The issue of individual freedom informs the entire story of Paradise Lost. The story begins with an extreme act of self-determination when Satan gathers followers to wage a civil war against God in Heaven. That any one angel would challenge God is shocking enough; that that angel would persuade others to join him by convincing them that God is tyrannical and has no right to rule with such impudence is truly impressive. Satan becomes both the antagonist and the protagonist because although his denouncing of God is shocking and unsuccessful, the reader can truly understand why Satan seeks individual freedom over a life of service to a deity he never chose. Satan’s goal of self-determination is challenged by Milton when Satan becomes the ruler in Hell, where he replicates the imagery of monarchy and acts like the God of Hell. Milton therefore articulates a challenge to his own theme and suggests that self-determination, while admirable, is not always genuine.

Self-determination is further seen when Eve desires independence from Adam. Although she claims that she is subservient to Adam, Eve wants to prove that she can withstand the temptation into sin without his help.