Merlin (TV series)/Characters: Difference between revisions

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== Main Characters ==
== Main Characters ==


== Merlin ([[Colin Morgan]]) ==
=== Merlin ([[Colin Morgan]]) ===


[[File:MerlinTheFirstWizardBadass_6122.jpg|frame]]
[[File:MerlinTheFirstWizardBadass_6122.jpg|frame]]




The titular character, Merlin must protect Arthur -- who will one day become king of Camelot and unite the lands of Albion -- while keeping his magic a secret.
The titular character, Merlin must protect Arthur—who will one day become king of Camelot and unite the lands of Albion—while keeping his magic a secret.


* [[Adorkable]]
* [[Adorkable]]
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* [[Badass Nickname]]: In a sense, "Emrys". The Druids hold this name in reverence, and it strikes fear into Morgana's heart every time she hears it.
* [[Badass Nickname]]: In a sense, "Emrys". The Druids hold this name in reverence, and it strikes fear into Morgana's heart every time she hears it.
** It's [[The Merlin Trilogy|not]] really a nickname.
** It's [[The Merlin Trilogy|not]] really a nickname.
* [[Berserk Button]]: Endanger any of his loved ones -- especially his mother Hunith -- and you better get scared.
* [[Berserk Button]]: Endanger any of his loved ones—especially his mother Hunith—and you better get scared.
* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]
* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]
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* [[The Masquerade]]
* [[The Masquerade]]
* [[Morality Tropes]]:
* [[Morality Tropes]]:
** [[I Did What I Had to Do]]/[[Kill the Ones You Love]]/[[Shoot the Dog]]: Merlin poisons Morgana -- who was unaware that she was the vessel of the Knights of Medhir -- because [[I Did What I Had to Do|he did what he had to do]] in order to save Camelot, but at the price of killing his friend and someone he cared about. Many fans, while praising the acting of Colin and Katie, did not agree with Merlin's actions.
** [[I Did What I Had to Do]]/[[Kill the Ones You Love]]/[[Shoot the Dog]]: Merlin poisons Morgana—who was unaware that she was the vessel of the Knights of Medhir—because [[I Did What I Had to Do|he did what he had to do]] in order to save Camelot, but at the price of killing his friend and someone he cared about. Many fans, while praising the acting of Colin and Katie, did not agree with Merlin's actions.
*** It's actually lampshaded in a hilarious [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Ik_sSRo58&feature=related commentary in Series 2 Episode 12] between Colin and Katie discussing Merlin's eventual decision to kill Morgana, with Colin trying to defeat himself.
*** It's actually lampshaded in a hilarious [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Ik_sSRo58&feature=related commentary in Series 2 Episode 12] between Colin and Katie discussing Merlin's eventual decision to kill Morgana, with Colin trying to defeat himself.
{{quote|'''Katie McGrath:''' You do everything to not kill anyone else. The Dragon says kill [Morgana], and you're like "all right."
{{quote|'''Katie McGrath:''' You do everything to not kill anyone else. The Dragon says kill [Morgana], and you're like "all right."
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== {{spoiler|King}} Arthur Pendragon (Bradley James) ==
=== {{spoiler|King}} Arthur Pendragon (Bradley James) ===


[[File:Arthur-S1A_4248.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Arthur-S1A_4248.jpg|frame]]
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* [[With Friends Like These...]]: Merlin.
* [[With Friends Like These...]]: Merlin.


== Lady Morgana {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Katie McGrath]]) ==
=== Lady Morgana {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Katie McGrath]]) ===


[[File:Untitled_5_7984.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Untitled_5_7984.jpg|frame]]
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* [[You Are What You Hate]]: As several characters point out to her in Series 4, Morgana has become just like Uther.
* [[You Are What You Hate]]: As several characters point out to her in Series 4, Morgana has become just like Uther.


== {{spoiler|Queen}} Guinevere [Gwen] {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Angel Coulby]]) ==
=== {{spoiler|Queen}} Guinevere [Gwen] {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Angel Coulby]]) ===


[[File:Untitled_4_2907.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Untitled_4_2907.jpg|frame]]
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<small>'''Merlin''': "You have such a good heart, Gwen. Don't ever lose that."</small>
<small>'''Merlin''': "You have such a good heart, Gwen. Don't ever lose that."</small>


Guinevere -- nicknamed Gwen -- was the maidservant of Morgana and a good friend of Merlin's. She is a hardworking and kindhearted, young woman who is often awkward and shy when it comes to romance. {{spoiler|As of the Series 4 finale, she is Queen of Camelot.}}
Guinevere—nicknamed Gwen—was the maidservant of Morgana and a good friend of Merlin's. She is a hardworking and kindhearted, young woman who is often awkward and shy when it comes to romance. {{spoiler|As of the Series 4 finale, she is Queen of Camelot.}}


