Merlin (TV series)/Characters: Difference between revisions

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* [[Almighty Janitor]]
* [[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.
* [[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 [[Smart Guy|wisest characters]] in the show, despite his goofy attitude.
* [[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 [[Smart Guy|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.
* [[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.
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* [[Functional 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 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.
* [[Good Is Not Soft]]: Can be unmerciful when it comes to saving his friends and protecting his secret.
* [[Heroic Bastard]]: His parents never married.
* [[Heroic Bastard]]: His parents never married.
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Arthur. Though the [[Yaoi Fangirl|fangirls]] tend to disagree...
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Arthur. Though the [[Yaoi Fangirl|fangirls]] tend to disagree...
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* [[Love Hurts]]: His relationship with Freya, [[The Gwen Stacy]].
* [[Love Hurts]]: His relationship with Freya, [[The Gwen Stacy]].
* [[Magnetic Hero]]: Merlin is definitely this. He befriends nearly everyone he meets.
* [[Magnetic Hero]]: Merlin is definitely this. He befriends nearly everyone he meets.
* [[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.
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* [[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.
* [[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.
** 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.
* [[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.
* [[Unlucky Childhood Friend]]: Will.
* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Morgana.
* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Morgana.
* [[Vitriolic Best Buds]]: With Arthur.
* [[Vitriolic Best Buds]]: With Arthur.
* [[When He Smiles]]: Merlin has a goofy grin that is both adorable and quite beautiful at the same time.
* [[When He Smiles]]: Merlin has a goofy grin that is both adorable and quite beautiful at the same time.
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* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[Even the Guys Want Him]]
* [[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.
* [[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 Season 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. {{spoiler|As it turns out, they're half-siblings.}}
* [[Flirty Stepsiblings]]: Arthur and Morgana are kind of like this during Season 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. {{spoiler|As it turns out, they're half-siblings.}}
* [[Giving Someone the Pointer Finger]]: To Merlin, often.
* [[Giving Someone the Pointer Finger]]: To Merlin, often.
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* [[The Promise]]: "When I am King, I promise you; things will be different. We can be together."
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Shirtless Scene]]: A LOT.
* [[Slap Slap Kiss]]: With Morgana.
* [[Slap Slap Kiss]]: With Morgana.
* [[Spirited Competitor]]
* [[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'').
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[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.
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* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Gwen.
* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Gwen.
* [[Betty and Veronica|Veronica]]: To Lancelot's [[Betty and Veronica|Betty]].
* [[Betty and Veronica|Veronica]]: To Lancelot's [[Betty and Veronica|Betty]].
** Debatable.
** Debatable.
* [[Vitriolic Best Buds]]: With Merlin.
* [[Vitriolic Best Buds]]: With Merlin.
* [[Warrior Prince]]
* [[Warrior Prince]]
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<small>"What if... magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you?"</small>
<small>"What if... magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you?"</small>


