Characters
Beowulf
Beowulf is the main protagonist in the story. He is the perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon hero, even being called the "hero of all heroes" by some. Beowulf shows that he is determined, and won't back down from a challenge at hand. He is so confident in his ideal values that he will risk his life for them. Beowulf sends himself to Hrothgar in an attempt to prove his strength and values. He is desperate to help those in need, and will back these people no matter the consequences. During this epic tale, he successfully kills three large and dangerous monsters, two of which being descendants of the horrible Cain ("Character Analysis.").
Grendel
Grendel is the face of evil in this tale. He represents all that is evil and corrupt, and shows that trait throughout his place in the story. Being a descendant of Cain, he is half human and half monster. He is gruesome and terrorizes the townsfolk of Heorot, slowly killing and eating the residents. Grendel holds incredible strength that makes him invincible to the average man, but is matched by Beowulf. Grendel plays a larger part in the story, being the first monster that Beowulf slays during his time in Heorot ("Character Analysis.").
Grendel's Mother
Grendel's mother isn't your average caring mother. She's the only reason Grendel even exists, which is a crime on its own. She's a descendant of Cain, and is virtually undefeatable by the common man. Grendel's mother is the second beast Beowulf kills in his attempt at glory. She dies in that underwater battle she has with Beowulf ("Character Analysis.").
Hrothgar
Hrothgar is the King of Danes, and houses Beowulf during his battle against Grendel and Grendel's mother. Unlike the popular warrior code during this time period, Hrothgar is not afraid to display his emotions when speaking. He is wise, but lacks the strength required to defend his land from the monsters attacking it. Hrothgar is very compassionate towards his people ("Character Analysis.").
Wiglaf
Wiglaf is very important, because he is the warrior that is given the job of spreading Beowulf's life throughout the world. He aids Beowulf during his last battle with the dragon, but is not enough to save Beowulf's life. Beowulf values Wiglaf as much as he values King Hrothgar ("Character Analysis.").