* [[Adorkable]]: More so in Series 1, but she does retain a bit of it when it comes to denying or hiding her feelings for Arthur.
* [[Adorkable]]: More so in Series 1, but she does retain a bit of it when it comes to denying or hiding her feelings for Arthur.
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* [[Damsel in Distress]]: A couple of times, but [[Memetic Mutation|not nearly as often as you'd think]]. It's probably because the (very few) Gwen-centric episodes ''do'' [[Never Live It Down|involve her in considerable distress]].
* [[Damsel in Distress]]: A couple of times, but [[Memetic Mutation|not nearly as often as you'd think]]. It's probably because the (very few) Gwen-centric episodes ''do'' [[Never Live It Down|involve her in considerable distress]].
* [[Dogged Nice Girl]]/[[Unrequited Love]]: Towards Merlin in Series 1.
* [[Dogged Nice Girl]]/[[Unrequited Love]]: Towards Merlin in Series 1.
* [[Dude Magnet]]: [[Zig-Zagging Trope]]. This is something of a [[Memetic Mutation]] due to her reputation in the source material. In this version, [[Foregone Conclusion|Arthur and Lancelot]] have fallen in love with her, and Gwaine and Helios have shown brief interest (however, both are characterized as being womanizers; in their case, it's not so much that Gwen is special so much that Gwen is ''there''). The trope was [[Subverted]] with Merlin, who shows [[Oblivious to Love|no romantic interest in her at all]], despite her obvious crush. If you're keeping track at home, ''Arthur'' has been romantically linked with more women than Gwen has with other men. <ref> In order, they are: Morgana, Sophia, Guinevere, Vivian, Elena, Mithian</ref>
* [[Dude Magnet]]: [[Zig-Zagging Trope]]. This is something of a [[Memetic Mutation]] due to her reputation in the source material. In this version, [[Foregone Conclusion|Arthur and Lancelot]] have fallen in love with her, and Gwaine and Helios have shown brief interest (however, both are characterized as being womanizers; in their case, it's not so much that Gwen is special so much that Gwen is ''there''). The trope was [[Subverted]] with Merlin, who shows [[Oblivious to Love|no romantic interest in her at all]], despite her obvious crush. If you're keeping track at home, ''Arthur'' has been romantically linked with more women than Gwen has with other men.<ref>In order, they are: Morgana, Sophia, Guinevere, Vivian, Elena, Mithian</ref>
* [[Expository Hairstyle Change]]: Her hair goes from practical buns to long, loose curls as she rises in status.
* [[Expository Hairstyle Change]]: Her hair goes from practical buns to long, loose curls as she rises in status.
* [[Fan Service Pack]]: [http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lwm890.jpg See for yourself]...
* [[Fan Service Pack]]: [http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lwm890.jpg See for yourself]...
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* [[Like Brother and Sister]]/[[Platonic Life Partners]]: Gwen eventually becomes this with Merlin in Series 2.
* [[Like Brother and Sister]]/[[Platonic Life Partners]]: Gwen eventually becomes this with Merlin in Series 2.
* [[Limited Wardrobe]]: In the first series, she (understandably) only had two outfits.
* [[Limited Wardrobe]]: In the first series, she (understandably) only had two outfits.
* [[Love Hurts]]: The poor girl never catches a break -- her feelings for Merlin are unrequited, her brief romance with Lancelot abruptly ends when he leaves Camelot, only to return and their romance is rekindled until Lancelot leaves again after noticing Arthur's and Gwen's feelings for each other, leaving Gwen upset, and her budding relationship with Arthur constantly becomes strained because of their social classes. {{spoiler|Once she and Arthur become stable, she is enchanted into cheating on him with [[Back From the Dead|Lancelot]] - the kicker being only the audience and the bad guys know - and banished from Camelot forever}}.
* [[Love Hurts]]: The poor girl never catches a break—her feelings for Merlin are unrequited, her brief romance with Lancelot abruptly ends when he leaves Camelot, only to return and their romance is rekindled until Lancelot leaves again after noticing Arthur's and Gwen's feelings for each other, leaving Gwen upset, and her budding relationship with Arthur constantly becomes strained because of their social classes. {{spoiler|Once she and Arthur become stable, she is enchanted into cheating on him with [[Back From the Dead|Lancelot]] - the kicker being only the audience and the bad guys know - and banished from Camelot forever}}.
* [[Love Triangle]]: At the centre of the most famous one of all.
* [[Love Triangle]]: At the centre of the most famous one of all.
* [[Mama Bear]]: It turns out that messing with [[Platonic Life Partners|Merlin]] will turn the [[Beware the Nice Ones|usually mild mannered]] Gwen into one of these. '''GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!'''
* [[Mama Bear]]: It turns out that messing with [[Platonic Life Partners|Merlin]] will turn the [[Beware the Nice Ones|usually mild mannered]] Gwen into one of these. '''GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!'''
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* [[Your Cheating Heart]]: {{spoiler|[[Averted]], despite the legendary expectations. She's faithful to Arthur, and [[Kissing Under the Influence|kisses Lancelot only when under a spell]]}}.
* [[Your Cheating Heart]]: {{spoiler|[[Averted]], despite the legendary expectations. She's faithful to Arthur, and [[Kissing Under the Influence|kisses Lancelot only when under a spell]]}}.


== Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) ==
=== Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) ===


[[File:Uther_965.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Uther_965.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Hypocrite]]
* [[Hypocrite]]
* [[Jerkass]]
* [[Jerkass]]
* [[Jerkass Has a Point]]: His extremist stance toward magic would be considerably less understandable if not for the fact that nearly ''every'' magic-user in the series who isn't named Merlin turns out to be evil -- and not in the "we're desperate and fighting for our lives" sense, but full-on murderous sadism and smirking villainy.
* [[Jerkass Has a Point]]: His extremist stance toward magic would be considerably less understandable if not for the fact that nearly ''every'' magic-user in the series who isn't named Merlin turns out to be evil—and not in the "we're desperate and fighting for our lives" sense, but full-on murderous sadism and smirking villainy.
** Unfortunate [[Fridge Logic]] implies that the crazy villains were the only ones to survive his great purge, thanks to their paranoia and justified fear of the king. The less dangerous magic users wouldn't have expected for a just king to slaughter them all.
** Unfortunate [[Fridge Logic]] implies that the crazy villains were the only ones to survive his great purge, thanks to their paranoia and justified fear of the king. The less dangerous magic users wouldn't have expected for a just king to slaughter them all.
** Or that they were [[Driven to Villainy]].
** Or that they were [[Driven to Villainy]].
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** But only sometimes to his face.
** But only sometimes to his face.


== Gaius (Richard Wilson) ==
=== Gaius (Richard Wilson) ===


[[File:s01e00_01_gaius_288x352_5452.jpg|frame]]
[[File:s01e00_01_gaius_288x352_5452.jpg|frame]]
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== Characters Introduced in Series 1 ==
== Characters Introduced in Series 1 ==


== Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) ==
=== Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) ===


<small>"I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn."</small>
<small>"I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn."</small>
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* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: Series 1 Episode 4.
* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: Series 1 Episode 4.


== Mordred (Asa Butterfield) ==
=== Mordred (Asa Butterfield) ===
⚫
[[File:250px-Mordred1_7568.jpg|frame]]

<small>"My name is Mordred."</small>
<small>"My name is Mordred."</small>

⚫
[[File:250px-Mordred1_7568.jpg|frame]]


Mordred is a young Druid boy who Morgana grows instantly attached to. According to the Great Dragon, Mordred will one day kill Arthur. Merlin's desire to help Mordred becomes heavily strained because of this. Also, another prophecy states that {{spoiler|Mordred and Morgana will be united in evil}}.
Mordred is a young Druid boy who Morgana grows instantly attached to. According to the Great Dragon, Mordred will one day kill Arthur. Merlin's desire to help Mordred becomes heavily strained because of this. Also, another prophecy states that {{spoiler|Mordred and Morgana will be united in evil}}.
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* [[Rule of Three]]: Has appeared three times in the first two seasons.
* [[Rule of Three]]: Has appeared three times in the first two seasons.
* [[The Runaway]]
* [[The Runaway]]
* [[Schiff One-Liner]]/[[Wham! Line]]: Series 1 Episode 8 when he reveals his identity -- the above quote.
* [[Schiff One-Liner]]/[[Wham! Line]]: Series 1 Episode 8 when he reveals his identity—the above quote.
* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[Sonic Scream]]
* [[Sonic Scream]]
* [[Start of Darkness]]: In Series 2 Episode 3, Mordred is forced to kill some soldiers in self-defense, but shows absolutely no remorse.
* [[Start of Darkness]]: In Series 2 Episode 3, Mordred is forced to kill some soldiers in self-defense, but shows absolutely no remorse.
* [[Telepathy]]: Has contacted several characters -- including Merlin and Morgana -- with his thoughts.
* [[Telepathy]]: Has contacted several characters—including Merlin and Morgana—with his thoughts.
* [[This Is Unforgivable!]]: When Merlin attempts to prevent Mordred from escaping the Camelot knights in Series 2 Episode 11, Mordred ends up killing the knights and warning Merlin telepathically that he will not forgive Merlin nor will he forget this betrayal.
* [[This Is Unforgivable!]]: When Merlin attempts to prevent Mordred from escaping the Camelot knights in Series 2 Episode 11, Mordred ends up killing the knights and warning Merlin telepathically that he will not forgive Merlin nor will he forget this betrayal.
* [[The Voiceless]]: Played straight in Series 1 Episode 8, where Morgana start to wonder if he's too afraid to speak or he can't. In later episodes Mordred is more verbal, but still seems to prefer telepathy over voice.
* [[The Voiceless]]: Played straight in Series 1 Episode 8, where Morgana start to wonder if he's too afraid to speak or he can't. In later episodes Mordred is more verbal, but still seems to prefer telepathy over voice.


== Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) ==
=== Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) ===


[[File:34-4-1_9996.jpg|frame]]
[[File:34-4-1_9996.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Gwen.
* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Gwen.


== The Great Dragon: Kilgharrah (John Hurt) ==
=== The Great Dragon: Kilgharrah (John Hurt) ===


[[File:bigger_dragon_9908.jpg|frame]]
[[File:bigger_dragon_9908.jpg|frame]]
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== Characters Introduced in Series 2 ==
== Characters Introduced in Series 2 ==


== Sir Leon (Rupert Young) ==
=== Sir Leon (Rupert Young) ===


[[File:Leonknight_1597.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Leonknight_1597.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Shirtless Scene]]: Which cemented his position as a major cast member.
* [[Shirtless Scene]]: Which cemented his position as a major cast member.


