<P> Satan , formerly called Lucifer , is the first major character introduced in the poem . He was once the most beautiful of all angels , and is a tragic figure who famously declares : `` Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven . '' Following his failed rebellion against God , he is cast out from Heaven and condemned to Hell . Satan 's desire to rebel against his creator stems from his unwillingness to be subjugated by God and his Son , claiming that angels are `` self - begot , self - raised , '' and thereby denying God 's authority over them as their creator . </P>
<P> Satan , formerly called Lucifer , is the first major character introduced in the poem . He was once the most beautiful of all angels , and is a tragic figure who famously declares : `` Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven . '' Following his failed rebellion against God , he is cast out from Heaven and condemned to Hell . Satan 's desire to rebel against his creator stems from his unwillingness to be subjugated by God and his Son , claiming that angels are `` self - begot , self - raised , '' and thereby denying God 's authority over them as their creator . </P>
who said better to reign in hell than serve in heaven
who said better to reign in hell than serve in heaven
Satan
Satan