In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. At the beginning of the story, Telemachus is around 20 years old. This is inferred from the fact that Odysseus has been away from Ithaca for about 20 years, having left for the Trojan War when Telemachus was just an infant.
As the story progresses, Telemachus matures significantly. He starts as a somewhat passive and uncertain young man but grows into a more confident and assertive individual. This transformation is a key part of his character arc, as he takes on the responsibility of searching for his father and protecting his home from the suitors who are vying for his mother’s hand in marriage.
By the end of the epic, Telemachus is a young adult, ready to take on the responsibilities of leadership and continue the legacy of his father.