Merlin (TV series)/Characters: Difference between revisions

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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.

Adorkable
The Alcoholic: Subverted. Merlin isn't actually one, but due to Gaius' spur of the moment lie he was in the Tavern in "Queen of Hearts", Arthur is seemingly convinced that most of Merlin's odd behaviour is a result of his spending too much time in the local Tavern or any reason anytime he can't be found.
Almighty Janitor
Anti-Hero: Type III. Too good to slip into type IV, but his truly horrendous body count doesn't seem to bother him at all.
Badass: Can slide into Badass Bookworm at times, as Merlin has a tendency to gather his knowledge from books, most of the time. Also, he's one of the wisest characters in the show, despite his goofy attitude.
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 not really a nickname.
Berserk Button: Endanger any of his loved ones—especially his mother Hunith—and you better get scared.
Beware the Nice Ones
Big Damn Heroes
Blow You Away: Gaius calls Merlin's magic "elemental". Thus far, he favors wind and fire.
Blue Eyes
Bullying a Dragon: Subverts this. As a Dragon Lord, Merlin is the one doing the bullying towards Dragons and Wyverns.
Bumbling Sidekick: To Arthur. A Subversion as even though he has the occasional clumsy moment, he's more competent and quick-thinking than Arthur ever gives him credit for.
Butt Monkey: So much that he is The Woobie.
- Remember that one time when Arthur and his knights ate all the food so he couldn't have any... for several days?
Cannot Spit It Out: His ability to use magic.
The Caretaker: To Freya.
- The Druids see Merlin as this, in trusting the Cup of Life to his protection and later Excalibur.
Chew Toy: Too Adorkable not to become this.
Chronic Hero Syndrome
Cloudcuckoolander: While his actions generally make sense to the audience, to everyone else he comes across as utterly bizarre. But he's right enough of the time that some people still take him seriously.
Conflicting Loyalty
Cool Old Guy: When masquerading as the 80-year-old sorcerer "Dragoon".
Country Mouse: At least at first.
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass
Deadpan Snarker
Disappeared Dad: Until Series 2 Episode 13. Then, he died.
Dragon Rider : For relatively practical reasons.
Eyes of Gold: When using magic.
Functional Magic
Good Is Not Nice: Merlin has great power and is far too good to use it. Do NOT piss him off.
Good Is Not Soft: Can be unmerciful when it comes to saving his friends and protecting his secret.
Heroic Bastard: His parents never married.
Heterosexual Life Partners: With Arthur. Though the fangirls tend to disagree...
I Have Many Names: Emrys, among others, according to Mordred and the Great Dragon. Somewhat inverted as Merlin himself is unaware of most of them.
- He has also given himself a name for his Secret Identity as an old man: "Dragoon".
"I Know You're in There Somewhere" Fight: Merlin tries this on Morgana in Series 3 Episode 2. It doesn't work.
Instant Expert: At casting certain spells. Some can be slightly more difficult though.
Last of His Kind: Merlin's father is revealed to be the Last of the Dragon-Lords, Mages who posessed the ability to command and bend Dragons to their will. Upon his father's death, Merlin inherited the gift and the responsibility of being the Last Dragon-Lord.
Love Hurts: His relationship with Freya, The Gwen Stacy.
Magnetic Hero: Merlin is definitely this. He befriends nearly everyone he meets.
The Masquerade
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 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 commentary in Series 2 Episode 12 between Colin and Katie discussing Merlin's eventual decision to kill Morgana, with Colin trying to defeat himself.

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!

The Chosen One
Chronic Hero Syndrome
Even the Guys Want Him
Flaw Exploitation: It didn't take long for Morgana to pick up on Arthur's love for Guinevere and use it to her own advantage on at least two separate occasions.
Flirty Stepsiblings: Arthur and Morgana are kind of like this during Series 1 since Uther is the guardian of Morgana, and she is like a daughter to him. It is almost as if Uther adopted Morgana, which would make Arthur and Morgana like step-siblings. As it turns out, they're half-siblings.
Giving Someone the Pointer Finger: To Merlin, often.
Green-Eyed Monster: A couple of times, when Lancelot or Gwaine look particularly friendly with Gwen.
Hair of Gold
Heroic BSOD: Series 2 Episode 8; Series 3 Episode 13.
Heterosexual Life Partners: With Merlin.
Honor Before Reason
Hot-Blooded
Incest Subtext: Now that Morgana has been reveled to be his half-sister, their reletionship in Series 1 seems like this.
Knight in Shining Armor
Jerkass
Jerkass Facade
Jerk with a Heart of Gold
Last Guy Wins: Arthur may have known Gwen longer than her other two love interests, but he was the last to be introduced as a potential love interest for Gwen in Series 1 Episode 10 (though the ship was teased upon in Series 1 Episode 1 and Series 1 Episode 5). Then again, it's not much of a surprise.
Lawful Neutral: In-Universe, often laments in private that he must adhere to the laws of Camelot, even if he personally disagrees with them or it causes those he cares about to suffer.
Like Brother and Sister: Arthur and Morgana become this in Series 2.
- And then they became ACTUAL brother and sister. Well, half at least.
Like Father, Like Son: Merlin (and Gwen's) entire purpose is to ensure that this doesn't happen. However, Arthur and Uther are similiar in a lot of ways.
Love Hurts
Love Redeems
Love Triangle: Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot.
Manly Men Can Hunt: At least six episodes and one deleted scene involve him out hunting in the forest with Merlin or his knights, in fact it's a crucial part of "The Labyrinth of Gedref" and "The Hunter's Heart".
- And occasionally played for laughs:

