In Book IX, when Aeneas is away in Pallenteum, his spirit and leadership controls the warriors under his command. Even in his absence, his rule is respected. Aeneas, a brave warrior, never allows his emotions to cloud his sense of duty. He realizes that as leader of his people, he must fight Turnus so he can provide his people with a new city they can call their own.
The role of the good father and son is evident in Aeneas's character. Virgil describes him in Book I as "father Aeneas" and "fond father, as always thoughtful of his son." Aeneas is deeply respectful of his father and is devoted to his son. During the fall of Troy, Aeneas carries his father on his back and holds his son's hand as they make their way to the rendezvous point. In Book III, Aeneas's paternal responsibilities are expanded to include his son, the Trojans in his care, and the future of the Roman race.
Aeneas celebrates the anniversary of his father's death by making sacrifices to the gods and holding athletic games. He maintains a deep respect for his father even after Anchises's death. When Aeneas visits the underworld, the pietas he has for Anchises is evident. His father, returning his love and respect, asks Aeneas, "Have you at last come, has that loyalty / Your father counted on conquered the journey?" Later the notion of pietas is evident in Aeneas's son who assumes responsibility for rousing the warriors. He respects Aeneas's role as leader and makes every attempt to follow through with Aeneas's duties. The love that exists between fathers and sons, the ideal of pietas, is perhaps the most emotional bond portrayed in the Aeneid.
Virgil endows Aeneas with human qualities, portraying him a flawed mortal man. In Book I, he experiences overwhelming grief when he cannot find his wife Creusa during the fall of Troy and he feels discouragement when his fleet is struck by a storm. In Book II, Aeneas is uncertain about the course of action he should take. Later in Book IV, Aeneas is torn between his love for Dido and his need to fulfill his mission.
Throughout the Aeneid, we see Aeneas as a sensitive, compassionate man. He is sympathetic and loving towards his people. Aeneas exhibits deep feelings for humanity.
