"Sword of the Rightful King" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Sword of the Rightful King" by Jane Yolen, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall plot. The protagonist, Arthur, takes on the central role as he embarks on a journey to claim the throne. Merlin, the wise mentor, guides Arthur throughout his quest. Morgause acts as the primary antagonist, while Guinevere serves as the love interest. Other characters such as Lancelot, Mordred, Gawain, Percival, and Kay play important roles as knights in Arthur's court.

Character Descriptions

Arthur

Arthur is a young boy who is chosen to become the rightful king of Britain. He possesses a noble and courageous nature, displaying qualities of leadership and integrity. Throughout the story, Arthur undergoes a transformation from a naive and uncertain boy to a confident and just ruler.

Merlin

Merlin is a wise and powerful wizard who serves as Arthur's mentor and guide. With his vast knowledge and magical abilities, he provides guidance and support to Arthur, helping him navigate the challenges he faces. Merlin is depicted as a mysterious and enigmatic character, with a deep understanding of destiny and the workings of the world.

Morgause

Morgause is a formidable antagonist in the story, seeking to claim the throne for herself. She is a cunning and manipulative character who stops at nothing to achieve her goals. Morgause is skilled in the dark arts and uses her powers to create chaos and sow discord among Arthur's knights.

Guinevere

Guinevere is the love interest of Arthur and plays a significant role in his journey. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who stands by Arthur's side, offering him support and counsel. Guinevere's loyalty and love for Arthur serve as a driving force for him to overcome challenges and fulfill his destiny.

Lancelot

Lancelot is one of Arthur's most trusted knights and a close friend. He is known for his exceptional skill in combat and unwavering loyalty to Arthur. Lancelot's character is complex, as he grapples with his love for Guinevere and his commitment to his duty as a knight.

Mordred

Mordred is a character filled with deceit and betrayal. He is Arthur's illegitimate son and seeks to take the throne for himself. Mordred's actions throughout the story create tension and conflict as he undermines Arthur's leadership and attempts to destroy his kingdom.

Gawain

Gawain is a knight who is fiercely loyal to Arthur. He is known for his bravery and chivalry, always ready to defend the realm. Gawain's character provides a sense of honor and integrity within Arthur's court.

Percival

Percival is another knight in Arthur's court, known for his humility and kindness. He displays unwavering loyalty to Arthur and embodies the ideals of chivalry. Percival's character serves as a reminder of the virtues that Arthur strives to uphold.

Kay

Kay is Arthur's foster brother and a trusted ally. He is depicted as a skilled knight and a loyal friend to Arthur. Kay's character provides support and friendship to Arthur throughout his journey.

Character Traits

Arthur

• Noble
• Courageous
• Just
• Transformative
• Determined

Merlin

• Wise
• Mysterious
• Magical
• Supportive
• Knowledgeable

Morgause

• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Dark
• Ambitious
• Powerful

Guinevere

• Strong
• Independent
• Loyal
• Supportive
• Loving

Lancelot

• Skilled
• Loyal
• Conflicted
• Chivalrous
• Brave

Mordred

• Deceitful
• Betraying
• Manipulative
• Vengeful
• Ambitious

Gawain

• Loyal
• Brave
• Honorable
• Chivalrous
• Trustworthy

Percival

• Humble
• Kind
• Loyal
• Virtuous
• Supportive

Kay

• Skilled
• Loyal
• Supportive
• Trustworthy
• Dependable

Character Background

Arthur

Arthur is a young boy who was raised as a foster child, unaware of his true identity as the rightful heir to the throne. He grows up in the court of King Uther Pendragon, surrounded by knights and the influence of Merlin. Arthur's background as an orphan shapes his character, as he must navigate the challenges of discovering his heritage and fulfilling his destiny as King.

Merlin

Merlin is a legendary sorcerer and advisor to the royal court. His background is shrouded in mystery, with tales of his powers and wisdom passed down through generations. Merlin's background is deeply intertwined with the magic and mythology of Britain, making him a central figure in Arthurian legends.

Morgause

Morgause is a sorceress and half-sister to Arthur. Her background is rooted in a complex family lineage and a thirst for power. Morgause's background is connected to the realm of magic and the struggle for dominance within the kingdom.

Guinevere

Guinevere comes from a noble family and is chosen to be Arthur's queen. Her background is marked by her strength and independence, as she takes on a prominent role in the court. Guinevere's background is intertwined with her love for Arthur and her desire to support him in his quest for the throne.

Lancelot

Lancelot's background is that of a skilled knight who rises through the ranks of Arthur's court. His background is marked by his loyalty to Arthur and his internal conflict regarding his love for Guinevere. Lancelot's background as a knight shapes his character and actions throughout the story.

Mordred

Mordred's background as Arthur's illegitimate son fuels his desire for power and revenge. His background is marked by deceit and betrayal, as he seeks to undermine Arthur's rule and claim the throne for himself.

