In book three of the Iliad, Paris boldly strides in the front rank of the Trojan forces, but he hides when he sees Menelaus in the approaching Achaean army. Hector denounces Paris for being more beautiful than brave. Paris doesn't argue, however his pride is hurt.
He proposes settling the conflict over Helen in single combat with Menelaus. Hector accepts the challenge. The goddess Iris summons Helen to watch.
Joining Priam on the walls, she calls out the Achaean champions, including Agamemnon, Odysseus, and great Ajax. Priam offers sacrifices to bind the agreement and then leaves. Neither Paris or Menelaus wound each other with spear throws.
Menelaus'sword breaks on Paris'helmet, and Menelaus attempts to strangle Paris with his helmet strap. Aphrodite intervenes and saves Paris, spiriting him off to his bedroom. She brings Helen to him, who mocks him at first, but in the end they make love. Agamemnon declares Menelaus the winner and demands Helen's return. Now in Book 3, Helen is depicted as a sympathetic character.
She deeply regrets the cost of the conflict being fought over her, and she wonders if her brothers aren't in the Achaean army because they are ashamed of her. Helen resists Aphrodite bringing her to Paris at first. Aphrodite has the power to to bend Helen to her will and make her continue to love Paris. Viewing divine intervention as an explanation for human mystery, Helen's feelings for Paris are deeply conflicted.
She both loves him and despises him. Paris doesn't seem to feel much shame or responsibility in his role for starting the war. Hector is the one who wishes Paris had died before bringing doom upon their city. Paris is motivated more by pleasure and self-preservation.
than by honor. It takes Hector hurting his pride to prompt him to duel, but his enthusiasm for combat wanes quickly. He is not in the least upset to end up back in his bedroom with Helen, leaving the army to continue fighting while he enjoys the spoils. It's not surprising the Trojan army hates Paris like death, black death. Past the age of fighting for glory and honor, Priam is the character most connected.
with his humanity. The other Trojan elders want to send Helen back to save their city. Priam does not blame Helen and treats her compassionately despite all the trouble she has brought on Troy.