Discussion Topic
The most important and heroic character in 'The Prisoner of Zenda'
Summary:
The most important and heroic character in The Prisoner of Zenda is Rudolf Rassendyll. He selflessly takes on the dangerous role of impersonating the kidnapped king to ensure the stability of the kingdom. Rassendyll's bravery, intelligence, and honor are central to the novel's plot and its resolution.
Who is the most important character in 'The Prisoner of Zenda'?
Rudolf Rassendyll, the story's protagonist, is by far the most important character. Rudolf is a cheerful young Englishman from an aristocratic family. As a wealthy young man from a privileged background, Rudolf leads a care-free existence, coasting through life without taking it the least bit seriously. As with many of his class and age, Rudolf has a real taste for adventure, and he gets the opportunity to indulge that taste to the full when he arrives in the kingdom of Ruritania.
The dashingly handsome young Englishman bears a staggering resemblance to King Rudolf V, who's been imprisoned by his younger half-brother Duke Michael in a desperate attempt to deprive him of his rightful throne. This leads to Rudolf's becoming involved in an elaborate plot to pass him off as the king of Ruritania, thus thwarting the treacherous machinations of Duke Michael and his entourage.
Although the book is entitled
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Although the book is entitledThe Prisoner of Zenda, it is not the titular prisoner, King Rudolf, who is the most important character; it is his doppelganger cousin. He it is who's perennially at the center of things; of the various plots, sub-plots, and dizzying intrigues with which the narrative is replete. Rudolf Rassendyll is also the quintessential dynamic character, growing into a mature, responsible man over the course of his adventures. This can be seen most clearly in the serious devotion he displays to his duties as king. And even after the real king is finally restored to his rightful throne, Rudolf continues to show how much he's changed by reluctantly parting from his beloved Princess Flavia.
In The Prisoner Of Zenda, who do you consider to be the hero?
Rudolf Rassendyl is the hero of The Prisoner of Zenda. Firstly, he is the protagonist, the character with whom the reader can most identify and whose actions drive much of the plot. He is also very inch the traditional hero in his dedication to doing the right thing, even at the cost of his own happiness.
Rudolf is tempted by the power he assumes when posing as the true heir to the throne. Compared to the real thing, he is a nobler, smarter, and more dedicated person. Rudolf also loves Flavia, the king's betrothed, and she loves him back, far more than she does her frivolous spouse.
However, Rudolf puts duty and honor above everything else in his life. He is not willing to live a lie and take power that does not belong to him by birthright, so he gives up the throne and his beloved. These qualities are what make him the novel's true hero.
Rudolf Rassendyll, the protagonist, is a true hero because he does not only defend his own interests but also that of a noble cause. When he is mistaken to be the king, he temporarily assumes this identity not for personal gain but to prevent a treacherous villain from otherwise taking the king's rightful place. He fulfills this role at times even better than the king himself, even in his marriage to the queen. For once the "counterfeit" is better than the real thing!Â
In the end Rassendyll relinquishes the privileges he has momentarily enjoyed and resumes his original identity. Not without remorse; for him honour is truly bittersweet.