Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Important Characters

Sir Gawain- The protagonist of the poem. He is a young knight with a reputation of a great warrior. Chivalry, honesty, loyalty and nobility are instilled in him and are a polestar of his life. Being the knight is a way of life and Sir Gawain live according to the rules. However, Morgen la Fey is curious to test the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table and disguises Bernlak as the Green Knight in order to test them. Sir Gawain steps in to protect his king and thus become a central figure in the entire poem.


Although Sir Gawain proves his chivalry and nobility, his decision to break a promise given to Bernlak and says nothing about the green girdle makes him fail in loyalty and honesty, but only in his mind. He finds it difficult to accept that he has fallen so low. However, nothing can affect his reputation and he remains the noblest knight of all, since he has repented for his sin.


The Green Knight (Bernlak de Hautdesert) - He is the most symbolical figure in the entire poem. Stout, unearthly green and intimidating, he stands for the nature and its power. Although wild and bloodthirsty, The Green Knight has a great sense of justice. At the end of the poem, he is the one that stops Sir Gawain in the further attempt to fight calling them even. The duel between him and Sir Gawain is the duel between nature and civilization, ending in a win-win situation. It reminds us not to wander away from primeval.


Morgen la Fey - The old lady in the castle and the culprit for the entire adventure. She is King Arthur's half-sister who wants to test the chivalry oh his court and make his wife die out of fear when she sees the Green Knight. A knowledge of magic allows her to turn Bernlak de Hautdesert into the Green Knight.


The young lady- Bernlak de Hautdesert's beautiful wife, prettier than queen Guinevere according to Sir Gawain. Seductive and persistent, she tries to fool Sir Gawain and make him fall for her in order to accomplish the mission she has started with her husband.


King Arthur- A legendary British leader who plays a minor role in this poem. The plot of the poem starts and ends in his court, with little of his anticipation.


Queen Guinevere- King Arthur's wife, whom Morgen la Fey wanted dead. She is known for the staggering beauty. She is present at the court when the Green Knight arrived at Camelot, but the author says nothing about her reactions at the sight of the intimidating figure and supernatural performance.





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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part 1 Summary
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part 1 Quiz
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Literature
Literature Summaries


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