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.
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 Season 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 Season 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.
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* [[Big No]]: In 3x13, after {{spoiler|Morgause is gravely injured}}; she literally brings the roof down.
* [[Big No]]: In 3x13, after {{spoiler|Morgause is gravely injured}}; she literally brings the roof down.
* [[Bond Villain Stupidity]]: Where do we even start?
* [[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".
* [[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]]
* [[Break the Cutie]]
** [[Kill the Cutie]]
** [[Kill the Cutie]]
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* [[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 {{spoiler|that she ''is'' his big sister}}, she's already tried to kill him several times.
* [[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 {{spoiler|that she ''is'' his big sister}}, she's already tried to kill him several times.
* [[Dark Magical Girl]]
* [[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.
* [[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 Season 3.
* [[Defrosting Ice Queen]]: Only to revert back into an [[Ice Queen]] in Season 3.
* [[Dreaming of Things to Come]]
* [[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''.
* [[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 {{spoiler|not publicly recognizing her as his biological daughter}} well...
* [[Et Tu, Brute?]]: She ''did not'' take Merlin's betrayal or Uther {{spoiler|not publicly recognizing her as his biological daughter}} well...
* [[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.
* [[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]]
* [[Excessive Evil Eyeshadow]]
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* [[Green Eyes]]
* [[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 [[Smallville|Lex Luthor]].
* [[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 [[Smallville|Lex Luthor]].
* [[Heroic BSOD]]: Kate McGrath said that Morgana sort of "shuts down" in 2x12 as she realizes her role in Morgause's plot.
* [[Heroic BSOD]]: Kate McGrath said that Morgana sort of "shuts down" in 2x12 as she realizes her role in Morgause's plot.
* [[In the Hood]]: Is often wearing one when {{spoiler|she's up to no good.}}
* [[In the Hood]]: Is often wearing one when {{spoiler|she's up to no good.}}
* [[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.
* [[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.
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* [[Memento MacGuffin]]: The bracelet she received from Morgause to help her sleep.
* [[Memento MacGuffin]]: The bracelet she received from Morgause to help her sleep.
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]
* [[Making a Splash]]: Whereas Merlin's powers seem to be based on [[Blow You Away|air]] and [[Playing with Fire|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.
* [[Making a Splash]]: Whereas Merlin's powers seem to be based on [[Blow You Away|air]] and [[Playing with Fire|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.
* [[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.
* [[The Mentally Disturbed]]: You could definitely make a case for Morgana.
* [[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.
* [[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 Season 3.
* [[More Than Mind Control]]: Being under Morgause's guidance for an entire year must have made her the way she is in Season 3.
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** And with Morgause and Gwen, [[Your Mileage May Vary|depending on the viewer]].
** And with Morgause and Gwen, [[Your Mileage May Vary|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.
* [[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 [[Alternate Character Interpretation|her side may even have the moral high-ground over Uther]], but like Uther, she uses some ruthless tactics to achieve her end.
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]: Along with Morguase. Given Uther's treatment of those with magic, her shift in alignment is understandable and [[Alternate Character Interpretation|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.
* [[Wild Hair]]: In series four.
* [[Woman in Black]]: As of season 4, all part of the general theme that [[Dark Is Evil]].
* [[Woman in Black]]: As of season 4, all part of the general theme that [[Dark Is Evil]].
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* [[The Heart]]
* [[The Heart]]
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Morgana. {{spoiler|This starts to deteriorate in Season 3.}}
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Morgana. {{spoiler|This starts to deteriorate in Season 3.}}
* [[Huge Guy, Tiny Girl]]: With Arthur.
* [[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.
* [[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]]: 1x10 and 2x04.
* [[Let's Get Dangerous]]: 1x10 and 2x04.
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* [[Muggle Best Friend]]: To Merlin.
* [[Muggle Best Friend]]: To Merlin.
* [[Nice Girl]]
* [[Nice Girl]]
* [[Ninja Maid]]: In ''The Moment of Truth'' at least.
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Parental Abandonment]]: Her father was executed at Uther's hand, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown.
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* [[The Pollyanna]]
* [[The Pollyanna]]
* [[Progressively Prettier]]