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.

Marry for Love: He's determined to do this, and even manages to make it sound like a politically sensible idea: "I'll be a much better king for the strength and support of a woman I love."
Master of Delusion: He still doesn't suspect Merlin of magic. Not even a little bit.
Master Swordsman
Missing Mom. She's long dead... and it's Uther's fault.
Mr. Fanservice
Muggle Best Friend: To Merlin.
Murder the Hypotenuse: Arthur's first reaction when he sees Lancelot kissing Guinevere.
Nobody Calls Me Chicken: Never explicitly, but the best way to get Arthur to do something is to insult his bravery.
Not a Morning Person
Oedipus Complex: In the episode "The Sins of the Father", Arthur meets the (young and beautiful) ghost of his mother, whose words inspire him to gallop straight home and nearly commit Patricide.
The Promise: "When I am King, I promise you; things will be different. We can be together."
Puppet King: Sadly, he comes across as this in Series 4, spending the entire thirteen episodes being manipulated by Agravaine or blind-sided by Merlin. The only clean victory he gets (without any secret help from Merlin) is freeing the spirit of the Druid boy. Everything else, including his retrieval of Excalibur in the Stone, is in some way directed by Merlin.
Shirtless Scene: A LOT.
Slap Slap Kiss: With Morgana.
Spirited Competitor
Submissive Badass: To Guinevere. Though she's half his size, there's a definite theme of Gwen being the more dominant one whenever they get physical (tackling him in "The Curse of Cornelius Sigan", pushing him into a tent pole to kiss him in "Sweet Dreams" and topping during their makeout session in "Queen of Hearts").
Sugar and Ice Personality: He maintains a stoic demeanour when in front of his father, the court and his knights, but relaxes considerably when he's alone with Merlin, and is quite the big softie when it comes to Guinevere.
Unlucky Childhood Friend: Morgana.
Unresolved Sexual Tension: With Gwen.
Veronica: To Lancelot's Betty.
- Debatable.
Vitriolic Best Buds: With Merlin.
Warrior Prince
"Well Done, Son" Guy
Will They Or Won't They: Arthur and Gwen. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes.
With Friends Like These...: Merlin.

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.

