In this Arthurian romance, many of the characters are connected with King Arthur’s court and the Round Table. Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, are the ruling monarchs.

Erec, the titular protagonist, is a knight of the Round Table. The early part of the book concerns his courtship of the lovely Enide, which includes fighting for her. Once they are married, the couple goes to live in Arthur’s Court, and Erec must soon leave wedded bliss to prove his bravery once again. Fighting against charges of cowardice as well as the obstacles he encounters, Erec validates his honor.

King Lac is Erec’s father. When he dies, Erec inherits the kingdom of Carnant and the title.

Enide, known for her exceptional beauty, first draws Erec’s attention when he sees a dwarf strike her. She then captures Erec’s heart when he comes to stay with her family and soon becomes his bride. Disturbed by reports of cowardice associated with his overextending their honeymoon, she initially pushes him to restore his knightly honor and then decides to go on the dangerous journey with him. Despite their numerous differences of opinions, she proves that she is brave as well as beautiful, thus showing that she is a worthy life partner as well.

Guivret the Little and Yder are two knights whom Erec vanquishes. Guivret becomes his friend, and Erec turns Yder over to Guinevere.

Sir Gawain and Sir Kay are other knights of the Round Table.

Count Galoin, viewing himself as Erec’s rival for Enide’s affection, plots to kill him but Enide prevents him from doing so, thus raising his estimation of her fine qualities.

Erec

Erec (eh-REHK), a fair and brave knight of the Round Table. In a town where he is lodging, he meets his host’s daughter, the beautiful damsel Enide. He returns with her to King Arthur’s court and makes her his bride. So enamored is he of the fair lady that he neglects all knightly pursuits in favor of dalliance with her. When the report reaches him that the people think him a coward, he sets out with Enide on a journey of knight-errantry during which he bears himself with such bravery that he returns to King Arthur’s court with honor. On his father’s death, he becomes king of his own land.

Enide

Enide (eh-NEED), the most beautiful damsel in Christendom, Erec’s bride. After she hears reports that Erec’s dalliance with her has caused him to be suspected of cowardice, she taunts him about the change that love has made in him. When he angrily sets forth on a journey to prove his valor and her love, she accompanies him, bravely shares his adventures, and returns triumphant with him to King Arthur’s court.

Guivret the Little

Guivret the Little (gweev-REHT), a knight who challenges Erec to combat and, after a brave fight on both sides, becomes his friend and benefactor.

Count Galoin

Count Galoin (gah-LWAN), a nobleman so smitten by Enide’s beauty that he desires to make her mistress of all his lands. His plot to take Erec’s life is thwarted by Enide; the defeated count gallantly praises the lady’s prudence and virtue.

Evrain

Evrain (ehv-RAYN), a king whose land is delivered from thralldom by Erec.

King Arthur

King Arthur, the leader of the Round Table.

Guinevere

Guinevere (gwehn-eh-VEER), his queen.

King Lac

King Lac, Erec’s father.

Sir Gawain

Sir Gawain (gah-WAYN) and

Sir Kay

Sir Kay, knights of the Round Table.

Yder

Yder (ee-DUR), a haughty knight challenged and defeated by Erec.

Cadoc of Tabriol

Cadoc of Tabriol (kah-DOHK), a knight rescued from giants by Erec.