Beowulf is strong, brave, courageous, and honorable. He is often veiwed as overly confident but has the right to be so. He is the ideal warrior outsmarting his opponents and even overpowering them. His only flaw led to his death when he attempted to kill the dragon without the help of younger warriors (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").
Grendel
The first demon Beowulf must face, eventhough he is not human Grendel still displays emotions and determination. Derived from Cain and banished by God, Grendel never experienced the love and joy others could. This lack of nourishment caused his hatred to grow (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").
King Hrothgar
King of the Danes and a noble leader but has been weighed down with sorrow and loss from the repetitive attacks on his kingdom. As a result he accepts Beowulfs offer to battle grendel (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").
Grendel's Mother
Just as dangerous as Grendel, his mother was driven by her son's death to kill the warrior Beowulf. Her battle with Beowulf was a result of her vengeance towards her son's murderer (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").
Wiglaf
One of the warriors selected by Beowulf to battle the dragon that took his life. Wiglaf was the only warrior that stood by Beowulf's side (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").
The Dragon
Awoken by a theif, this dragon began to terrorize Beowulf's kingdom, burning houses, farms and villages. Beowulf gathered a team of warriors to wage war with this beast. When the team arrives all but two warriors flee for safety. Wiglaf and Beowulf defeat the dragon together but Beowulf dies from his wounds (Melissa Snell. "Primary Characters in Beowulf").