Action Girl/Dark Action Girl: In Series 1/2 and Series 3 respectively. As well as the last episode of Series 4.
All Girls Want Bad Boys: Seems particularly interested and intrigued by Alvarr in Series 2 Episode 11.
Antagonistic Offspring: To Uther.
Anti-Hero: Pre-Moral Event Horizon.
Aw, Look -- They Really Do Love Each Other: With Arthur, although the specifics of this trope don't apply due to their mostly siblingly relationship.
Badass Princess
Bad Boss: Consitently treats Agravaine poorly and is very quick to insult and blame him when things go wrong, even though he has been of enormous help to her at great personal risk.
Bad Dreams
Big Bad: Series 4 onwards.
- May be in a teBigBadDuumvira with Mordred come Series 5, if the leaked info is any indication.
Big No: In Series 3 Episode 13, after Morgause is gravely injured; she literally brings the roof down.
Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: In the first episode of Series 3 alone, Morgana's killed a knight, plotted with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot, while making numerous Psychotic Smirks to pretty much let us know she's way into The Dark Side.
Bond Villain Stupidity: Where do we even start?
Bratty Teenage Daughter: Practically an Inversion. She could be quite bratty in the first series (understandably so, given her status) when she was merely Uther's ward, but by the time her true parentage is revealed, she had moved from "bratty" to "homocidal".
Break the Cutie
- Kill the Cutie
Broken Bird: Morgana's resentment towards Uther's hatred for magic and those who use magic led to her Face Heel Turn, so much that Merlin sympathizes with her in Series 3 Episode 2 and even tries to pull a "I Know You're in There Somewhere" Fight.
Cain and Abel: Now that she's trying to kill Arthur. Even after learning that he's her brother. It's a far fall from when she actively defended him in Series 1 Episode 7.
The Caligula: Her short stints as Queen of Camelot didn't seem to involve anything except demanding that the people accept her as their ruler, killing them when they refused, and burning their crops just to drive the point home.
Clasp Your Hands If You Deceive: A couple of times in Series 3.
Cleavage Window: Most of her outfits.
Conflicting Loyalty: Ended by Series 3.
Cool Big Sis: To Arthur. At least in Series 1. Ironically, neither of them knew it at the time, and when they both finally realize that she is his big sister, she's already tried to kill him several times.
Dark Magical Girl
The Dark Side Will Make You Forget: She starts out with the best of intentions, (her first act of treason is to avenge the death of her best friend's father), but her fear and tendency to take everything personally eventually leads to violence and genocide.
Defrosting Ice Queen: Only to revert back into an Ice Queen in Series 3.
Dreaming of Things to Come
Driven by Envy: This seems to be the source of her newfound hatred toward Guinevere, considering that her former serving maid is destined to be Queen of Camelot - a position that Morgana believes is hers.
Et Tu, Brute?: She did not take Merlin's betrayal or Uther not publicly recognizing her as his biological daughter well...
Everything's Better with Princesses: Averted; she is always known as Lady Morgana and apparently has not been awarded the title of Princess, even though she has been Uther's ward since early childhood and is secretly his daughter.
Evil Is Petty: Sure, her animosity toward Uther and Merlin is almost Shakespearean in nature, but her treatment of Gwen is just catty and mean.
Excessive Evil Eyeshadow
Eyes of Gold: Like Merlin, when she uses magic.
False Friend: Towards Merlin, and later towards Arthur, Gwen, and (in a daughterly manner) Uther.
Faux Action Girl: She is presented as a feisty girl with a sword, but she never accomplishes anything. Read this.
Flirty Stepsiblings: Arthur and Morgana are kind of like this during Series 1 since Uther is the guardian of Morgana, and she is like a daughter to him. It is almost as if Uther adopted Morgana, which would make Arthur and Morgana like stepsiblings.
- As of Series 3 Episode 5, Arthur and Morgana fall into Brother-Sister Incest, given that they share the same father. Of course, this is only applicable if you interpret their interaction in Series 1 as flirting and not banter.
Foregone Conclusion: Morgana becoming evil (or at least becoming an enemy of Camelot and its people).
Green Eyes
Hard Head: Holds the record for being knocked unconscious more than any other character on the show, which is saying something. What do you expect? She's Merlin's equivalent of Lex Luthor.
Heroic BSOD: Kate McGrath said that Morgana sort of "shuts down" in Series 2 Episode 12 as she realizes her role in Morgause's plot.
Heterosexual Life Partners: With Gwen. This starts to deteriorate in Series 3. Also, with Morgause.
Hot Chick with a Sword: Series 1 Episode 10, Series 2 Episode 4, Series 3 Episode 2, and Series 4 Episode 13.
Internalized Categorism: Morgana explicitly tells Uther that she hated herself for years after realizing that she had magic, having been brought up for a significant portion of her life by a man who claimed that it was evil and executed anyone who possessed it. It almost becomes a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: having taken in Uther's teaching that magic was evil, she subconsciously believes that having embraced her magical side, she has to act evil.
In the Hood: Is often wearing one when she's up to no good.
Jumping Off the Slippery Slope: Has shades of this through the first two series, attempting to kill Uther at least twice because of her hatred towards him. By the third series, she's long since become a Bitch in Sheep's Clothing and crossed the Moral Event Horizon. By the fourth, the Morgana who'd rather die than see a child hurt in Series 1 (Mordred), callously reacts to the news of innocents death with an expression of "So?".
Katie McGrath
The King's Ward
Knife Nut: She carries a knife with her at all times during the course of Series 4.
Lady in Red
Let's Get Dangerous: Series 1 Episode 10 and Series 2 Episode 4.
Like Brother and Sister/Platonic Life Partners: Arthur and Morgana become this in Series 2 and are revealed to be half-siblings in Series 3.
Like Father Like Daughter: The great irony of her character.
Long-Lost Relative: She is revealed to be Morgause's and Arthur's half-sister.
Making a Splash: Whereas Merlin's powers seem to be based on air and fire, Morgana is often connected with water, most obviously in "The Tears of Uther Pendragon" in which the damp mandrake root conjures up visions of drowned murder victims.
Mama Bear: Morgana's strong attachment towards Mordred causes her to become very protective of him and a willingness to do anything for him in order to keep him from harm's way.
Memento MacGuffin: The bracelet she received from Morgause to help her sleep.
The Mentally Disturbed: You could definitely make a case for Morgana.
Morality Pet: Is more or less one for Uther, and is definitely one for Morgause.
More Than Mind Control: Being under Morgause's guidance for an entire year must have made her the way she is in Series 3.
Ms. Fanservice
Not So Different: Annis calls her on her similarities to Uther, despite her hatred of him.
Oh Crap: Morgana in "A Servant of Two Masters" upon seeing the 80-year-old disguised Merlin, having had visions of him as "Emrys" and forseeing that he will stand over her on a corpse-littered battlefield, admonishing her for her misdeeds. Occurs again for "The Sword in the Stone: Part 2".
Parental Abandonment: Her father died ten years ago, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown. But as it turns out, Uther is her biological father and kept it secret all along.
Parental Substitute: Of sorts, towards Mordred.
Pimped-Out Dress
Plucky Girl
The Power of Hate
Rebellious Princess
Romantic Two-Girl Friendship: With Gwen and Morgause.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Which leads to her Face Heel Turn.
Shadow Archetype: To Merlin.
Shipper on Deck: Morgana became a bit of a shipper of Merlin/Gwen in Series 1 Episode 3 and Series 1 Episode 4.
Show Some Leg: Morgana devises this plan in order for Gwen and her to escape from bandits in Series 2 Episode 4.
Slap Slap Kiss: With Arthur.
Smug Snake
Smug Super: When she doesn't have to hide her magic, she's not shy about lording it over non-magic users.
Tall, Dark and Bishoujo
Unlucky Childhood Friend: Arthur.
Unresolved Sexual Tension: With Merlin.
- And with Morgause and Gwen, depending on the viewer.
Vain Sorceress: Subverted, as the more powerful and evil she gets, the less interested she becomes in maintaining her appearance. Though she's still beautiful, her messy hair and dark make-up suggest she's not really trying to impress anyone.
Well-Intentioned Extremist: Along with Morguase. Given Uther's treatment of those with magic, her shift in alignment is understandable and her side may even have the moral high-ground over Uther, but like Uther, she uses some ruthless tactics to achieve her end.
Wild Hair: In series four.
Woman in Black: As of Series 4, all part of the general theme that Dark Is Evil.
Woman in White: Sometimes in Series 2 and 3, highlighting her vulnerability.
Wounded Gazelle Gambit: Occasionally. She gets really good at almost fooling everyone.
You Are What You Hate: As several characters point out to her in Series 4, Morgana has become just like Uther.

