# Le Morte d’Arthur — Character guide

> Key figures in Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

- [Sir Launcelot du Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/launcelot.md): Launcelot is the peerless knight whose prowess makes him the fixed star of Arthur's court, yet his love for Queen Guenever turns every triumph into a private wound. Exiled from his own name, he calls himself Le Chevaler 
- [Sir Tristram de Liones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/tristram.md): Tristram moves through Cornwall as both its greatest defender and its most endangered guest, bound to King Mark's court by oath and to Isoud by a love that cannot be spoken. His cousin Andred watches him night and day, a
- [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_arthur.md): Arthur builds his realm on the fellowship of the Round Table, and his willingness to jeopard his own person wins him the awe of his knights. Merlin tests him with the choice between sword and scabbard, and Arthur's prefe
- [Queen Guenever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/queen_guenever.md): Guenever is the center of the court's chivalric world, praised as the reason the Round Table's noblesse keeps the realm in quiet and rest. When Mordred seizes power and demands she wed him, she speaks fair while secretly
- [Sir Gawaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/gawaine.md): Gawaine is a fierce court presence whose words carry weight with both the queen and the king, and whose readiness to name what others conceal makes him dangerous. When he recognizes Launcelot by his shield and tells the 
- [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/merlin.md): Merlin moves through the early court as the architect of Arthur's fortune, advising him to let Pellinore pass and foretelling the sister Arthur will one day wed. He reveals the false damosel's treachery and the true caus
- [Sir Mordred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/mordred.md): Mordred is the son Arthur begot unwittingly on his sister Morgawse, raised at court as a knight of the Round Table while the king's own blood works against him. When Arthur is abroad, he forges tidings of the king's deat
- [Sir Gareth of Orkney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_gareth.md): Gareth comes to Arthur's court as a nameless youth content to serve in the kitchen, and is called Beaumains in scorn until his prowess answers for him. He is brother to Gawaine and to Mordred, and his courtesy under insu
- [Sir Palomides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_palomides.md): Palomides is a paynim knight whose skill earns him a place among Arthur's best, yet he remains outside the fellowship by faith and by fortune. He loves La Beale Isoud, who belongs to Tristram, and pursues the Questing Be
- [King Mark of Cornwall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_mark.md): Mark is king in Cornwall, uncle to Tristram and husband to La Beale Isoud, and the bond between his nephew and his queen is the wound he cannot leave alone. He is a lord of shifting counsel, capable of tenderness toward 
- [La Beale Isoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/la_beale_isoud.md): Isoud is the daughter of the King of Ireland, brought to Cornwall as Mark's queen and loved by Tristram from the moment they meet. She is caught between duty to her husband and a love she cannot set aside, and her wit an
- [Sir Bors de Ganis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_bors.md): Bors is a knight of the house of Ganis, cousin to Launcelot and brother to Lionel, known for a chastity and steadfastness rare even among Arthur's fellowship. He is tested by hard choices, and his refusal to break faith 
- [Sir Percivale de Galis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_percivale.md): A pure-hearted knight whose simple faith and unstained virtue carry him further than strength alone ever could on the quest for the Holy Grail.
- [Sir Galahad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_galahad.md): The sinless son of Launcelot, destined to sit in the Siege Perilous and achieve what no other knight of the Round Table can.
- [Sir Lamorak de Galis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_lamorak.md): Son of King Pellinore and one of Arthur's finest fighters, Lamorak is caught in a deadly cycle of vengeance between his family and the sons of King Lot. His love affair with Morgawse, Arthur's half-sister, ignites Gaheri
- [Morgan le Fay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/morgan_le_fay.md): Queen of Orkney and mistress of dark arts, Morgan le Fay moves through the Arthurian world as both kin and enemy, her schemes aimed at Arthur's crown and his knights' lives. Her power is real and her resentment runs deep
- [Sir Dinadan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_dinadan.md): Dinadan rides among the great knights of the Round Table but refuses to take their solemn code at face value, mocking courtly love and needless combat with disarming humor. His cynicism masks a genuine competence, and hi
- [Sir Kay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_kay.md): Raised alongside Arthur and later entrusted with the running of his household, Kay serves as seneschal of the Round Table, managing the practical affairs that keep the court functioning. His biting sarcasm and readiness 
- [Balin le Savage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/balin.md): Balin le Savage arrives at Arthur's court as a poor knight seeking justice, but his temper and the strange sword he alone can draw set him apart. He loves his brother Balan deeply, yet fate keeps them apart until they me
- [King Pelles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_pelles.md): King Pelles rules a mysterious country where the Sangreal is preserved, and he is the father of the maiden Elaine. He arranges for Launcelot to lie with Elaine by enchantment so that Galahad may be born, knowing the chil
- [Sir Marhaus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_marhaus.md): A knight of the Round Table who is slain by Tristram in combat.
- [Sir Ector de Maris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_ector.md): Sir Ector de Maris is the brother of the great Launcelot, and though he never matches his sibling's fame, he serves Arthur faithfully and loves Launcelot without envy. When the queen's affair is exposed and the court spl
- [Sir Lionel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_lionel.md): A knight of the Round Table, brother to Sir Bors.
- [Sir Gaheris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/gaheris.md): A knight of Orkney, brother to Gawaine and Mordred.
- [Sir Lavaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_lavaine.md): A young knight who becomes Launcelot's companion and friend.
- [Alisander le Orphelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/alisander_le_orphelin.md): A knight who seeks vengeance for his father's death by King Mark.
- [La Cote Male Taile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/la_cote_male_taille.md): A knight who endures mockery for his ill-fitting coat but proves his valor.
