Merlin (TV series)/Characters: Difference between revisions

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.
Content added Content deleted
VisualWikitext
m (Mass update links)
m (Mass update links)
Line 89: Line 89:
* [[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.
* [[With Friends Like These]]: Arthur.
* [[With Friends Like These...]]: Arthur.




Line 124: Line 124:
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Merlin.
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Merlin.
* [[Honor Before Reason]]
* [[Honor Before Reason]]
* [[Hot Blooded]]
* [[Hot-Blooded]]
* [[Incest Subtext]]: {{spoiler|Now that Morgana has been reveled to be his half-sister, their [[UST|reletionship]] in Season 1 seems like this.}}
* [[Incest Subtext]]: {{spoiler|Now that Morgana has been reveled to be his half-sister, their [[UST|reletionship]] in Season 1 seems like this.}}
* [[Knight in Shining Armor]]
* [[Knight in Shining Armor]]
Line 134: Line 134:
* [[Like Brother and Sister]]: Arthur and Morgana become this in Season 2.
* [[Like Brother and Sister]]: Arthur and Morgana become this in Season 2.
** And then they became {{spoiler|ACTUAL brother and sister. Well, half at least.}}
** And then they became {{spoiler|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.
* [[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 Hurts]]
* [[Love Redeems]]
* [[Love Redeems]]
Line 168: Line 168:
* [["Well Done, Son" Guy]]
* [["Well Done, Son" Guy]]
* [[Will They or Won't They?|Will They Or Won't They]]: Arthur and Gwen. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes.
* [[Will They or Won't They?|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.
* [[With Friends Like These...]]: Merlin.


== Lady Morgana {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Katie McGrath]]) ==
== Lady Morgana {{spoiler|Pendragon}} ([[Katie McGrath]]) ==
Line 234: Line 234:
* [[Let's Get Dangerous]]: 1x10 and 2x04.
* [[Let's Get Dangerous]]: 1x10 and 2x04.
* [[Like Brother and Sister]] / [[Platonic Life Partners]]: Arthur and Morgana become this in Season 2 {{spoiler|and are revealed to be half-siblings in Season 3.}}
* [[Like Brother and Sister]] / [[Platonic Life Partners]]: Arthur and Morgana become this in Season 2 {{spoiler|and are revealed to be half-siblings in Season 3.}}
* [[Like Father Like Son|Like Father Like Daughter]]: The great irony of her character.
* [[Like Father, Like Son|Like Father Like Daughter]]: The great irony of her character.
* [[Long-Lost Relative]]: She is revealed to be Morgause's {{spoiler|''and'' Arthur's}} half-sister.
* [[Long-Lost Relative]]: She is revealed to be Morgause's {{spoiler|''and'' Arthur's}} half-sister.
* [[The President's Daughter|The King's Ward]]
* [[The President's Daughter|The King's Ward]]
Line 267: Line 267:
* [[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.
* [[Womanin 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]].
* [[Woman in White]]: Sometimes in Seasons 2 and 3, highlighting her vulnerability.
* [[Woman in White]]: Sometimes in Seasons 2 and 3, highlighting her vulnerability.
* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: Occasionally. She gets really good at almost fooling everyone.
* [[Wounded Gazelle Gambit]]: Occasionally. She gets really good at almost fooling everyone.
Line 324: Line 324:
* [[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.
Line 356: Line 356:
* {{spoiler|[[Final Speech]]}}: He manages {{spoiler|a few last words to Arthur before slipping into a coma that he awakens from only very briefly}}.
* {{spoiler|[[Final Speech]]}}: He manages {{spoiler|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: {{spoiler|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.}}
* [[Freudian Excuse]]: His extreme hatred of magic comes from the circumstances of Arthur's birth: {{spoiler|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 [[Buffy the Vampire Slayer|Giles]] Pendragon.
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: King [[Buffy the Vampire Slayer|Giles]] Pendragon.
* [[Heroic BSOD]]: Is rendered catatonic after {{spoiler|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}}.
* [[Heroic BSOD]]: Is rendered catatonic after {{spoiler|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]]
* [[Hypocrite]]
Line 422: Line 422:
* [[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 (TV)/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/NS/Recap/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]]
Line 455: Line 455:
* [[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|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|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]].
* [[Little Miss Badass|Little Mister Badass]]: As demonstrated when he kicked the asses of a bunch of Camelot's guards with his magic in 2x03 and 2x11.
* [[Little Miss Badass|Little Mister Badass]]: As demonstrated when he kicked the asses of a bunch of Camelot's guards with his magic in 2x03 and 2x11.
Line 466: Line 466:
* [[Rule of Three]]: Has appeared three times in the first two seasons.
* [[Rule of Three]]: Has appeared three times in the first two seasons.
* [[The Runaway]]
* [[The Runaway]]
* [[Schiff One-Liner]] / [[Wham Line]]: 1x08 when he reveals his identity -- the above quote.
* [[Schiff One-Liner]] / [[Wham! Line]]: 1x08 when he reveals his identity -- the above quote.
* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[The Sociopath]]: A budding example.
* [[Sonic Scream]]
* [[Sonic Scream]]
Line 496: Line 496:
* {{spoiler|[[Heroic Sacrifice]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Heroic Sacrifice]]}}
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Merlin. It helps that they both think the world of each other.
* [[Heterosexual Life Partners]]: With Merlin. It helps that they both think the world of each other.
* [[Hey It's That Guy]]: [[Heroes (TV)|Issac Mendez]] is Lancelot.
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: [[Heroes (TV)|Issac Mendez]] is Lancelot.
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: Rejects the offer of becoming a real knight of Camelot in favor of first being true to himself.
* [[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. {{spoiler|He sacrifices himself to uphold the promise}}.
* [[I Gave My Word]]: In "The Darkest Hour" he promises Gwen that he'll protect Arthur, no matter what. {{spoiler|He sacrifices himself to uphold the promise}}.
Line 506: Line 506:
* [[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.
* [[Romantic Runner Up]]
* [[Romantic Runner-Up]]
* [[Secret Keeper]]: One of only two regular characters that knows Merlin's secret.
* [[Secret Keeper]]: One of only two regular characters that knows Merlin's secret.
* [[Self-Made Man]]: Born a commoner.
* [[Self-Made Man]]: Born a commoner.
** [[Self Proclaimed Knight]]
** [[Self-Proclaimed Knight]]
* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Gwen.
* [[Star-Crossed Lovers]]: With Gwen.