== Morgause (Emilia Fox) ==
=== Morgause (Emilia Fox) ===


[[File:20-2_3968.jpg|frame]]
[[File:20-2_3968.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]


== Igraine (Alice Patten) ==
=== Igraine (Alice Patten) ===


[[File:Igraine_4922.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Igraine_4922.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Woman in White]]
* [[Woman in White]]


== Freya (Laura Donnelly) ==
=== Freya (Laura Donnelly) ===


[[File:13-2_6426.jpg|frame]]
[[File:13-2_6426.jpg|frame]]
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== Characters Introduced in Series 3 ==
== Characters Introduced in Series 3 ==


== Cenred (Tom Ellis) ==
=== Cenred (Tom Ellis) ===


[[File:Cenred-merlin-on-bbc-16891208-1600-12001211_2858.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Cenred-merlin-on-bbc-16891208-1600-12001211_2858.jpg|frame]]
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* {{spoiler|[[You Have Outlived Your Usefulness]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[You Have Outlived Your Usefulness]]}}


== Gwaine (Eoin Macken) ==
=== Gwaine (Eoin Macken) ===


[[File:gwaineagain-1-1_9559.jpg|frame]]
[[File:gwaineagain-1-1_9559.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Guest Star Party Member]]: Throughout Series 3, before becoming a regular in Series 4.
* [[Guest Star Party Member]]: Throughout Series 3, before becoming a regular in Series 4.
* [[Hidden Depths]]
* [[Hidden Depths]]
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: Refuses to expose his identity as the son of a knight out of his resentment towards nobles -- when Gwaine's father, a knight, died, Gwaine and his mother were left penniless, and the king in their land refused to give them any compensation. Gwaine would later change his opinion of Arthur after Arthur defends him.
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: Refuses to expose his identity as the son of a knight out of his resentment towards nobles—when Gwaine's father, a knight, died, Gwaine and his mother were left penniless, and the king in their land refused to give them any compensation. Gwaine would later change his opinion of Arthur after Arthur defends him.
* [[King Incognito]]: Gwaine isn't royalty, but secretly comes from a noble family, seeing as his father was a knight.
* [[King Incognito]]: Gwaine isn't royalty, but secretly comes from a noble family, seeing as his father was a knight.
* [[Knight in Sour Armor]]: A minor example. His friendship with Merlin seems to be wearing down his cynicism.
* [[Knight in Sour Armor]]: A minor example. His friendship with Merlin seems to be wearing down his cynicism.
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* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]
* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]


== Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun) ==
=== Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun) ===


[[File:Elyan_5600.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Elyan_5600.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Shipper on Deck]]: At the very least, he certainly isn't ''opposed'' to his sister dating the Prince of Camelot, judging by the smile on his face when they kiss at the end of "The Coming of Arthur".
* [[Shipper on Deck]]: At the very least, he certainly isn't ''opposed'' to his sister dating the Prince of Camelot, judging by the smile on his face when they kiss at the end of "The Coming of Arthur".


== Percival (Tom Hopper) ==
=== Percival (Tom Hopper) ===


[[File:MER15550-1840-718-404-100-1_2090.jpg|frame]]
[[File:MER15550-1840-718-404-100-1_2090.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Badass Normal]]: Bordering on [[Super Strength]].
* [[Badass Normal]]: Bordering on [[Super Strength]].
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]: With Lancelot.
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]: With Lancelot.
* [[Dog Pile of Doom]]: Though he throws it off pretty quickly.
* [[Dogpile of Doom]]: Though he throws it off pretty quickly.
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger]]
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger]]
* [[Even the Guys Want Him]]: Bradley James has freely admitted to having a man-crush on Tom Hopper.
* [[Even the Guys Want Him]]: Bradley James has freely admitted to having a man-crush on Tom Hopper.
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* [[Last-Episode New Character]]
* [[Last-Episode New Character]]
* [[One Head Taller]]: He towers over the rest of the characters.
* [[One Head Taller]]: He towers over the rest of the characters.
* [[Pieta Plagiarism]]: In the Series 4 trailer {{spoiler|there is a shot of Percival carrying Merlin in this manner}}.
* [[Pietà Plagiarism]]: In the Series 4 trailer {{spoiler|there is a shot of Percival carrying Merlin in this manner}}.
* [[The Quiet One]]
* [[The Quiet One]]
* [[Sleeves Are for Wimps]]: He's got them in the featured picture, but most of the time his armour is sleeveless, the better to show off Tom Hopper's rather extraordinary biceps.
* [[Sleeves Are for Wimps]]: He's got them in the featured picture, but most of the time his armour is sleeveless, the better to show off Tom Hopper's rather extraordinary biceps.
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== Characters Introduced in Series 4 ==
== Characters Introduced in Series 4 ==


== Agravaine ([[Nathaniel Parker]]) ==
=== Agravaine ([[Nathaniel Parker]]) ===


[[File:Agravaineblackclothes_pic_9130_9699.jpg|frame]]
[[File:Agravaineblackclothes_pic_9130_9699.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Xanatos Speed Chess]]: Especially throughout Series 4 Episode 6.
* [[Xanatos Speed Chess]]: Especially throughout Series 4 Episode 6.