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.

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.
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.
- Now averted, as the two are getting married.
Angel Coulby
Badass Damsel
Beauty Mark: Of the nice kind.
Berserk Button: None of her own, but notable considering she is almost everyone else's berserk button. Mess with her, and there'll be a wave of very angry warlocks, princes and knights out to get you.
- She gets one in Series 4 Episode 8, namely Merlin.
Break the Cutie
Brown Eyes
Character Development: From shy, stuttering maid to regal, confident queen.
Chickification: In Series 2, Gwen's role is pretty much just The Heart and Arthur's Love Interest.
- Rectified in Series 3.
Cleavage Window: Sometimes, from Series 2 onward.
Closer to Earth
Damsel in Distress: A couple of times, but not nearly as often as you'd think. It's probably because the (very few) Gwen-centric episodes do involve her in considerable distress.
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, 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 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.^[1]
Expository Hairstyle Change: Her hair goes from practical buns to long, loose curls as she rises in status.
Fan Service Pack: See for yourself...
Forceful Kiss: To Arthur in Series 2 Episode 10 in order to break him out of an enchantment.
Girl Friday: Can be this at times to Merlin, especially when they're teaming up to solve mysteries.
Girl Next Door
Hair Decorations
The Heart
Heterosexual Life Partners: With Morgana. This starts to deteriorate in Series 3.
The High Queen: As of the end of Series 4.
Huge Guy, Tiny Girl: With Arthur.
I Will Wait for You: At the conclusion of "Queen of Hearts", she promises to wait for Arthur to become King, at which point they can marry.
Let's Get Dangerous: Series 1 Episode 10 and Series 2 Episode 4.
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.
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. Once she and Arthur become stable, she is enchanted into cheating on him with 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.
Mama Bear: It turns out that messing with Merlin will turn the usually mild mannered Gwen into one of these. GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!
Messy Hair: In Series 1. Her hairstyles gradually become more elaborate with each passing season.
Muggle Best Friend: To Merlin.
Nice Girl
Ninja Maid: In "The Moment of Truth" at least.
Of Corsets Sexy: Wears them as outerwear in Series 2 and 3. She seems to be wearing them as underwear in Series 4.
Parental Abandonment: Her father was executed at Uther's hand, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown.
Plucky Girl
The Pollyanna
Progressively Prettier
Rich Suitor, Poor Suitor: Their social classes aren't played into the Love Triangle, but Arthur (rich suitor) and Lancelot (poor suitor) for Gwen.
Romantic Two-Girl Friendship: With Morgana.
Second Love: As Gwen realizes her feelings for Merlin are unrequited in Series 1 Episode 5, she finds a brief romance with Lancelot.
She Cleans Up Nicely: Gwen's new look in Series 2. Not that she needed it, though.
Shrinking Violet: Though she grows out of it.
Silk Hiding Steel: A kind castle maid who takes pride in her work. If neccesary, she can fight reasonably well.
Single Woman Seeks Good Man: What attracted Gwen to all her three love interests.
Star-Crossed Lovers: With Lancelot.
Unresolved Sexual Tension: With Arthur and Lancelot. Her supposed crush on Merlin is more or less abandoned between Series 1 and 2.
When She Smiles: So very much.
Will They Or Won't They: Arthur and Gwen. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes.
- They Do: They are finally married at the end of Series 4.
Your Cheating Heart: Averted, despite the legendary expectations. She's faithful to Arthur, and kisses Lancelot only when under a spell.