Gawain

Gawain comes from a noble lineage of knights and is known for his bravery and loyalty. His background as a knight shapes his character, as he upholds the ideals of chivalry and honor within Arthur's court.

Percival

Percival's background is that of a humble and kind knight, known for his virtuousness. His background highlights the importance of humility and kindness within the realm of knights.

Kay

Kay's background is that of Arthur's foster brother and loyal ally. His background as a knight and friend to Arthur shapes his character, as he provides support and friendship throughout Arthur's journey.

Character Arcs

Arthur

Arthur experiences a significant character arc throughout the story. He starts as a young and uncertain boy, unaware of his true identity and destiny. As he embarks on his quest to claim the throne, Arthur undergoes a transformation, growing into a confident and just ruler. His character arc is marked by self-discovery, bravery, and the acceptance of his responsibilities.

Merlin

Merlin's character arc is less pronounced than Arthur's, as he serves as a mentor and guide throughout the story. However, his arc involves the passing of his wisdom and knowledge to Arthur, ensuring the future of the kingdom. Merlin's character arc is marked by his guidance and support of Arthur's growth and development.

Morgause

Morgause's character arc revolves around her pursuit of power and her eventual downfall. As the primary antagonist, she orchestrates chaos and manipulates those around her to achieve her goals. However, her actions ultimately lead to her own demise, highlighting the consequences of her dark ambitions.

Guinevere

Guinevere's character arc revolves around her love and loyalty to Arthur. She stands by his side throughout his journey, offering support and counsel. Guinevere's character arc is marked by her growth as a strong and independent woman who plays a vital role in Arthur's quest for the throne.

Lancelot

Lancelot's character arc is marked by his internal conflict between his love for Guinevere and his commitment to his duty as a knight. His arc involves grappling with his emotions and making difficult choices that ultimately shape his character.

Mordred

Mordred's character arc is one of betrayal and deceit. He starts as a son seeking recognition and power, but his actions lead to his own downfall. Mordred's arc highlights the consequences of his actions and the destructive nature of his ambitions.

Gawain

Gawain's character arc revolves around his unwavering loyalty to Arthur and his commitment to the ideals of chivalry. His arc showcases his bravery and honor as a knight, providing a sense of stability and righteousness within Arthur's court.

Percival

Percival's character arc is one of humility and kindness. He remains steadfast in his loyalty to Arthur and upholds the virtues of chivalry. Percival's arc highlights the importance of these qualities within the realm of knights.

Kay

Kay's character arc revolves around his loyalty and friendship with Arthur. He remains a trusted ally throughout Arthur's journey, providing support and camaraderie. Kay's arc is marked by his unwavering support and his growth as a knight.

Relationships

Arthur and Merlin

The relationship between Arthur and Merlin is one of mentorship and guidance. Merlin helps Arthur discover his true identity and prepares him for his role as king. Their bond is marked by trust and respect, as Merlin imparts his wisdom and magical abilities to Arthur.

Arthur and Morgause

Arthur and Morgause share a complicated relationship as half-siblings. Morgause seeks to undermine Arthur's claim to the throne, creating tension and conflict between them. Their relationship is marked by betrayal and manipulation.

Arthur and Guinevere

The relationship between Arthur and Guinevere is one of love and support. Guinevere stands by Arthur's side throughout his journey, offering advice and loyalty. Their relationship serves as a source of strength for Arthur as he faces the challenges of claiming the throne.

Arthur and Lancelot

Arthur and Lancelot share a close friendship and bond. Lancelot's loyalty to Arthur is unwavering, and their relationship is marked by trust and camaraderie. However, their friendship is tested due to Lancelot's love for Guinevere, creating conflict and tension.

Arthur and Mordred

The relationship between Arthur and Mordred is one of betrayal and conflict. Mordred, as Arthur's illegitimate son, seeks to claim the throne for himself, leading to a strained relationship between them. Their relationship is marked by deception and rivalry.

Arthur and Gawain

Arthur and Gawain share a relationship based on loyalty and honor. Gawain's loyalty to Arthur is unwavering, and their relationship is marked by trust and respect. Gawain serves as a trusted knight and friend to Arthur throughout his journey.

Arthur and Percival

Arthur and Percival share a relationship based on humility and kindness. Percival's character embodies the virtues of chivalry and serves as a loyal knight to Arthur. Their relationship is marked by support and camaraderie.

Arthur and Kay

Arthur and Kay share a strong bond as foster brothers. Kay serves as a trusted ally and friend to Arthur, supporting him throughout his journey. Their relationship is marked by loyalty and friendship.

In conclusion, "Sword of the Rightful King" by Jane Yolen features a range of diverse characters who play significant roles in the plot. The protagonist, Arthur, undergoes a transformative character arc as he discovers his true identity and fulfills his destiny as king. The relationships between the characters, such as Arthur and Merlin, Arthur and Guinevere, and Arthur and Lancelot, add depth and complexity to the story. Overall, the characters in this book contribute to the overall narrative by showcasing different traits, motivations, and conflicts that drive the plot forward.