== Aithusa ==
=== Aithusa ===


[[File:big_dragon_3903.jpg|frame]]
[[File:big_dragon_3903.jpg|frame]]
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* [[There Is Another]]: His birth means that Kilgarrah is no longer [[The Last of His Kind]].
* [[There Is Another]]: His birth means that Kilgarrah is no longer [[The Last of His Kind]].


== Helios (Terence Maynard) ==
=== Helios (Terence Maynard) ===


A womanizing warlord that Morgana enlists in her crusade against Camelot and whose army attacks it at the end of Series 4.
A womanizing warlord that Morgana enlists in her crusade against Camelot and whose army attacks it at the end of Series 4.
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* [[Scary Black Man]]
* [[Scary Black Man]]


== Tristan and Isolde (Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison) ==
=== Tristan and Isolde (Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison) ===


[[File:35-1_6632.jpg|frame]]
[[File:35-1_6632.jpg|frame]]
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* [[Beta Couple]]: They serve as the catalyst for getting Arthur and Gwen back together.
* [[Beta Couple]]: They serve as the catalyst for getting Arthur and Gwen back together.
* [[Blue Eyes]]: Both of them.
* [[Blue Eyes]]: Both of them.
* [[Cheshire Cat Grin|Cheshire Cat Grins]]
* [[Cheshire Cat Grin]]s
* [[The Cynic]]: Tristan
* [[The Cynic]]: Tristan
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger|Eleventh Hour Rangers]]
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger|Eleventh Hour Rangers]]
* [[Expy]]: According to writer Julian Jones, they are based on ''[[Mr. and Mrs. Smith]]''.
* [[Expy]]: According to writer Julian Jones, they are based on ''[[Mr. and Mrs. Smith]]''.
* [[Lovable Rogue|Lovable Rogues]]: They give this vibe.
* [[Lovable Rogue]]s: They give this vibe.
* [[May-December Romance]]: No onscreen ages are given but Tristan certainly ''looks'' considerably older than Isolde (in real life, there is a 16 year age gap between Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison).
* [[May–December Romance]]: No onscreen ages are given but Tristan certainly ''looks'' considerably older than Isolde (in real life, there is a 16 year age gap between Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison).
* [[Tristan and Iseult]]: [[In Name Only]].
* [[Tristan and Iseult]]: [[In Name Only]].
* [[Ugly Guy, Hot Wife]]: Comparatively speaking.
* [[Ugly Guy, Hot Wife]]: Comparatively speaking.


{{worksubpagefooter}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Merlin]]
[[Category:Characters]]

Latest revision as of 15:36, 4 August 2021


The characters of the BBC 1 series Merlin:

Note: Season 4 has aired, so there will be spoilers!

Note to editors: See the Spoiler Policy before blanking everything out.

Main Characters

Merlin (Colin Morgan)


The titular character, Merlin must protect Arthur—who will one day become king of Camelot and unite the lands of Albion—while keeping his magic a secret.

Katie McGrath: You do everything to not kill anyone else. The Dragon says kill [Morgana], and you're like "all right."
Colin Morgan: No, I kill loads of people. I kill at least one person an episode.

  • Mr. Fanservice
  • Nice Guy
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Series 2 Episode 12 has a double whammy: he releases the Great Dragon and poisons Lady Morgana. The former allows the dragon to finally take revenge on Camelot and King Uther, while the latter is a huge reason behind Morgana's face heel turn.
    • Series 4 Episode 3: In disguise, he accidentally kills King Uther with magic and in front of Arthur: Arthur has now lost both his parents to magic and he knows.
  • Papa Wolf: A non-parental example, but he is fiercely protective of Arthur and Gwen.
  • Playing with Fire: As with Blow You Away, Merlin's elemental powers are usually based in fire or air.
  • Power Perversion Potential: Fanfic has him magically undress a partner rather often.
  • Secret Keeper: He's the only one who knows about Lancelot's feelings for Gwen.
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: His actions against Mordred and Morgana, at the guiding of the Dragon, are significant factors in driving both to become the very evil the Dragon predicted in the first place.
  • Servile Snarker: Occasionally.
  • Shipper on Deck: He ships Arthur/Gwen, probably more than they do themselves.
  • The Smart Guy: He's definitely this (especially when compared to Arthur), as he is one of the wisest characters. From the cast's commentaries, the actor is described to be this in Real Life, as well.
  • The Snark Knight
  • The So-Called Coward: According to Arthur.
  • Trickster: Combined with Trickster Mentor at times, when Arthur starts seeking his advice, due to his witty, carefree and joking attitude. Merlin apparently possesses this trait in all the legends, as well.
    • Particularly when masquerading as the elderly "Dragoon", he seemingly revels in this role.
  • Underestimating Badassery: Everyone does this to Merlin, except maybe Lancelot and Gaius (who know his secret) and Guinevere, who has teamed up with him in several dangerous situations.
  • Unlucky Childhood Friend: Will.
  • Unresolved Sexual Tension: With Morgana.
  • Vitriolic Best Buds: With Arthur.
  • When He Smiles: Merlin has a goofy grin that is both adorable and quite beautiful at the same time.
  • With Friends Like These...: Arthur.