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.

As You Know: Gaius is the KING of this trope. How many hundreds of time have we heard him say some variation of: "you/he/she can't use magic or you'll be killed" or "we can't tell the anyone about Morgana/Agravaine/any other obvious villain because they'd never believe us."
Badass Grandpa: Gaius takes on a Dorocha without even flinching in order to save Gwen.
Big Damn Heroes: Saves Merlin from Morgause in Series 3 Episode 13.
Canon Foreigner: You won't find any Gaius in Arthurian legends, he was created specifically for the show.
Cool Old Guy
Deadpan Snarker
Demoted to Extra: In Series 4, with the exception of one episode.
Fascinating Eyebrow
Like a Son to Me: Merlin.
The Masquerade: He's a retired magician.
- Becomes a Broken Masquerade in Series 2 Episode 7, as it's revealed that Uther always knew.
The Medic
The Mentor
Mentor Occupational Hazard: Almost dies three times.
Oh Crap: In "Queen of Hearts", he is asked to identify a poultice as magical. After confirming it, he asks where it was found and is told: "Arthur's bedroom." He looks over at a smirking Morgana and realizes that he's just condemned Guinevere.
Parental Substitute: For Merlin.
- To a lesser extent, Gwen as well.
Retired Badass: He may have given up practicing magic, but he still has it in him.
Secret Keeper
Shipper on Deck: From the looks of Series 2 Episode 13, he approves of Arthur/Gwen.
Team Dad: To Merlin and Gwen especially, but also Arthur and Morgana (though he messed up spectacularly in that case).

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.

Arc Villain: She's only had a role in Series 1.
Big Bad: Of Series 1.
Evil Sorceress
Killed Off for Real
Lady in Red
Ms. Fanservice
Older Than They Look
Starter Villain
Unknown Rival: Though she is a formidable opponent, most of her evil plans are done from a distance, and Prince Arthur never discovers who she truly is after she pulls a Decoy Damsel on him. She interacts only once with King Uther (who would be her major foe) but then dies in the season finale without having any sort of confrontation with either Uther or Arthur. In fact, it's unclear whether they even know that she's dead.
The Vamp
We Can Rule Together: She tries this with Merlin. It doesn't work.
Wounded Gazelle Gambit: Series 1 Episode 4.

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.

Because You Were Nice to Me: This is most likely the cause of Mordred's loyalty towards Morgana.
Big Bad: Eventually.
Blue Eyes
Child Mage
Child Prodigy
Children Forced to Kill
Creepy Child
Deliberately Cute Child
Enfante Terrible
Evil Sorcerer: A very young one.
Foreshadowing: He will someday kill Arthur.
Freudian Excuse: Mordred's storyline starts with him seriously injured by Camelot's guards and his father executed by Uther; then he is imprisoned and sentenced to death. He returned to his people only to have his mentor killed, his village destroyed by Arthur and he's forced to leave Morgana to save himself. After that, he's openly hostile to the Pendragon, plus his caretaker is Alvarr; then Merlin, someone he considers sort of an ally, sides with Camelot instead. Three episodes, and he already has a hell of a Freudian Excuse for the day he will be the Big Bad.
Heartwarming Orphan: Subverted.
Innocence Lost: Probably Because Destiny Says So: he has to kill Arthur, so a lot happens to make him change from a scared little boy to a vindictive kid.
Little Mister Badass: As demonstrated when he kicked the asses of a bunch of Camelot's guards with his magic in Series 2 Episode 3 and Series 2 Episode 11.
Now Let Me Carry You: Mordred is glad to take care of an injured Morgana, in thanks for her previously caring for him.
Parental Abandonment: His father died and his mother was never mentioned in the first place.
Parental Substitute: Not very lucky with them: the first one was killed by Camelot's knights and the second was a Manipulative Bastard who wants to use him and Morgana to bring Uther down.
Put on a Bus: Unfortunately, Asa Butterfield (Mordred) won't be in Series 3 because of scheduled filming conflicts. He ran off into the forest at the end of Series 2 and hasn't been seen since.
- The Bus Came Back: He's been recast for Series 5.
Rule of Three: Has appeared three times in the first two seasons.
The Runaway
Schiff One-Liner/Wham! Line: Series 1 Episode 8 when he reveals his identity—the above quote.
The Sociopath: A budding example.
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.
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.
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)

