Arthur

Arthur, the esteemed King of Britain and the head of the Round Table, is a ruler known for his bravery, justice, and temperance. Despite his wife Queen Guenevere's infidelity with Launcelot, Arthur values the camaraderie of his knights over vengeance. He remains unaware of the affair until Mordred and Agravaine force his hand. Arthur's reign ultimately ends in tragedy, as Mordred's betrayal leads to a climactic battle where both Arthur and Mordred perish, resulting in the dissolution of the Round Table.

Queen Guenevere

Queen Guenevere, a passionate and sometimes jealous woman, is the wife of King Arthur. Her love affair with Launcelot brings turmoil to Arthur's court and ultimately leads to her condemnation by the king. After being kidnapped by Meliogrance and later rescued by Launcelot, her love for him remains evident. Following Mordred's betrayal and Arthur's death, Guenevere repents and spends her final days in a convent, where she eventually passes away.

Launcelot du Lake

Launcelot du Lake, the greatest of all knights, is known for his unparalleled bravery and skill, second only in spirit to those who complete the Grail quest. His deep love for Queen Guenevere prevents him from achieving the Grail, despite having been granted a vision of it. His sincere penitence, however, does not absolve him of his love, which ultimately contributes to the downfall of Arthur's kingdom.

Tristram

Tristram, the noble Cornish knight, is the devoted lover of Isoud, King Mark’s wife. Despite being pursued by Mark's jealousy and murderous plots, Tristram adheres to the knightly code of honor and remains loyal to his country. His love for Isoud is steadfast, and even though he marries another woman named Isoud la Blanche Mains, he refuses to consummate the marriage out of loyalty to his true love.

Isoud

Isoud, an Irish princess, is married to King Mark for political reasons. Her heart, however, belongs to Tristram, whom she has loved since she healed his jousting wounds. Their love is complicated by a love potion, intended for Isoud and Mark, which binds them together even after her marriage.

Mark

Mark, the king of Cornwall, is a cowardly and jealous ruler whose enmity towards Tristram grows over time. Despite his plots to murder Tristram, he is forced to rely on the knight’s prowess to defend his own kingdom. Deceitful and insecure, Mark's actions only serve to highlight his inadequacy as a king.

Isoud la Blanche Mains

Isoud la Blanche Mains, Tristram's wife and the Princess of Brittany, is a figure of unrequited love. Her marriage to Tristram remains unconsummated as he remains loyal to his true love, Isoud of Ireland.

Gawain

Gawain, Arthur's nephew and the eldest son of King Lot, is a knight renowned for his virtue and justice. Despite his noble qualities, Gawain's participation in the murder of Lamorak de Galis overshadows his heroics. His quest for vengeance against Launcelot, following the deaths of his brothers Gareth and Gaheris, leads to the downfall of Arthur's kingdom. Ultimately, Gawain meets his end in battle, acknowledging that his desire for revenge brought about much tragedy.

Sir Kay

Sir Kay, Arthur’s sardonic foster brother and seneschal, is known for his mocking demeanor. Despite his critical nature, Kay is a loyal knight, wounded in battle for Arthur’s cause. His loyalty is reciprocated by Arthur, who tolerates Kay’s disparagement of Gareth, despite Kay’s misjudgment of Gareth’s capabilities.

Galahad

Galahad, the son of Launcelot, is the epitome of knightly purity and virtue. He is the only knight capable of achieving the Grail Quest, a journey marked by his Christ-like qualities and unwavering faith. Drawing Balin’s sword from the stone and acquiring a white shield with a red cross, Galahad is protected by divine forces. His journey culminates in a vision of Christ, leading to his ascension into heaven, witnessed by Percival and Bors.

Percival

Percival is one of the purest knights, accompanying Galahad on the Grail Quest. Raised in the woods, he lacks formal training but compensates with a deep desire to join the Round Table. After repenting for his pride, Percival aids Galahad in discovering the Grail. Following Galahad’s death, Percival retreats into a life of religious hermitage.

Bors de Ganis

Bors de Ganis, a virtuous knight and companion to Galahad and Percival on the Grail Quest, is known for his humility and valor. After witnessing Galahad’s ascension, Bors returns to Arthur’s court to recount their shared visions. His purity earns him a place among the most revered knights of the Round Table.

Palamides

Palamides, a valiant pagan knight and Tristram’s erstwhile enemy, is also a secret admirer of Isoud. Initially hostile, Palamides eventually acknowledges Tristram’s courage and honor, leading to his conversion to Christianity and newfound friendship with his former rival.

