The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem written by Homer. It tells the story of the Trojan War and the events leading up to it. The main characters in the poem are ACHILLES, AJAX, ODYSSEUS, and HECTOR. ACHILLES is a brave and powerful warrior who is the son of the goddess Thetis and the mortal Peleus. AJAX is a great warrior and a loyal friend of ACHILLES. ODYSSEUS is a cunning and resourceful hero who is the king of Ithaca. HECTOR is the prince of Troy and the greatest warrior of the Trojan army.