Paradise Lost Satan Character Analysis

The Byronic hero is a character with “dark” attributes that are not usually associated with a hero. It is a character with several qualities that would normally describe an antagonist. In such way, Byronic heroes are usually arrogant, rebellious, cynical, mysterious, and many times have a troubled past. Byronic heroes are also primarily characterized by being outcasts, having self-destructive behavior, and possessing the ability of seduction or attraction. Milton’s Satan from Paradise Lost exhibits many of these key characteristics; some of which include the following. First, and most important, Satan displays distaste for norms and disrespects the rank and privilege established by God by desiring to become superior and carrying out a plan …show more content…
To some extent, Satan shows an emotional conflict or bipolar tendency consistent with that of a Byronic hero; initially he thinks very rationally, but later in the poem, he shifts to irrational and inconsistent thoughts as he struggles to overcome his own doubts and weaknesses while trying to accomplish the goal of corrupting humankind. In addition, Satan also fits the definition of a Byronic hero by being seductive as he tricks and convinces Eve to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, which was forbidden. Similarly, the character Maleficent, from the fictional movie Maleficent, fits perfectly into the definition of a Byronic hero. Essentially, Maleficent portrays and possesses dark attributes that distinguishes her form every other character. In the movie, she is presented as a mysterious, sophisticated, and highly seductive female figure with great intelligence, strength, and dominance. Moreover, throughout the movie, Maleficent is emotionally conflicted as she battles her massive pain, anger, and love; also, she struggles with integrity. Maleficent despises the royal kingdom, specifically the king, for threatening her forest kingdom and land; therefore, she displays great distaste for the social authority and