Lamorak de Galis

Lamorak de Galis, a knight renowned for his strength, is surpassed only by Launcelot and Tristram. His affair with the mother of Gawain and his brothers leads to his murder by them while unarmed, a betrayal that tarnishes Gawain's legacy.

Mordred

Mordred, Arthur's son by his sister, is a malevolent knight who ultimately destroys the fellowship of the Round Table. His ambition to seize the crown and marry Guenevere catalyzes the final conflict that results in his death at Arthur’s hands, but not before dealing his father a mortal wound.

Agravaine

Agravaine, one of Gawain and Gareth's brothers and a nephew to Arthur, plays a crucial role in Mordred's schemes. Along with his brother Gaheris, Agravaine participates in the patricidal act against their mother and the treachery that brings about the downfall of the kingdom.

Gaheris

Gaheris, a brother to Gawain and Gareth, also engages in Mordred's plotting. Forced to partake in Guenevere's execution, Gaheris opposes the task and attempts to avoid it. He meets his end at Launcelot’s hands during the rescue of Guenevere, an event that fuels further tragedy.

Gareth

Gareth, initially appearing in disguise as the kitchen boy "Beaumains," is a virtuous and courageous knight, embodying the ideal of the Round Table. He consistently rejects revenge and bloodshed, preferring instead to prove his worth through deeds of valor and patience. Tragically, Gareth is killed by Launcelot during the queen’s rescue, sparking Gawain’s vengeful quest.

Linet

Linet, a damsel seeking Arthur's aid, initially scorns the disguised Gareth. However, it is his quest to assist her that establishes his reputation as a noble knight worthy of the Round Table.

Liones

Liones, Linet’s sister, becomes Gareth’s bride after he demonstrates his bravery and honor by completing his quest for Linet.

Balin le Sauvage

Balin le Sauvage, a Northumbrian knight, is fated to unwittingly kill his beloved brother Balan due to a cursed magic sword. His tragic story is intertwined with Merlin’s magic, as the sword remains embedded in stone until a knight of great virtue can release it.

Dinadan

Dinadan, known for his wit and common sense, is Tristram’s companion who openly mocks love. His practicality often provides a humorous counterpoint to the romantic endeavors of others.

King Pelles

King Pelles, often identified as the Fisher King, plays a pivotal role in the Grail legends. He orchestrates the conception of Galahad, who ultimately achieves the Grail Quest, bringing healing to Pelles.

Elaine

Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter and mother of Galahad, harbors an unrequited love for Launcelot. Despite being tricked into a union with him, she remains devoted to Launcelot, even as he rejects her.

Elaine le Blanc

Elaine le Blanc, the fair maid of Astolat, loves Launcelot desperately. Her unrequited love leads her to a heartbreaking end, dying of grief when Launcelot does not return her affection. Her story is immortalized in a letter clasped in her hand upon her death.

King Evelake

King Evelake, an ancient ruler, is promised sight of the knight who will complete the Grail Quest. Living for centuries, he witnesses Galahad's success before passing away, fulfilling the prophecy.

Merlin

Merlin, the legendary magician, facilitates Arthur’s conception by disguising Uther Pendragon as the Duke of Cornwall. In exchange for his assistance, Uther agrees to entrust his child, Arthur, to Merlin’s care. Merlin's role is crucial in shaping Arthur's future as king.

Nimue

Nimue, the Lady of the Lake and Merlin’s mistress, often acts as a divine figure aiding the knights. Her interventions are pivotal in critical moments, serving as a "dea ex machina" in various chivalric tales.

Morgan le Fay

Morgan le Fay, Arthur's half-sister, is a cunning sorceress driven by ambition. Her numerous schemes to harm Arthur and his knights highlight her malevolent nature, as she repeatedly attempts to seize power for herself.

Pellinore

Pellinore, a bold knight fixated on the Questing Beast, exemplifies single-minded determination. His relentless pursuit and conflicts with King Lot and his offspring embroil him in a cycle of revenge and retribution.

Gouvernail

Gouvernail, Tristram’s wise and loyal tutor, serves as both a guide and companion throughout Tristram’s many adventures, providing counsel and support.

Brangwaine

Brangwaine, Isoud’s confidante, plays a significant role in preserving Isoud’s secrets and aiding her in her romantic endeavors with Tristram.

Ector de Maris

Ector de Maris, Launcelot’s elder brother, is a stalwart knight who serves Arthur with dedication. He participates in many battles and remains loyal to the end.

