous armor while leading the Myrmidons, he would somehow be able frighten the Trojans. Patroclus, just like his friend Achilles, was also good in battle. He proved this when he killed a number of Trojan leaders in the war. Wearing Achilles’ helmet and armor, no one sensed that it was Patroclus. His movements, appearance – everyone in the battle really thought he was Achilles during that time that was why many were shocked when Hector took off the helmet of his newly slain victim. Hector, on the other hand, looked very disappointed when he found out that it was not Achilles but Patroclus. Hector expected that he had destroyed the greatest army of the Achaian tribe. He, too, could not believe how Patroclus had gone there in Troy, wearing Achilles’ suit of armor, running the risk of being the enemies’ objective and killed.

Patroclus was one courageous and skillful man. Truly, he had the strength and ability just as much as Achilles. He could have even killed Hector if the deities did not convene against him and plan his death. Anyone can say that he committed a fatal error when he disobeyed Achilles' command of retreating from the battle when once the ships are geared up, but he only did that because he wanted to prove something. He was a man who was ready to sacrifice even his own life for the sake of the feat of his country. The concern of his fellow warriors during his death was astonishing – from the handling of his corpse to his burial, and everyone really felt the loss of someone very kind and deeply beloved. This event in the book was a testimony that he was a great fellow.