I think it is interesting that Milton decided to start with Satan’s story. At least in Book 1, Satan seems to be portrayed like an anti-hero, rather than just an antagonist. If not for his explicitly stated desires to “ever do ill” and “out of good still to find means of evil,” Satan seems almost like a rebel fighting against tyranny (line 160, 165, 1950). Satan is also charismatic and emotional, which I suppose many antagonists share these qualities. However, these qualities also help with the image of someone fighting against the tyranny of another. He gives speeches to the other fallen angels who quickly rise to follow him. Also, three times, “tears such as angels, weep burst forth,” meaning he cried thrice before he was able to give his speech about wanting to corrupt the new world God was building (line 620, 1960). Despite knowing the evil that Satan wants to spread, he does not come off as a classical bad guy to me. I do, however, recognize that Satan is also bitter, petty, and power hungry, agreeing that it is “better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven” (line 263, 1952). This quote could be used to serve my argument that he is resisting tyranny because he does not want to be a servant anymore. It can also be used just to show his defiance of God and evil nature.
It is his goal to defy God and cause harm to all by leading people to damnation. Satan’s large appearance is compared to an island that a sailor might land on; this represents Satan’s ability to lead people astray. I also find it interesting that the main way the fallen angels damn people is by posing as false Gods. They make council in a temple of riches they built named Pandemonium which literally means “all demons” as opposed to the opposite “all gods” (1963). This is a perfect name for their temple since they cause chaos (a synonym to pandemonium) by posing as gods to harm people.
I cannot wait to see how Satan’s character is portrayed in the rest of the epic and how he will play his part in Milton’s story of Adam and Eve.