* Formidable and intimidating: Hades is described as having "a shadow-black cloak...a skeletal hand with long, pale fingers," and a "grim, expressionless face." This emphasizes his power and the fear he inspires. Percy notes that he has "the kind of face that made you want to back away slowly."
* Powerful but controlled: Despite his intimidating presence, Hades is described as "calm and collected," even "bored." This contrasts with the frantic and panicked atmosphere surrounding the other gods. This calmness suggests his power and control over his realm.
* Fair and just: While Hades is portrayed as the god of the underworld, he's not a villain in the traditional sense. He is depicted as a stern but fair judge, and Percy initially believes him to be innocent of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. This sense of fairness is emphasized when Hades says, "I would not steal a lightning bolt. I would not risk a war."
Beyond these descriptions, Percy's initial impressions of Hades are influenced by:
* His fear of the underworld: The idea of the underworld is inherently scary, and Percy's fear makes him see Hades as even more menacing than he might be.
* The way he's portrayed by others: The other gods, especially Zeus, paint Hades as a villain, which further influences Percy's perception.
It's important to remember that *The Lightning Thief* is a story from a teenager's perspective. Percy's descriptions are influenced by his own fears and anxieties, so the portrayal of Hades isn't necessarily the complete picture.