King Arthur Pendragon (Bradley James)

The prince of Camelot, Arthur starts out as a Jerkass but ends up developing a Hidden Heart of Gold thanks to his gradual strong friendship with Merlin, Morgana's guidance, and his inevitable and budding romance with Gwen.

  • 24-Hour Armor: It's not very consistent, but sometimes he can wear his armour at the oddest times, including to banquets and other casual celebrations.
  • Anchored Ship: Arthur and Gwen. Since Series 2, although both know of their mutual feelings for each other, they've refused to upgrade their relationship because of, among other things, their different social classes.
  • Anti-Hero: Type III.
  • Aw, Look -- They Really Do Love Each Other: With Merlin and Morgana... sort of.
  • Badass in Distress: All the time. Most of the time he doesn't even realize it.
  • Badass Longcoat
  • Badass Normal
  • Berserk Button: He reacts badly to any perceived slight against his honor or integrity. Likewise, threatening his servant, foster sister, or especially his beloved is a surefire way of getting killed by a very angry prince.
  • Big Damn Heroes
  • Blue Eyes
  • Cannot Spit It Out: His feelings for Gwen.
  • Catch Phrase: "Shut up, Merlin." and "I am not fat."; note, the last one no longer applies, as Arthur is fat now, or at least, he is getting fatter.
  • Chick Magnet:
    • Although this is kind of lampshaded in the Series 1 Episode 2 DVD commentary for the scene where Merlin mentions that Arthur "gets all the girls":

Bradley James: All the girls? Morgana? That one girl who's my adopted sister? Oh yeah, he gets all the girls, he does. Look, they're surrounding him! Argh! Someone get a stick to beat them off with!

Arthur: After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off things. So, I went for a hunt.
Morgana: And killing things mends a broken heart?
Arthur: No, but it's good fun.

Lady Morgana Pendragon (Katie McGrath)

"What if... magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you?"

Morgana is the beautiful ward of Uther who suffers from premonitions in her dreams, unaware that she is in fact, a seer. She is close to her maidservant Gwen. Her strong sense of justice often clashes with Uther's rules and judgement.

In Series 2, Morgana discovers that she is a seer, but fears what Uther may do if he finds out she has magic. She also briefly befriends the sorceress Morgause, unaware that Morgause is her half-sister. However, Morgana's growing resentment towards Uther and his treatment of those who use magic inevitably leads to her Face Heel Turn. When she is used as a catalyst for a spell under Camelot, Merlin is forced to poison her. Morgause rescues Morgana, and it is implied that she can save her life.

In Series 3, Morgana has been recovered and returned to Camelot, but she is firmly set on the Dark Side, pretending to be the "loving ward" while she secretly plots with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot.

Queen Guinevere [Gwen] Pendragon (Angel Coulby)

Merlin: "You have such a good heart, Gwen. Don't ever lose that."

Guinevere—nicknamed Gwen—was the maidservant of Morgana and a good friend of Merlin's. She is a hardworking and kindhearted, young woman who is often awkward and shy when it comes to romance. As of the Series 4 finale, she is Queen of Camelot.

Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head)

Uther Pendragon is the ruthless king of Camelot who has outlawed magic within the kingdom. Often his hatred for magic blinds him from his tyrant-like nature, but he nevertheless believes what he is doing for Camelot is right. While Uther does not often show it, he does strongly care about his son Arthur and his ward Morgana, as well as acknowledging loyalty from his subjects e.g. Gaius and Merlin (occasionally).