Line 600: Line 600:


* [[Back From the Dead]]: Very temporarily.
* [[Back From the Dead]]: Very temporarily.
* [[Balancing Deaths Books|Balancing Death's Books]]: The cause of her death; in order to concieve Arthur, Igraine was doomed to die in giving birth to him.
* [[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?
* [[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.
** 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.
Line 639: Line 639:
** [[Little Dead Riding Hood]]
** [[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.
* [[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, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalon ''where half of those that die in battle go upon death].''
* [[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, [[wikipedia:Avalon|''where half of those that die in battle go upon death]].''
* [[Mysterious Waif]]
* [[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.
* [[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.
** {{spoiler|Freya appeared in the final episode of Season 3, at least somewhat.}}
** {{spoiler|Freya appeared in the final episode of Season 3, at least somewhat.}}
* [[Really Big Cat]]
* [[Really Big Cat]]
Line 659: Line 659:


* [[Curtains Match the Window]]
* [[Curtains Match the Window]]
* [[Early Bird Cameo]]: Was first mentioned in ''1x10''.
* [[Early-Bird Cameo]]: Was first mentioned in ''1x10''.
* [[Enemy Mine]] / [[Fire-Forged Friends]]: Morgause and Cenred seem to be allies over their mutual hatred for Uther.
* [[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.
* [[Even Evil Has Standards]]: He refuses to let his army die and withdraws the battle against Camelot once he realizes they can't win.
Line 678: Line 678:
<small>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.</small>
<small>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.</small>


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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gawain Knight of the Round Table].
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 [[wikipedia:Gawain|Knight of the Round Table]].


* [[The Alcoholic]]: Though not, by any means, in a bad way. Most of the time.
* [[The Alcoholic]]: Though not, by any means, in a bad way. Most of the time.
Line 736: Line 736:
* [[Badass Normal]]: Bordering on [[Super Strength]].
* [[Badass Normal]]: Bordering on [[Super Strength]].
* [[Dog Pile of Doom]]: Though he throws it off pretty quickly.
* [[Dog Pile of Doom]]: Though he throws it off pretty quickly.
* [[Eleventh Hour Ranger]]
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger]]
* [[Even the Guys Want Him]]: Bradley James has freely admitted to having a man-crush on Tom Hopper.
* [[Even the Guys Want Him]]: Bradley James has freely admitted to having a man-crush on Tom Hopper.
* [[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}}.
Line 765: Line 765:
* [[Evil Uncle]]
* [[Evil Uncle]]
* [[Handsome Lech]]: A sinister version.
* [[Handsome Lech]]: A sinister version.
* [[Hey It's That Guy]]: Hey, it's [[Inspector Lynley]]!
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: Hey, it's [[Inspector Lynley]]!
* [[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}}.
Line 828: Line 828:
* [[Cheshire Cat Grin|Cheshire Cat Grins]]
* [[Cheshire Cat Grin|Cheshire Cat Grins]]
* [[The Cynic]]: Tristan
* [[The Cynic]]: Tristan
* [[Eleventh Hour Ranger|Eleventh Hour Rangers]]
* [[Eleventh-Hour Ranger|Eleventh Hour Rangers]]
* [[Expy]]: According to writer Julian Jones, they are based on ''[[Mr. and Mrs Smith]]''.
* [[Expy]]: According to writer Julian Jones, they are based on ''[[Mr. and Mrs Smith]]''.
* [[Lovable Rogue|Lovable Rogues]]: They give this vibe.
* [[Lovable Rogue|Lovable Rogues]]: They give this vibe.

Revision as of 11:51, 25 January 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.

  • 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."
  • Mr. Fanservice
  • In the Hood
  • Now Let Me Carry You: He pledges his fealty to Arthur in repayment for the rescue Arthur undertakes in The Castle of Fyrien.
  • Long Lost Sibling
  • Race Lift: The legendary Elyan was known as "Elyan the White". In the series, he's played by a black actor. Granted, "the White" would have referred to his pure soul, but it's still pretty funny.
  • Remember the New Guy
  • Shipper On Deck: At the very least, he certainly isn't opposed to his sister dating the Prince of Camelot, judging by the smile on his face when they kiss at the end of The Coming of Arthur.

Percival (Tom Hopper)

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

Characters Introduced in 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
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Merlin_(TV_series)/Characters?oldid=577274"