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Romantic Two-Girl Friendship]]: With Morgana.
* [[Second Love]]: As Gwen realizes her feelings for Merlin are unrequited in 1x05, she finds a brief romance with Lancelot.
* [[Second Love]]: As Gwen realizes her feelings for Merlin are unrequited in 1x05, she finds a brief romance with Lancelot.
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* [[She Cleans Up Nicely]]: Gwen's new look in Season 2. Not that she needed it, though.
* [[She Cleans Up Nicely]]: Gwen's new look in Season 2. Not that she needed it, though.
* [[Single Woman Seeks Good Man]]: What attracted Gwen to all her three love interests.
* [[Single Woman Seeks Good Man]]: What attracted Gwen to all her three love interests.
* [[Silk Hiding Steel]]: A kind castle maid who takes pride in her work. If neccesary, she can fight reasonably well.
* [[Silk Hiding Steel]]: A kind castle maid who takes pride in her work. If neccesary, she can fight reasonably well.
* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Lancelot.
* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Lancelot.
* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Arthur and Lancelot. Her supposed crush on Merlin is more or less abandoned between Seasons 1 and 2.
* [[Unresolved Sexual Tension]]: With Arthur and Lancelot. Her supposed crush on Merlin is more or less abandoned between Seasons 1 and 2.
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* [[Badass Normal]]
* [[Badass Normal]]
* [[Badass Longcoat]]
* [[Badass Longcoat]]
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Create Your Own Villain]]: Uther certainly played a large part in how Morgana turned out.
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** 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]].
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Kick the Dog]]: Just about every episode.
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
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* [[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.
* [[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.
** 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).
* [[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).
* [[Villain Protagonist]]
* [[Villain Protagonist]]
* [[Villainous BSOD]]: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she trully hates him in 3x13
* [[Villainous BSOD]]: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she trully hates him in 3x13
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* [[Big Bad]]: Of Season 1.
* [[Big Bad]]: Of Season 1.
* [[Evil Sorcerer|Evil Sorceress]]
* [[Evil Sorcerer|Evil Sorceress]]
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!|Hey It's That Girl]]: After she dies, she [[Doctor Who/NS/Recap/S4 E15 Planetofthe Dead|ends up on a sandy world with David Tennant]].
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!|Hey It's That Girl]]: After she dies, she [[Doctor Who/Recap/NS/S4/E15 Planetofthe Dead|ends up on a sandy world with David Tennant]].
** Also recognizable to UK soap fans as [[Eastenders|Zoe Slater]].
** Also recognizable to UK soap fans as [[Eastenders|Zoe Slater]].
* [[Lady in Red]]
* [[Lady in Red]]
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* [[Older Than They Look]]
* [[Older Than They Look]]
* [[Starter Villain]]
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[We Can Rule Together]]: She tries this with Merlin. It doesn't work.
* [[We Can Rule Together]]: She tries this with Merlin. It doesn't work.
* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: 1x04.
* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: 1x04.
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* [[Foreshadowing]]: He will someday kill Arthur.
* [[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 [[Manipulative Bastard|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]].
* [[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 [[Manipulative Bastard|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]]
* [[Heartwarming Orphan]]: [[Subverted]]
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: He is [[The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas|Bruno]] and [[Nanny McPhee|Norman]]
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: He is [[The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas|Bruno]] and [[Nanny McPhee|Norman]]
* [[Innocence Lost]]: Probably [[Because Destiny Says So]]: he has to [[Big Bad|kill Arthur]], so a lot happens to make him change from a [[The Woobie|scared little boy]] to a [[Enfante Terrible|vindictive kid]].
* [[Innocence Lost]]: Probably [[Because Destiny Says So]]: he has to [[Big Bad|kill Arthur]], so a lot happens to make him change from a [[The Woobie|scared little boy]] to a [[Enfante Terrible|vindictive kid]].
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* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[Sonic Scream]]
* [[Sonic Scream]]
* [[Start of Darkness]]: In 2x03 Mordred is forced to kill some soldiers in self-defense, but shows absolutely no remorse.
* [[Start of Darkness]]: In 2x03 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.
* [[The Voiceless]]: Played straight in 1x08, 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 1x08, 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.
* [[This Is Unforgivable!]]: When Merlin attempts to prevent Mordred from escaping the Camelot knights in 2x11, 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 2x11, Mordred ends up killing the knights and warning Merlin telepathically that he will not forgive Merlin nor will he forget this betrayal.


== Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) ==
== Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) ==
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* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[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...
* [[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
* [[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.
* [[Foil]]: To Arthur.
* {{spoiler|[[Heroic Sacrifice]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Heroic Sacrifice]]}}
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* [[Knight in Shining Armor]]
* [[Knight in Shining Armor]]
* [[Longing Look]]: His expression of choice whenever in the vicinity of Guinevere.
* [[Longing Look]]: His expression of choice whenever in the vicinity of Guinevere.
* [[Rescue Romance]]: Played straight and then [[Subverted]] in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S02 E04 Lancelot and Guinevere|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.
* [[Rescue Romance]]: Played straight and then [[Subverted]] in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S02/E04 Lancelot and Guinevere|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]]
* [[The Rival]]
* [[Romantic False Lead]]: His reappearance causes some conflict to the Arthur/Gwen romance.
* [[Romantic False Lead]]: His reappearance causes some conflict to the Arthur/Gwen romance.
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* [[Anti-Villain]]: Until his [[Heel Face Turn]], as he has ''very'' good reason to despise Uther.
* [[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 Bad]]: The final episode of series two.
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]: {{spoiler|Comes to Merlin's rescue in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S03 E01 The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part I|The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'' then again in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S04 E01 The Darkest Hour Part I|The Darkest Hour Part I]]''.}}
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]: {{spoiler|Comes to Merlin's rescue in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S03/E01 The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part I|The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'' then again in ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S04/E01 The Darkest Hour Part I|The Darkest Hour Part I]]''.}}
* [[Eccentric Mentor]]
* [[Eccentric Mentor]]
* [[Eyes of Gold]]
* [[Eyes of Gold]]
* [[Fan Nickname]]: [[Ho Yay|Slash Dragon]].
* [[Fan Nickname]]: [[Ho Yay|Slash Dragon]].
* [[Heel Face Turn]]
* [[Heel Face Turn]]
* [[It Has Been an Honor]]: In ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S04 E02 The Darkest Hour Part II|The Darkest Hour Part II]]'' 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.
* [[It Has Been an Honor]]: In ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S04/E02 The Darkest Hour Part II|The Darkest Hour Part II]]'' 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]]: {{spoiler|Not anymore due to the hatching of Aithusa.}}
* [[Last of His Kind]]: {{spoiler|Not anymore due to the hatching of Aithusa.}}
* [[Manipulative Bastard]]
* [[Manipulative Bastard]]
* [[Evil Mentor|Morally Ambiguous Mentor]]
* [[Evil Mentor|Morally Ambiguous Mentor]]
* [[Treacherous Advisor]]
* [[Treacherous Advisor]]
* [[What the Hell, Hero?]]: In ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S03 E05 The Crystal Cave|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.
* [[What the Hell, Hero?]]: In ''[[Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S03/E05 The Crystal Cave|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 Season 2 ==
== Characters Introduced in Season 2 ==
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** Not necessarily. It is possible to come up with a logical, if convoluted, timeline that reconciles their relationship ''and'' {{spoiler|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.
** Not necessarily. It is possible to come up with a logical, if convoluted, timeline that reconciles their relationship ''and'' {{spoiler|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.
*** 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 {{spoiler|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]].
*** 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 {{spoiler|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.
* [[Romantic Two-Girl Friendship]]: With Morgana.
* [[Samus Is a Girl]]: Her [[Badass]] debut.
* [[Samus Is a Girl]]: Her [[Badass]] debut.
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* [[Hair of Gold]]
* [[Hair of Gold]]
* [[Hot Mom]]
* [[Hot Mom]]
* [[The Lost Lenore]]: To Uther, whose death triggered his hatred of magic.
* [[The Lost Lenore]]: To Uther, whose death triggered his hatred of magic.
* [[Mysterious Parent]]
* [[Mysterious Parent]]
* [[Posthumous Character]]
* [[Posthumous Character]]
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* [[The Dulcinea Effect]]
* [[The Dulcinea Effect]]
* [[Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette]]
* [[Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette]]
* [[Enigmatic Empowering Entity]]: In her second appearance.
* [[Enigmatic Empowering Entity]]: In her second appearance.
* [[The Gwen Stacy]]
* [[The Gwen Stacy]]
* [[Involuntary Shapeshifting]]: {{spoiler|She transforms into a giant winged panther at the stroke of midnight.}}
* [[Involuntary Shapeshifting]]: {{spoiler|She transforms into a giant winged panther at the stroke of midnight.}}
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* [[Even Evil Has Standards]]: He refuses to let his army die and withdraws the battle against Camelot once he realizes they can't win.
* [[Even Evil Has Standards]]: He refuses to let his army die and withdraws the battle against Camelot once he realizes they can't win.
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* [[Oh Crap]]: {{spoiler|When he realizes Morgause is going to kill him, and there's nothing he can do about it}}
* [[Oh Crap]]: {{spoiler|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.
* [[Ship Tease]]: There seems to be ''something'' going on between Cenred and Morgause. According to Morgause, Cenred only wishes to please her.
{{quote|'''Cenred:''' You are very beautiful when you're angry.
{{quote|'''Cenred:''' You are very beautiful when you're angry.
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* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
* [[Disappeared Dad]]: Which gives Merlin and Gwaine something to [[Birds of a Feather|bond]] [[Not So Different|about]].
* [[Disappeared Dad]]: Which gives Merlin and Gwaine something to [[Birds of a Feather|bond]] [[Not So Different|about]].
* [[Dual-Wielding]]: And he makes it Badass.
* [[Dual-Wielding]]: And he makes it Badass.
* [[Guest Star Party Member]]: Throughout series three, before becoming a regular in series four.
* [[Guest Star Party Member]]: Throughout series three, before becoming a regular in series four.
* [[Hidden Depths]]
* [[Hidden Depths]]
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* [[Master Swordsman]]
* [[Master Swordsman]]
* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[Mr. Fanservice]]
* [[Odd Friendship]]: With Merlin. The two seem to have absolutely nothing in common, but bond fairly quickly.
* [[Odd Friendship]]: With Merlin. The two seem to have absolutely nothing in common, but bond fairly quickly.
* [[Plucky Comic Relief]]
* [[Plucky Comic Relief]]
* [[Shirtless Scene]]: At least three in his introductory episode ([[Sarcasm Mode|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 [[Mr. Fanservice|something to look at...]]
* [[Shirtless Scene]]: At least three in his introductory episode ([[Sarcasm Mode|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 [[Mr. Fanservice|something to look at...]]
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* [[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.
* [[Friend to All Children]]: His [[Establishing Character Moment]] in the first episode of season 4 is to endanger his own life to save three frightened children by carrying them all to safety in his arms.
* [[Friend to All Children]]: His [[Establishing Character Moment]] in the first episode of season 4 is to endanger his own life to save three frightened children by carrying them all to safety in his arms.
* [[Gentle Giant]]
* [[Gentle Giant]]
* [[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 season four trailer {{spoiler|there is a shot of Percival carrying Merlin in this manner}}.
* [[Pieta Plagiarism]]: In the season four trailer {{spoiler|there is a shot of Percival carrying Merlin in this manner}}.
* [[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.
* [[The Quiet One]]
* [[The Quiet One]]


