Beowulf

Characters in Beowulf

3 characters, main characters first.

Main characters

Beowulf
The Geatish warrior hero of the original Old English poem -- his three battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon structure the epic.

Antagonists

Grendel
The monster whose attacks on Heorot hall open the poem -- Tolkien's commentary is particularly interested in what Grendel represents theologically and mythologically.

Supporting characters

Hrothgar
The Danish king whose hall Heorot is under siege from Grendel, and who calls on Beowulf for aid.