"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.

All Love Is Unrequited
Back for the Finale
Betty: To Arthur's Veronica.
Big Damn Heroes: With Percival.
Brown Eyes
Conflicting Loyalty: Always between what he wants and what he thinks he deserves. In his first appearance, it was between becoming a knight of Camelot and staying true to his ideals by not taking credit for something Merlin achieved; in later episodes, it exists between his fealty to Arthur and his desire for Guinevere.
Did Not Get the Girl
- Everything but the Girl
Evil Costume Switch: When he comes Back From the Dead as Morgana's Unwitting Pawn, he's dressed in black. It's a wonder the good guys didn't notice...
Failed a Spot Check: He did not, which is the reason he is aware of Merlin’s magic. He clearly overheard Merlin’s incantation that helped him kill the Griffin. Worthy of noticing that he has been the only character to come to this logical conclusion.
Foil: To Arthur.
Heroic Sacrifice
Heterosexual Life Partners: With Merlin. It helps that they both think the world of each other.
Honor Before Reason: Rejects the offer of becoming a real knight of Camelot in favor of first being true to himself.
I Gave My Word: In "The Darkest Hour", he promises Gwen that he'll protect Arthur, no matter what. He sacrifices himself to uphold the promise.
I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Leaves in Series 2 after realizing that Arthur is in love with Gwen, and he doesn't want to come in between them.
- And again in "The Darkest Hour", in which he sacrifices himself to preserve the Arthur/Gwen relationship.
Knight in Shining Armor
Longing Look: His expression of choice whenever in the vicinity of Guinevere.
Mr. Fanservice
Rescue Romance: Played straight and then Subverted in "Lancelot and Guinevere". The two of them bond extremely quickly due to the life-or-death situation they find themselves in, but it is actually Arthur who ends up saving both of them.
The Rival
Romantic False Lead: His reappearance causes some conflict to the Arthur/Gwen romance.
Romantic Runner-Up
Secret Keeper: One of only two regular characters that knows Merlin's secret.
Self-Made Man: Born a commoner.
- Self-Proclaimed Knight
Star-Crossed Lovers: With Gwen.

The Great Dragon: Kilgharrah (John Hurt)

Androcles' Lion: Inverted
Anti-Villain: Until his Heel Face Turn, as he has very good reason to despise Uther.
Big Bad: The final episode of series two.
Big Damn Heroes: Comes to Merlin's rescue in "The Tears of Uther Pendragon - Part 1" then again in "The Darkest Hour - Part 1".
Eccentric Mentor
Eyes of Gold
Heel Face Turn
It Has Been an Honor: In "The Darkest Hour - Part 2", this is his reaction to Merlin stating that he’s going to sacrifice himself to seal off the spirit world. You can clearly hear the fondness and grief in his voice at the notion of Merlin dying, but it’s also obvious that Kilgharrah is incredibly proud of Merlin’s conviction and good nature.
Last of His Kind: Not anymore due to the hatching of Aithusa.
Manipulative Bastard
Morally Ambiguous Mentor
Treacherous Advisor
What the Hell, Hero?: In "The Crystal Cave", he’s enraged at the fact that Merlin forces him to divulge a spell to heal Morgana by using his Dragonlord powers, considering it a serious breach of trust.

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.

Ascended Extra
Backstory: Is linked with Gwen. We find out at the end of Series 3 that her mother was a maid in his family's household, and the two of them grew up together.
Badass Normal: It really shines in "The Tears of Uther Pendragon".
Characterization Marches On: In one of his first appearances ("The Witchfinder"), he is shown tearing apart Gaius's study in an attempt to find evidence of magic, smashing bottles and overturning tables. It's difficult to imagine the later, more gentler, Leon doing such a thing.
Disguised in Drag
Knight in Shining Armor
The Lancer: To Arthur.
Mauve Shirt
Number Two: He seems to be this to Arthur among the Knights.
Older and Wiser: Among the Knights. And it shows, as he is often calm, collected and sensible.
Shirtless Scene: Which cemented his position as a major cast member.

