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Le Morte d’Arthur · Character

Sir Mordred

Arthur's son by his own sister, who forges letters of his father's death and has himself crowned king in order to marry the queen.

major

Also known as Mordred, brother Sir Mordred

First appearance: Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again.

As a major figure in Le Morte d’Arthur, Sir Mordred is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Usurps the throne and seizes Queen Guenever, leading to the final battle.
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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…

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See Sir Mordred in Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again.

Character Web

58 connections

A slice of how Sir Mordred sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

KMKing Mark of C…SUSir Urre of th…BSBreuse Saunce …SDSir DinasSDSir DinadanSMSir Mordred

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Knights of conflict and loyalty
  • Supporting and legendary figures

+53 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Launcel…

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In the story

Sir Mordred appears across 39 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.