In a revisit to Homer’s eighth century epic poem "Illiad", David Malouf’s "Ransom" explores the worlds of royalty, war and the common man. Although Malouf explores the original themes of revenge, redemption and fate, he predominately focuses on the human connections, relationships and inner thoughts of his characters. Malouf contends that
Somax is the true hero of the novel, "Ransom", through the events he participates in, his disposition and the characteristics he displays.

Somax, a mere commoner that Malouf has added into his novel, gives Priam an insight into the world he was missing out on. His chatter, whether about ‘[the] little cakes’or his
‘pretty daughter-in-law’, is always intriguing to Priam. After Somax successfully persuades Priam to do a number of things, such as getting him to waddle in the stream and nibble on some griddlecakes, he describes Priam as 'like a child’. Throughout their journey, Somax attempts to ‘…fill out the picture’of the ordinary life Priam has overlooked
‘reveal[ing] these things to him' which help Priam learn more about the “interesting” world around him, the “prattling world” full of “interest”, suggesting that Priam’s world of royal customs and kingship is dull and boring. He rarely makes decisions for himself as he believes
‘I’ve played my part.’ While Somax can be funny at times, that is not his sole purpose in the novel; Somax is more of a teacher to Priam, he teaches Priam many more things, for example, affection, relationships and the world of the common man. Malouf uses these simple tales and stories from Somax to not only highlight the harsh and pleasant realities of the world to Priam, but also allow them to indulge and discover their own sense of humanity in the mortal ordinary world of which until now he has been ignorant.

Somax in his story telling and guidance sparks