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.
- Dark Action Girl
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.

Back From the Dead: Very temporarily.
Balancing Death's Books: The cause of her death; in order to concieve Arthur, Igraine was doomed to die in giving birth to him.
Dead Person Conversation: Due to Morgause's spell, Igraine appears to Arthur to tell him the truth of his birth. Or Did She?
- Given the fact that even Morgause looks shocked, she seems to be telling the truth; Arthur certainly believes it by the time of Series 4.
Death by Childbirth
Deceased Parents Are the Best: Arthur idolizes his mother; he idolizes her so much that he even attacks his father when he finds out that he (Uther) is the cause of her death.
Hair of Gold
Hot Mom
The Lost Lenore: To Uther, whose death triggered his hatred of magic.
Mysterious Parent
Posthumous Character
Sacrificial Lamb
Woman in White

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.

Back for the Finale
Birds of a Feather: Merlin is able to develop such a strong bond with newcomer Freya because of the fact that they are both born of magic and must keep it a secret. In the process, they fall in love.
Break the Cutie
- Kill the Cutie
Broken Bird
Brown Eyes
Chekhov's Gunman: She returns at the end of Series 3 in order to deliver Excalibur into Merlin's hands so that he can defeat the immortal army.
Damsel in Distress
Died in Your Arms Tonight
The Dulcinea Effect
Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette
Enigmatic Empowering Entity: In her second appearance.
The Gwen Stacy
Involuntary Shapeshifting: She transforms into a giant winged panther at the stroke of midnight.
Kuudere: Arguably.
Lady in Red
- Little Dead Riding Hood
Love Redeems: She's not evil, but Freya says that Merlin's love for her saved her in more than one way.
Meaningful Name: Even though "Freya" isn´t one of the names given to the Lady of the Lake in the Arthurian legend, her name is Old Norse for "Lady", and alludes to Freyja, a goddess associated with love who rules over the fields of Fólkvangr, where half of those that die in battle go upon death.
Mysterious Waif
One-Shot Character: Though, it is implied that Freya will one day return as the Lady of the Lake in future to help Merlin for helping her.
- Freya appeared in the final episode of Series 3, at least somewhat.
The Quiet One
Really Big Cat
- Panthera Awesome
Tear Jerker
Unkempt Beauty
We Hardly Knew Ye

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.

Curtains Match the Window
Early-Bird Cameo: Was first mentioned in Series 1 Episode 10.
Enemy Mine Fire-Forged Friends: Morgause and Cenred seem to be allies over their mutual hatred for Uther.
Even Evil Has Standards: He refuses to let his army die and withdraws the battle against Camelot once he realizes they can't win.
Killed Off for Real
Oh Crap: When he realizes Morgause is going to kill him, and there's nothing he can do about it.
Ship Tease: There seems to be something going on between Cenred and Morgause. According to Morgause, Cenred only wishes to please her.

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.

The Alcoholic: Though not, by any means, in a bad way. Most of the time.
Back for the Finale
Badass Normal: So, so badass.
Big Brother Instinct: Seems to have adopted this stance toward Merlin and Elyan, the youngest of the new knights.
Big Damn Heroes: Three times no less.
The Charmer: Flirts with Gwen in a playful manner, but when he notices Gwen's feelings for Arthur, the two remain good friends. In fact, their "friendliness" is enough to rile Arthur's jealousy (and Merlin's amusement of said jealousy).
Deadpan Snarker
Disappeared Dad: Which gives Merlin and Gwaine something to bond about.
Dual-Wielding: And he makes it Badass.
Guest Star Party Member: Throughout Series 3, before becoming a regular in Series 4.
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.
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.
Loveable Rogue
Man Hug: Gives one to Merlin in Series 3 Episode 8, being the first one to hug Merlin.
- And again in Series 4 Episode 2, when Merlin comes back, healed and alive after the Dorocha attack.
Master Swordsman
Mr. Fanservice
Odd Friendship: With Merlin. The two seem to have absolutely nothing in common, but bond fairly quickly.
Plucky Comic Relief
Shirtless Scene: At least three in his introductory episode (oddly enough, titled "Gwaine") -- and if he's without shirt, the collar of said shirt is at least hanging open enough to give the audience something to look at...
Tall, Dark and Handsome

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.

