Who is Telemachus?

Telemachus is the classic suppressed teen in the beginning of the Odyssey. He wants to prove that he is a man and that he can be like his father, Odysseus, who is one of the bravest and wisest men in Greece. Since Odysseus is away and presumed dead by most suitors flock to his home in Ithica seeking control of his land, wealth, and power. Telemachus is the rightful heir and he wants what is his, however he is not old enough to take the power so he cannot become the King. He is somewhat selfish and a little immature at this point in the book and he shows it by his actions regarding finding his father. He wants to try and find Odysseus so that he can protect his right of succession which is a slightly inward view, but also understandable because he doesn't want his family's lands to go to someone else. His decision to leave and search for word of his father is a somewhat mature decision because he is taking the problem into his own hands and trying to find a solution.