Duryodhana is a central character in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He is the eldest son of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, and the leader of the Kauravas, a group of 100 brothers. Duryodhana is often portrayed as a complex figure, embodying both ambition and a strong sense of loyalty to his family. His rivalry with the Pandavas, his cousins, sets the stage for the epic's central conflict. Duryodhana's desire for power and recognition leads to the infamous game of dice, where he deceitfully defeats the Pandavas and exiles them. His actions ultimately contribute to the great war of Kurukshetra, where he fights valiantly but meets his demise. Despite his flaws, Duryodhana is sometimes viewed with sympathy for his struggles against fate and his unwavering commitment to his cause.