Milton makes Satan attractive in Paradise Lost by portraying him as a figure wronged by God, embodying desirable traits like independence and autonomy. Satan appears more relatable than the remote, tyrannical depiction of God, sharing human emotions such as anger and resentment. This relatability makes him empathetic, if not sympathetic. While some argue Satan is the hero, his moral decline suggests otherwise, yet his appealing qualities are essential for his role as a tempter.

Satan motivates his fallen angels in "Paradise Lost" through powerful rhetoric, emphasizing free will and the indomitable spirit. After their defeat, he delivers a stirring speech, asserting that despite losing the battle, their "unconquerable will" and desire for revenge remain. He argues that the mind can transform its environment, turning "hell into heaven." This declaration inspires the angels to continue their rebellion, suggesting that their free will can ultimately lead to victory over God.

Satan's three speeches in Milton's Paradise Lost are significant because they reveal his character traits. In his first speech, he shows shock at their fall and irony in his description of the rebellion. In the second, addressed to Death, he displays pride and self-deception. In the third, he blames God for his actions, illustrating his refusal to accept responsibility.

In Milton's work, Satan embodies characteristics of a Renaissance man, such as charisma and leadership, akin to figures like Da Vinci or Machiavelli. However, Milton critiques the Renaissance emphasis on human wisdom and achievement by portraying Satan's pride and defiance against divine authority as ultimately leading to downfall. This ambivalence reflects the complexities of notions like freedom and equality that emerged during the Renaissance and the English Civil War, questioning the ideal of personal greatness.