Adaptational Badass: In the original legends, he is the epitome of Good Is Dumb and Idiot Hero; here, he is the strong, silent type and more than capable of holding his own.
Badass Normal: Bordering on Super Strength.
Big Damn Heroes: With Lancelot.
Dogpile of Doom: Though he throws it off pretty quickly.
Eleventh-Hour Ranger
Even the Guys Want Him: Bradley James has freely admitted to having a man-crush on Tom Hopper.
Friend to All Children: His Establishing Character Moment in the first episode of Series 4 is to endanger his own life to save three frightened children by carrying them all to safety in his arms.
Gentle Giant
Last-Episode New Character
One Head Taller: He towers over the rest of the characters.
Pietà Plagiarism: In the Series 4 trailer there is a shot of Percival carrying Merlin in this manner.
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.

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.

Affably Evil
Bitch in Sheep's Clothing
Color Coded for Your Convenience: He wears black, as does Morgana. That pretty much sums it up.
Creepy Uncle
Dark Is Evil
Devil in Plain Sight
Dirty Old Man: Seems to be creepily fascinated by both Morgana and Guinevere, and enjoys standing behind their chairs with his hands close to their necks. Overlaps with Foe Yay and UST, especially in Morgana's case.
Evil Chancellor
Evil Is Not Well Lit: He is first introduced stepping out of the shadows.
Evil Uncle
Handsome Lech: A sinister version.
Hidden Agenda Villain: He wants to sabotage Arthur's reign, but as of yet, we're not really sure why. Unless his hatred of Uther extends to Arthur by proxy.
- A Deleted Scene reveals that he's in love with Morgana.
Hidden Depths: The end of Series 4 Episode 6 reveals that his feelings for Morgana run deeper than than we'd been led to expect.
Hypercompetent Sidekick: Agravine is much more capable that Morgana as a manipulator and user of Xanatos Speed Chess. In fact, if it where not for devotion towards Morgana, he would be a much better villain
Killed Off for Real
The Mole
Promotion to Opening Titles: As of Series 4 Episode 4 after Uther's death in Series 4 Episode 3, he's credited as a main cast member.
Regent for Life: Played with. Though Arthur is more or less running Camelot, he appoints his uncle regent in his absence.
Remember the New Guy?
Treacherous Advisor
Villain with Good Publicity
Xanatos Speed Chess: Especially throughout Series 4 Episode 6.

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.

Character Title: The episode in which he first appears is named after him.
Chekhov's Gunman: Appears in the very last scene of Series 4 in order to save Morgana's life.
Cuteness Proximity: Merlin is moved to tears.
Diabolus Ex Nihilo: In the Series 4 finale.
Egg MacGuffin
Evil Albino: Apparently, though in his first appearance Kilgarrah comments on the auspiciousness of his whiteness.
Meaningful Name: Means "light of the sun" in the language of dragons.
Outside Context Villain: No one yet knows why he chose to heal Morgana.
Ridiculously Cute Critter
There Is Another: His birth means that Kilgarrah is no longer The Last of His Kind.

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.

Affably Evil
Authority Equals Asskicking
Badass Normal
Bald of Awesome
Bathe Her and Bring Her to Me: Implied between Helios and Guinevere.
The Brute
The Dragon: Seems to become this towards Morgana. Agravaine is Genre Savvy enough to note that there is a big possibility that he's much more a Dragon with an Agenda. Then again, Agravaine may just be worried that he'll get replaced.
Even Evil Has Standards: Although his intentions toward Guinevere were hardly pure, he avoids the Rape Is a Special Kind of Evil trope. Instead he seemed genuinely interested in her Backstory and lets her go without a fuss when she tells him that she's tired.
It Amused Me: Unlike Morgana's Psychotic Smirk or Agravine's Smug Smiler attitude when things are going their way, Helios' smiles and chuckles are more of genuine amusement. There are hints of him being a bit of a Troll.
Reasonable Authority Figure: Helios is an Affably Evil version of this.
Scary Black Man

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.

Action Girl: Isolde fluctuates between this and a Faux Action Girl before being Killed Off for Real.
Back-to-Back Badasses: See picture.
Badass Longcoat: Tristan.
Battle Couple
Beta Couple: They serve as the catalyst for getting Arthur and Gwen back together.
Blue Eyes: Both of them.
Cheshire Cat Grins
The Cynic: Tristan
Eleventh Hour Rangers
Expy: According to writer Julian Jones, they are based on Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Lovable Rogues: 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).
Tristan and Iseult: In Name Only.
Ugly Guy, Hot Wife: Comparatively speaking.

Back to Merlin (TV series)

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

[1] In order, they are: Morgana, Sophia, Guinevere, Vivian, Elena, Mithian

[1]