  • Adults Are Useless
  • Anti-Villain: Type 3 with a bit of Type 1 as well.
  • Badass Longcoat
  • Badass Normal
  • Blood on These Hands: He clearly suffers from a guilty conscious when faced with the apparitions of his deceased wife and the children he drowned.
  • Broken Pedestal: Arthur gradually comes to realize that his father is not the infallible father/king that he initially believed him to be.
  • Create Your Own Villain: Uther certainly played a large part in how Morgana turned out.
  • Despair Event Horizon: When he realizes the depths of his daughter's hatred for him.
  • Disproportionate Retribution
  • Final Speech: He manages a few last words to Arthur before slipping into a coma that he awakens from only very briefly.
  • Freudian Excuse: His extreme hatred of magic comes from the circumstances of Arthur's birth: Uther was desperate for an heir. His wife couldn't conceive, so he asked Nimueh to help him have a son. She didn't tell him, however, that giving life by magic requires the taking of a life to keep the balance. Arthur was born, but Uther's wife dies.
  • Heroic BSOD: Is rendered catatonic after Morgana betrays him in the third series finale. One year later, he's still a shell of the man he once was, leaving Arthur ruling the land in his stead.
  • Hypocrite
  • Jerkass
  • Jerkass Has a Point: His extremist stance toward magic would be considerably less understandable if not for the fact that nearly every magic-user in the series who isn't named Merlin turns out to be evil—and not in the "we're desperate and fighting for our lives" sense, but full-on murderous sadism and smirking villainy.
    • Unfortunate Fridge Logic implies that the crazy villains were the only ones to survive his great purge, thanks to their paranoia and justified fear of the king. The less dangerous magic users wouldn't have expected for a just king to slaughter them all.
    • Or that they were Driven to Villainy.
  • Jerk with a Heart of Gold: On every issue except magic, though there is rather more Jerk than Gold. Notably he is very sympathetic to Merlin's mother when Ealdor is being attacked and expresses a desire to see the Jerkass who's doing it wiped off the face of the earth.
  • Kick the Dog: Just about every episode.
  • Killed Off for Real
  • Knight Templar/Knight Templar Parent
  • Like A Daughter To Me: Morgana. Quite literally.
  • Love Makes You Evil: He hates magic so much, because it caused a death of his beloved wife.
  • Mr. Fanservice
  • Papa Wolf: Is very protective of Arthur and Morgana when it comes to life-threatening situations (usually Arthur) or kidnapping attempts (usually Morgana).
    • We all knew that once Aredian pulled a knife on Morgana in Series 2 Episode 7 (in front of Merlin, Arthur, and Uther, no less) that he wasn't going to leave Camelot alive.
  • Parental Substitute: For Morgana. At least, it seems this way until it is revealed that she actually is his illegitimate daughter.
  • Pet the Dog: At the end of "Excalibur". It's obvious that Uther loves his children, and speaks of his late wife as "my soul." He's also fond of Gaius, and can be made to see reason on several issues. When Guinevere is found innocent of witchcraft in "Queen of Hearts", he looks a little guilty for what he put her through.
    • He personally acknowledges what Merlin has done and thanks him when Merlin lies to protect him from an enraged Arthur who found out the truth about Uther and his birth. He also warns Merlin that he will hang him if he ever reveals to anyone what happened, which you could interpret as protecting his son.
  • Troubled Sympathetic Bigot: His hatred of magic stems from his grief and guilt over his wife's death (troubled), he dearly loves both his children (sympathetic) and yet he is utterly ruthless and hypocritical when it comes to eradicating those that practice magic (bigot).
  • Villainous BSOD: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she trully hates him in Series 3 Episode 13.
  • Villain Protagonist
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: He is convinced that magic is evil and threatens Camelot.
  • What the Hell, Hero?: Uther gets this A LOT.
    • But only sometimes to his face.

Gaius (Richard Wilson)

The court physician, Gaius took Merlin under his care in his arrival to Camelot. He attempts to voice reason to Uther's judgement and ideals, but often gets rebuffed until his suspicions are proven correct.

Characters Introduced in Series 1

Nimueh (Michelle Ryan)

"I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn."

The sorceress who cast the spell that allowed Uther and Igraine to concieve Arthur. After Igraine died in childbirth as per the conditions of the magic, it served as a catalyst for Uther's hatred of magic and the massacre that followed. Throughout the first season, Nimueh works against Uther from a distance in order to undermine his rule.

Mordred (Asa Butterfield)

"My name is Mordred."

Mordred is a young Druid boy who Morgana grows instantly attached to. According to the Great Dragon, Mordred will one day kill Arthur. Merlin's desire to help Mordred becomes heavily strained because of this. Also, another prophecy states that Mordred and Morgana will be united in evil.

Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera)

"I would die for you one hundred times over. Live for me, or everything that I am has been for nothing."

A commoner who desires to become a knight of Camelot. He shares a brief romance with Gwen.

The Great Dragon: Kilgharrah (John Hurt)

Characters Introduced in Series 2

Sir Leon (Rupert Young)

A Knight of Camelot seen throughout Series 2 and made a semi-regular in Series 3.

Morgause (Emilia Fox)

"Arthur Pendragon, a great destiny awaits you. The battle for your soul is about to begin."

A mysterious sorceress who has a connection to Morgana, Morgause desires the doom of Uther and Camelot.

