During Odysseus’ travels, in the Odyssey, Homer presents the protagonist as a flawed hero; also on other occasions, a courageous one. Our initial depiction of the Greek hero, whom is on his travels to ‘sunny Ithaca’, is one of great triumph (through the perspective of Telemachus). This later changes to the representation of an unsteady individual (which changes further, in future books), proving to us he’s a protagonist of considerable character development.
One major argument for the ‘Long-enduring’ Odysseus, and his lesser heroic ways is, in Book 5 when Poseidon (a godly enemy of the character) shipwrecks the protagonist. Coming to his aid was ‘Cadmus’ daughter with lovely ankles, Ino’. This does show that Odysseus does in fact need help from others on his journeys; showing us a rather reliant side to Odysseus. But that is not the only time he relies on ones assistant, Odysseus earlier in the Odyssey, does heavily lean on Athena’s assistance to accompany him. She also, in Book 5, does make an appearance to help out with Odysseus’ shipwrecking by countering Poseidon and ‘commanding’ the waves ‘to hush now, go to sleep.’ Further proving Odysseus’ needing, and aid of others, oppose to being an individual hero.
Another flawed antic on Odysseus’ behalf would be his disregards of the Xenia laws. His more notable strike to the God’s laws of Xenia is in Book 9; ‘In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave’. The first strike in the book is the plundering of the “Cicones’ Stronghold.”; Ismarus. Here he “sacked the city, killed the men, but as for the wives and plunder… we shared it round”. Within this brief story, there isn’t much (if any) regards to the Cicones’ fighting back. This possibly is implying Odysseus’ greed, of just deciding to ransack the place. Second is Odysseus’ hypocrisy, with the encounter of Polyphemus (the Cyclops). “We’re suppliants – at your mercy! Zeus of Strangers guards all guests and suppliants:” this is therefore hypocritical of him, to acclaim the Cyclops to respect Xenia, since right before he was helping himself to the Polyphemus’ cheeses. Which, without consent of the land owner, is not a good act of Xenia: since it also refers to the guests having to act within reason. All of this, is of course, adding up to Odysseus’ flawed hero sector.
Although, considering all of that, Odysseus does have some good elements: further debating his righteousness of Hero title. One being: his awesome strength! During Book 8’s contests, after Broadsea mocks the ‘great’ Odysseus, Odysseus ‘hurls’ his discus; which goes “far in front” of Broadsea’s. Further into this book, we can note his strength in other sports, such as spears: “I can fling a spear as far as the next man wings an arrow!” Even Alcinous is left to admit Odysseus’ skill, “You simply want to display the gifts you’re born with”, which leaves the rest of the witnesses ‘stood quiet, hushed.’ Not forgetting Odysseus’ other strength when fighting the Cyclops (in Book 9). “I drove my weight on it from above and bored it home as a shipwright bores”, this of course showing us Odysseus’ great strength, and some hard evidence of his essence of being a true hero.
Further evidence for Odysseus hero features, is the fact that he is favoured by many gods! This of course, could be taken as a means for his worth or even for his heroic-ness. One example would be of Athena helping him out in the duration of the story. Like when she provokes Telemachus to go out looking for his father. There is even evidence of a God falling in love with Odysseus. That being Calypso, whom slept with Odysseus for a number of years! It took Zeus, accompanied by other Gods, to break up and allow for Odysseus to be left alone by Calypso. The fact that Odysseus is favoured by the gods, does show him as being a full on hero, and may counter argue or even dis-acknowledge many of his flaws.
Concluding, there are strong arguments either side: on the subject of Odysseus being flawed or not. But I do feel as though the argument for him being a true hero is not so complimentary. The opposing side has vast amounts of evidence I haven’t even began mentioning: Odysseus’ hubris, fails to control men, not being proactive, etcetera. Whilst I feel there is a lack of evidence to further prove Odysseus not being so flawed.
Lucas Wilkinson's Classics Blog 
Just one thing missing from an otherwise very strong essay: you haven’t explored how Athena supports him and helps – something that shows he’s favoured by the gods, therefore, must be a hero or it shows that he can’t be heroic on his own.
B grade,