Alcinous

• descended from Poseidon
• proud of his special relationship with the gods
• he is seen pouring the customary bedtime libation to Hermes
• goes on to order a libation to Zeus as god of suppliants, undertaking to return Ody to Ithaca
• overall impression = well-loved family man
• intuitively understands Nausicaa's reasons for the washing trip
• seems happy to be cajoled into letting her use a wagon
• he is concerned for his happiness, and says he would be pleased to see her married to Odysseus
• sits next to Laodamas, his favourite son
• at the end of the day, he returns with his wife - share a bed
• his household is productive, with 50 maids engaged in weaving
• Homer portrays him as a good ruler
• he is off to an early morning meeting when Nausicaa approaches him
• quick to present Ody at the assembly
• he has pride in the Phaeacians - praises their key talents of feasting, dancing, music, clothes, baths and beds
• he is diplomatic - suggests games when he sees that the bard is upsetting Ody and apologises for Euryalus' behaviour
• he is generous towards Ody
• there are hints that he has had enough of his guest's secrecy
• he tells him not to avoid answering his questions and give him the truth
• bk 11 - tells Ody that he doesn't perceive him as a liar and says he is as skilful as a bard in his storytelling