There have been many different interpretations of John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. Milton's purpose in writing the epic was to explain the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Although the epic is similar to the biblical story in many ways, Milton's character structure differs from that of the biblical version. Throughout the epic Milton describes the characters as he believes them to be. In Book II of Paradise Lost, Milton portrays Satan as a rebel who displays certain heroic qualities, but who turns out not to be a hero. Milton's introduction of Satan shows the reader how significant Satan is to Paradise Lost. He uses Satan's heroic qualities for his followers and his ability to corrupt to show the fine line between good and evil. Satan was one of the highest angels in Heaven and was known as Lucifer, which means light-bringer. This shows that he was once a good angel. Milton makes the reader see him as a leader and a strong influence on everyone in his presence. He best describes Satan's ways when he states: "His pride / had cast him out of heaven, with all his host. / Of rebellious angels, by whose aspiration / to place himself in glory above his equals" (Milton Book I). Satan's pride was the main reason why God banished him from heaven. Satan always tried to be number one and a leader, instead of following God's shadow. He would live a life in Heaven forever, but he had to follow his feelings as he states, "Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Paradise" (Milton 31). This shows how strongly he felt that he was not above everyone else. Milton uses many events like those listed above to encourage the reader to see Satan as a hero. “Satan is described as the brightest and most important angel” (McColley 32). These traits of Satan show...half of the card......and lead to ingratitude towards God" from the beginning of the epic (Weber 25). Although Satan is a great warrior and can make wonderful speeches, it seems being hypocritical about what he tells his followers he believes and what he actually does. An example of this is when we are first introduced to Satan and the other fallen angels are in hell and Satan tells the others that he has no. fear, when he too is scared. Satan's character "deteriorates" greatly throughout the epic (Ruma 81). Satan is seen as a great warrior and then as time passes, his own followers begin to doubt him as the hero advances to be met and rejected, first verbally and then with weapons" (Revard 225). This explains how the two most heroic qualities, which Milton uses to describe Satan as a rebellious hero, were diminished and Milton's Satan is not a hero after all.