- [King Pellinore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_pellinore.md): A king and knight who pursues the Questing Beast.
- [Sir Bleoberis de Ganis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/bleoberis.md): A knight of the Round Table, cousin to Launcelot.
- [Sir Tor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_tor.md): A knight of the Round Table, son of Aries the cowherd.
- [Sir Uwaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_uwaine.md): A knight of the Round Table, son of King Uriens.
- [Dame Elaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/dame_elaine.md): Elaine of Corbenic is the beautiful maiden whom King Pelles uses to trick Launcelot into believing he lies with Queen Guenever. She conceives Galahad, the destined Grail knight, but Launcelot's heart remains with the que
- [Sir Pelleas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_pelleas.md): A knight who suffers unrequited love for the Lady Ettard.
- [Dame Lionesse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/dame_lionesse.md): A lady won by Sir Gareth in combat, later his wife.
- [Sir Meliagrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/meliagrance.md): A villainous knight who kidnaps Queen Guenever.
- [Sir Accolon of Gaul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/accolon.md): A knight who wields Excalibur against Arthur through Morgan's sorcery.
- [Sir Griflet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_griflet.md): A young knight of the Round Table who serves Arthur.
- [King Meliodas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_meliodas.md): King of Liones and father of Sir Tristram.
- [Breuse Saunce Pité](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/breuse_saunce_pite.md): A treacherous knight known for his cruelty and cowardice.
- [Sir Mador de la Porte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_mador_de_la_porte.md): A knight who accuses Guenever of poisoning a knight.
- [Sir Agravaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_agravaine.md): Sir Agravaine is one of the Orkney brothers, fierce and proud, but overshadowed by Gawaine's renown and resentful of Launcelot's supremacy. He pressures Arthur to trap Launcelot and Guenever together, forcing the king to
- [Sir Kehydius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_kehydius.md): A knight who dies for love of La Beale Isoud.
- [Uther Pendragon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/uther_pendragon.md): Arthur's father, the former king of Britain.
- [Sir Bedivere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_bedivere.md): Sir Bedivere is one of Arthur's oldest companions, a steady knight who survives the great battles and witnesses the king's final hours. When Arthur lies wounded, he asks Bedivere to cast Excalibur into the water, but Bed
- [Elaine le Blank](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/elaine_le_blank.md): The Fair Maiden of Astolat who dies for love of Launcelot.
- [King Ban](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_ban.md): King of Benwick and father of Launcelot.
- [Sir Dinas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_dinas.md): The seneschal of Cornwall, loyal to King Mark.
- [King Lot of Lothian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_lot.md): A rebel king and father of Gawaine and Mordred.
- [Gouvernail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/gouvernail.md): Tristram's loyal tutor and squire.
- [Sir Safere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_safere.md): A Saracen knight, brother to Sir Palomides.
- [Sir Dagonet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_dagonet.md): King Arthur's fool, who sometimes jousts in mockery.
- [Dame Bragwaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/dame_bragwaine.md): Isoud's loyal handmaiden and confidante.
- [King Rience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_rience.md): A king who wars against Arthur and is defeated.
- [Sir Andred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_andred.md): A treacherous knight of Cornwall who plots against Tristram.
- [Sir Sagramore le Desirous](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_sagramore.md): A knight of the Round Table known for his desire for adventure.
- [Sir Urre of the Mount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_urre.md): A knight with incurable wounds, healed only by Launcelot.
- [Lucan the Butler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/lucan_the_butler.md): A loyal knight who serves Arthur until the end.
- [King Bors of Gaul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_bors.md): King of Gaul and father of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel.
- [Sir Aglovale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_aglovale.md): A knight of the Round Table, son of King Pellinore.
- [Joseph of Aramathie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/joseph_of_aramathie.md): The biblical figure who brought the Holy Grail to Britain.
- [Sir Ulfius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_ulfius.md): A knight and counselor to King Arthur.
- [Nacien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/nacien.md): A hermit who interprets visions for the Grail knights.
- [Balan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/balan.md): Brother of Balin, who unknowingly kills him in combat.
- [Ettard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/ettard.md): A lady who scorns Sir Pelleas's love.
- [King Carados of Scotland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_carados.md): A Scottish king who fights against Arthur.
- [Sir Turquine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_turquine.md): A giant knight who imprisons many of Arthur's knights.
- [King Anguish of Ireland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_anguish.md): King of Ireland and father of La Beale Isoud.
- [Sir Brastias](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_brastias.md): A knight who serves as Arthur's marshal.
- [King Evelake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_evelake.md): An ancient king who converted to Christianity and saw the Grail.
- [King Claudas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_claudas.md): A French king who wars against King Ban and King Bors.
- [Dame Brisen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/dame_brisen.md): A sorceress who helps Elaine trick Launcelot.
- [Sir Ironside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_ironside.md): The Red Knight of the Red Launds, defeated by Gareth.
- [King Leodegrance of Cameliard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_leodegrance.md): Father of Guenever and keeper of the Round Table.
- [King Hermance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_hermance.md): A slain king whose death is avenged by Palomides.
- [Sir Patrise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_patrise.md): A knight poisoned at a feast, leading to Guenever's trial.
- [Sir Priamus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/sir_priamus.md): A Saracen knight who converts to Christianity and joins Arthur.
- [King Pellam of Listeneise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/king_pellam.md): The Maimed King, wounded by Balin's Dolorous Stroke.
- [Linet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/linet.md): A damsel who guides and tests Sir Gareth.
- [Igraine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters/igraine.md): Arthur's mother, wife of Uther Pendragon.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/characters