Satan's Character Analysis in Paradise Lost by John Milton

Introduction

Probably the most famous quote about Paradise Lost is William Blake's statement that Milton was "of the Devil's party without knowing it.“While Blake may have meant something other than what is generally understood from this quotation (see "Milton's Style" in the Critical Essays), the idea that Satan is the hero, or at least a type of hero, in Paradise Lost is widespread. 

Satan’s as Brave Demon

  Satan rises off the lake of fire and delivers his heroic speech still challenging God. Satan tells the other rebels that they can make "a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n" (I, 255) and adds, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav'n" (I, 263).

As Promethean hero:

Satan was a Promethean hero, pitting himself against an unjust God. Satan also calls for and leads the grand council. Finally, he goes forth on his own to cross Chaos and find Earth. Without question, this picture of Satan makes him heroic in his initial introduction to the reader.

Satan, the chief demon:

Satan, the chief demon cannot be the hero of the poem. He is the enemy who chooses to commit an act that goes against the basic laws of God, that challenges the very nature of the universe. Satan attempts to destroy the hierarchy of Heaven through his rebellion. 

Satan as a freedom fighter:

Satan wishes to continue the fight for freedom from God. Later his motive for continuing the fight becomes glory and renown. Next, the temptation of Adam and Eve is simply a way to disrupt God's plans. 

Satan as liar:

These facts certainly make Satan the most interesting character in the poem. Because the reader hears Satan's version first, the reader is unaware of the exaggerations and outright lies that are parts of Satan's magnificent speeches. Powers and abilities the fallen angels have in Hell, those powers and abilities come from God, who could at any moment take them away.

Satan’s degenerates physically:

Satan shifts shapes throughout the poem. These changes visually represent the degeneration of his character. First, he takes the form of a lesser angel. Next, he is a ravening cormorant in the tree of life — an animal but able to fly. Then he is a lion and a tiger — earth-bound beasts of prey, but magnificent. Finally, he is a toad and a snake. He becomes reptilian and disgusting.

Satan as a comedian character:

The comic element associated with Satan derives from the absurdity of his position. he challenges an omnipotent foe, God, with power that is granted him by his foe. God simply toys with Satan in battle.

Extra ordinary  qualities: although he has brilliant qualities, his spirit and heart are set on intentionally doing harm and leading others (angels who also still have their angelic qualities and callings) to continually do harm.

Conclusion:

So, in this way we can say that Satan became a true hero, even if Milton may not have had this intention when writing Paradise Lost. Satan may not be Romantic Hero originally, but he became a hero in the eyes of the Romantics.