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* [[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.
* [[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 {{spoiler|in love with Morgana}}.
** A [[Deleted Scene]] reveals that he's {{spoiler|in love with Morgana}}.
* [[Hidden Depths]]: The end of 4x06 reveals that his feelings for Morgana run deeper than than we'd been led to expect.
* [[Hidden Depths]]: The end of 4x06 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
* [[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
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* [[The Mole]]
* [[The Mole]]
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* [[Egg MacGuffin]]
* [[Egg MacGuffin]]
* [[Evil Albino]]: Apparently, though in his first appearance Kilgarrah comments on the auspiciousness of [[Heroic Albino|his whiteness]].
* [[Evil Albino]]: Apparently, though in his first appearance Kilgarrah comments on the auspiciousness of [[Heroic Albino|his whiteness]].
* [[Meaningful Name]]: Means "light of the sun" in the language of dragons.
* [[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.
* [[Outside Context Villain]]: No one yet knows why he chose to heal Morgana.
* [[Ridiculously Cute Critter]]
* [[Ridiculously Cute Critter]]
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== 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 four.
A womanizing warlord that Morgana enlists in her crusade against Camelot and whose army attacks it at the end of series four.


[[File:6400530697_b802a70d97_o-1_1768.jpg|frame]]
[[File:6400530697_b802a70d97_o-1_1768.jpg|frame]]
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* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[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]].
* [[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.
* [[Reasonable Authority Figure]]: Helios is an [[Affably Evil]] version of this.
* [[Scary Black Man]]
* [[Scary Black Man]]
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* [[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|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.)
* [[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.


Revision as of 08:34, 29 December 2014


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.

  • Nice Guy
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: 2x12 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.
    • 4x03 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.

  • Anchored Ship: Arthur and Gwen. Since Season 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 Season 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 Season 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 Season 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 Normal
  • Badass Longcoat
  • 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
  • Mr. Fanservice
  • 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.
  • Hey, It's That Guy!: King Giles Pendragon.
  • 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.
  • 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 2x07 (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).
  • Villain Protagonist
  • Villainous BSOD: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she trully hates him in 3x13
  • 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 Season 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 Season 2

Sir Leon (Rupert Young)

A Knight of Camelot seen throughout season 2 and made a semi-regular in season 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: Season 3, after being built up some during Season 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 season 3 finale, but she comes back in season 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. Episode 3x05 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 Season 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.

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 Season 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 four 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 four.

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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