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What is the physical description and character traits of Launcelot in Le Morte d'Arthur?
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Launcelot in Le Morte d'Arthur is depicted as a handsome and strong knight, likely dark-haired, whose presence captivates women. Raised by the Lady of the Lake, he excels in battle and displays humility and chivalry. His actions, such as defending Guinevere and seeking adventures, highlight his bravery and loyalty. He is celebrated for his courtliness and is considered the perfect knight, save for his love for Guinevere.
One of the quirky charms in Malory's Morte d'Arthur is the narrative style that offers linear episodes. We learn what characters do, but we don't receive as fully descriptive a focus on characterization as we might expect in a different sort of story. Launcelot is a son of the French King, King Ban, though he purportedly was raised by the Lady of the Lake, who eventually sends him to Arthur's court. One might assume he is dark haired and handsome, due to legends outside of Malory that likely informed Le Morte d'Arthur. Arthur, by contrast, is often depicted as blonder and with gray eyes. Presumably, he is the most handsome, with his perfectly shaped limbs and torso. His appearance in any court causes women to fall in love immediately.
Book 6 is The Book of Launcelot, and we see scattered throughout mention of Launcelot's superiority in battle, on horseback,...
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and his humility. In Book 18, Ch. 7, as Malory is nearing the end of his romance, Launcelot defends Guinevere in a battle with Sir Mador. We learn that even in these later years, Launcelot is quick on his feet and strong. In the "Knight of the Cart" tale, he is clearly very strong, tearing window bars out of the wall and causing women in Meleagrance's castle to kidnap him.
We largely characterize him through other characters' responsiveness to him, as he is described as welcomed by both men and women for his chivalry and courtliness. He is the perfect knight, barring his love of Guinevere. These loosely drawn details allow the reader to project a certain excellence onto the character that fits his or her imagination.
Consider his actions as good examples of his character (we often judge people by what they do as much as by what they say).
At the start of Book 6, in chapter 1, Lancelot is not happy sitting idly by, but instead he seeks a life filled with action and adventure:
"Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he thought himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade his nephew, Sir Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek adventures."
In chapter 3, Lancelot proves that he is loyal to his Queen, respectful of her as a woman, and is not the sort of man to have casual relations with a woman:
"...I will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as for my lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove it on you or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord living."
In chapters 7-9, we learn of Lancelot's bravery as he seeks out Sir Tarquine in order to save his fellow knights who have been captured and to end the reign of terror Tarquine has established.
Other character traits continue to be revealed and reinforced based upon his actions as his tale continues. I used the electronic text from the University of Virginia Library (see the link) to respond to your question. Adaptations may vary.