Who could have been a hero in The Odyssey, other than Odysseus?

How about a heroine? Meaning, of course, Penelope. Penelope is a loyal wife, perfect hostess, mother and father rolled into one, and she juggles all the conflicts around her like a seasoned politician. Penelope guides her son, protects her husband's reputation, and remains faithful, even when it looks as if her husband will never return.