Paradise Lost Satan Character Analysis

In “Paradise Lost” by John Milton, Milton describes and creates the character of Satan into a protagonist. Through various descriptions of loyalty and courage, Milton shows Satan in an air of heroism. Typically, a hero is a person faced with challenges who eventually overcomes those challenges to become prosperous. In “Paradise Lost”, Satan is described like the traditional hero, even though his path is for evil. Satan is a multifaceted character in that he possesses all the qualities that makes a hero, but is associated with evil in theology. Satan is a hero in “Paradise Lost” because John Milton presents him as: a soldier in the fight for freedom, a steadfast commander rallying for his cause, and a loyal pursuer for victory. In the epic, Satan wants, even needs, freedom. He describes God as a dictator--a tyrant--who wants to crush the free will of all his subjects. Satan finds this too unbearable and starts to rebel against the oppressiveness of God’s ruling. This challenge is the first of its kind in the battle for freedom. In turn, God casts Satan and his followers out of Heaven, and into Hell. Even though Hell is a bit gloomy, Satan exclaims, “He/ Who now is Sovran can dispose and bid/What shall be right: fardest from Him is best!” (I. 245-247) Satan is
Satan presents himself as a soldier for freedom because he opposes the unjustified and oppressive rule of God. God will not grant Satan his free will, so in return Satan reasonably challenges God for a simple right. Satan is also like a commander, because he is continually rallying for his cause. He encourages his follows and organizes them to fight. Lastly, Satan is a pursuer for victory. Satan persistently tries to gain victory over his opponents and never abandons his goal. These qualities make for an excellent