Lionel

Lionel, closely associated with his brother Bors, is a valiant member of Arthur's court and engages in various quests, demonstrating loyalty and bravery.

Dodinas le Sauvage

Dodinas le Sauvage is a fierce and valiant knight known for his adventurous spirit, contributing to the royal court’s reputation for bravery and valor.

Sagramore

Sagramore, known for his honor and courage, adds to the illustrious roster of Arthur’s knights, participating in quests and battles with a steadfast spirit.

Breunor le Noire

Breunor le Noire, known as the "Black Knight," exhibits bravery and a fierce loyalty to Arthur, engaging in many endeavors to uphold the chivalric code.

Safere

Safere, a knight celebrated for his bravery and honor, joins the ranks of Arthur’s most esteemed warriors, known for his gallant deeds and unwavering loyalty.

Meliogrance

Meliogrance, a treacherous nobleman, kidnaps Queen Guenevere and accuses her of treasonous relations with Launcelot when she resists his advances. His treachery is met with defeat at Launcelot’s hands.

Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop, in collaboration with Merlin, orchestrates the gathering of lords that leads to Arthur drawing Excalibur from the stone, securing his place as the rightful king.

Isolde la Blaunche Maynes

Isolde la Blaunche Maynes, also known as Isoud la Blanche Mains, is the Princess of Brittany and Tristram's wife. Despite her marriage to Tristram, she remains unfulfilled as Tristram’s heart belongs to another.

Sir Ector

Sir Ector, entrusted with raising Arthur, becomes one of the king's valiant knights. He remains a loyal companion during Arthur's reign, committed to the king's cause.

Elayne

Elayne, daughter of King Pelles and mother of Galahad, engages in a fateful union with Launcelot, resulting in the birth of the destined Grail knight. Her love for Launcelot is unreciprocated, yet unwavering.

Igrayne

Igrayne, originally the Duke of Cornwall's wife, becomes the mother of Arthur following a deception by Uther Pendragon. Her union with Uther, disguised as her husband, leads to the birth of the future king.

Kay

Kay, the son of Sir Ector and Arthur’s foster brother, displays loyalty despite his sardonic disposition. His role in the legend includes sending Arthur to find a replacement sword, inadvertently leading Arthur to Excalibur.

Lady of the Lake

The Lady of the Lake, a mystical figure, aids Arthur by returning Excalibur and making demands that intertwine with the fate of Sir Balyn, illustrating her complex role in the Arthurian legend.

Launceor of Ireland

Launceor, an Arthurian knight, meets his demise in an impulsive duel with Balyn, resulting in severe consequences for Balyn that foreshadow his tragic fate.

Morgan le Fay

Morgan le Fay, daughter of Uther, harnesses her necromantic abilities and treacherous nature in numerous plots against Arthur, driven by her insatiable lust for power.

Percival le Galois

Percival, raised in seclusion, overcomes his shortcomings to become one of the most virtuous knights, joining Galahad on the Grail Quest and ultimately choosing a life of spiritual devotion following the quest's completion.

Lot

Lot, King of Orkney and husband to one of Uther’s daughters, is a noble adversary to Arthur. Though opposed to him, Lot’s sons—including Gareth and Gawain—become key knights of the Round Table. Lot’s death at the hands of Pellinore sets off a chain of vengeful events within the epic.

Lucius of Rome

Lucius, an emperor of Rome, demands tribute from Arthur, leading to a war that culminates in his defeat and death. His stubbornness and refusal to withdraw results in his downfall in battle.

Nantres

Nantres, another king allied through marriage to Uther's daughters, joins the opposition against Arthur but is ultimately defeated, underscoring the challenges Arthur faces in establishing his reign.

Nineve

Nineve, also known as the Lady of the Lake, uses her magical prowess to outsmart Merlin, sealing him in a cave. Her protective enchantments aid Arthur, highlighting her dual role as both a guardian and a manipulator of fate.

Palamides

Palamides, initially an adversary and admirer of Isoud, ultimately respects Tristram’s honor and valiance, leading to his conversion and friendship with Tristram.

Pellanor

Pellanor, a knight fixated on the Questing Beast, finds himself embroiled in a cycle of vengeance after killing Lot, only to meet his demise at the hands of Lot’s son, Gawain.

Uther Pendragon

Uther, the legendary king of early England, secures his legacy through his son Arthur, conceived under Merlin's magical machinations. His reign is marked by conflict and the strategic choices that shape Arthur’s destiny.