  • Action Girl: So much that she can best Arthur in a duel.
  • The Baroness: The Rosa Klebb type.
  • Big Bad: Series 3, after being built up some during Series 2.
  • Big Sister Instinct/Cool Big Sis: Towards Morgana. Seriously, what sister would give you a kingdom to reign over?
  • Blondes Are Evil
  • Breakout Villain: She was only going to be around for a couple of episodes until the writers released how important she was to Morgana's Story Arc.
  • Brown Eyes
  • Chainmail Bikini: Averted. She gears up for combat appropriately.
  • Enemy Mine/Fire-Forged Friends: Morgause and Cenred seem to be allies over their mutual hatred for Uther.
  • Evil Sorceress
  • Eyes of Gold: When using magic.
  • Hair of Gold
  • Heterosexual Life Partners: With Morgana.
  • Hot Chick with a Sword
  • Kick the Dog: Putting a spell on Morgana to make her the vessel to summon the Knights of Medhir in order to destroy Camelot without telling Morgana probably wasn't Morgause's best idea in the world...
  • Killed Off for Real: By Morgana in the Series 4 premier. It's a Mercy Kill, with Morgause's full consent.
  • Knight Templar Big Sister
  • Lady in Red
  • Long-Lost Relative
  • Ms. Fanservice
  • Only Mostly Dead: Apparently killed in the Series 3 finale, but she comes back in Series 4. Given her mutated face, it's clear that she and Morgana went to extreme lengths to keep her alive.
  • Pet the Dog: In spite of her plot to murder Uther, Morgause does find time to reunite with her half-sister Morgana and give her a bracelet that would help her sleep. And help her take over Camelot...
  • The Reveal: She is Morgana's half-sister. Series 3 Episode 5 throws this into doubt. The only way they are truly related is if they share the same mother, or if somehow Uther Pendragon is also her father as well.
    • Not necessarily. It is possible to come up with a logical, if convoluted, timeline that reconciles their relationship and Uther and Morgana's, though it pretty much hinges upon her mother becoming rather... lonely on a somewhat regular basis while her husband is on some sort of epic quest.
      • It's like this: Vivienne is the mother of Morgause and Morgana; Gorlois is Morgause's father and Uther is Morgana's father. Simple. They share the same mother, as Morgause got the special sleeping bracelet that she gave to Morgana, from her mother.
      • Confusion arises out the fact that when Morgause first appeared in Camelot, Gaius and Uther referred to her as "Morgana's half-sister". But at that point, Morgana's true paternity was a secret, which meant that if Gorlois was considered both Morgana and Morgause's biological father, they should have been described as full sisters, at least until the truth about Uther's true relationship became known. As such, the only way the "half-sister" comment makes sense at that point would be if Morgause's father was someone other than Gorlois, leaving Vivienne as the parent they share in common. If Gorlois was supposed to be the shared parent, then they are clearly not half-sisters at all - which doesn't make sense considering they continued to call each other "sister" after The Reveal.
  • Romantic Two-Girl Friendship: With Morgana.
  • Samus Is a Girl: Her Badass debut.
  • Thanatos Gambit: She ensures that her death furthers Morgana's cause.
  • Unkempt Beauty: When fully armored. Otherwise, she seems to take time to style her hair and also dress very nicely.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist

Igraine (Alice Patten)

Arthur's mother and the late wife of Uther.

Freya (Laura Donnelly)

"You already saved me. You made me feel loved."

Freya is a young Druid woman with a dark secret who Merlin protects from captivity. They develop a strong bond in the process. Freya becomes Merlin's first love.

Characters Introduced in Series 3

Cenred (Tom Ellis)

The ruler of the rivaling kingdom of Cenred (named after himself), Cenred seeks the downfall of Uther and Camelot by becoming an accomplice of Morgause's.

Cenred: You are very beautiful when you're angry.
Morgause: Is that why you continue to defy me?
Cenred: You wouldn't like it if I made it easy for you.

Gwaine (Eoin Macken)

If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life is that titles don't mean anything. It's what's inside that counts.

A man who saves Arthur during a brawl at a town tavern, Gwaine is given hospitality at Camelot until his injuries heal. He resents nobles and is secretly the son of a knight. He helps Merlin in protecting Arthur from danger during the melee. He is a future Knight of the Round Table.

Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun)

Guinevere's estranged brother and only sibling.

  • Aloof Older Brother: Often away traveling from one place to another and never even visited Gwen when their father died.
    • And where the hell was he when Guinevere was accused of witchcraft and almost burnt at the stake?
      • Twice.
  • An Axe to Grind
  • Back for the Finale
  • Badass Normal
  • Black Dude Dies First: Averted, but only just. He's the first (and only) knight to get injured.
  • Deadpan Snarker: On seeing the ruined castle that Arthur has brought them to, he comments: "It's gotta be better than that cave."
  • In the Hood
  • Long Lost Sibling
  • Mr. Fanservice
  • Now Let Me Carry You: He pledges his fealty to Arthur in repayment for the rescue Arthur undertakes in "The Castle of Fyrien".
  • Race Lift: The legendary Elyan was known as "Elyan the White". In the series, he's played by a black actor. Granted, "the White" would have referred to his pure soul, but it's still pretty funny.
  • Remember the New Guy?
  • Shipper on Deck: At the very least, he certainly isn't opposed to his sister dating the Prince of Camelot, judging by the smile on his face when they kiss at the end of "The Coming of Arthur".

Percival (Tom Hopper)

A warrior who arrives with Lancelot in order to help Arthur and his loyalists take back Camelot. Having showed up in the very last episode of the third season, we know virtually nothing about him yet.

Characters Introduced in Series 4

Agravaine (Nathaniel Parker)

Arthur's uncle on his mother's side, Agravaine has been helping his nephew run the kingdom during Uther's sickness. It soon becomes clear that he's not a man to be trusted.

Aithusa

A white baby dragon that Merlin hatches from a long-dormant egg, and said to be a good omen for the coming Golden Age of Arthur's reign. The events of the Series 4 finale throw this into some doubt.

Helios (Terence Maynard)

A womanizing warlord that Morgana enlists in her crusade against Camelot and whose army attacks it at the end of Series 4.

Tristan and Isolde (Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison)

A pair of smugglers (and lovers) who don't think highly of Camelot or its King, but who decide to throw in their lot with Arthur after he and Merlin save Isolde's life.

  1. ↑ In order, they are: Morgana, Sophia, Guinevere, Vivian, Elena, Mithian
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