Sir Gawain and the Green Knight characters

Appears from the start

A young knight of Arthur's court who presents himself as the least important member of the Round Table. When a supernatural visitor proposes a dangerous exchange of blows, Gawain asks to take Arthur's place, combining humility, courage, and concern for the king's life.

Appears from the start

The energetic young king presiding over a lavish New Year feast at Camelot. His appetite for marvels and knightly challenges helps create the opening for the strange visitor, though Gawain intervenes before Arthur accepts the visitor's game himself.

Appears from the start

Arthur's queen, seated in honor during the New Year celebrations at Camelot. Her presence helps define the courtly audience before which the Green Knight stages his challenge.

Also known as Knight of the Green Chapel

Appears from the start

An enormous rider whose skin, clothing, horse, and elaborate equipment are all green. He enters Arthur's unarmed feast carrying holly and a formidable axe, then offers a beheading game: one knight may strike him now if that knight agrees to receive the same blow in a year and a day.

Also known as The lord of the castle

First appears in chapter 2

The large, vigorous lord who welcomes Gawain into a remote castle shortly before New Year. Generous with food, comfort, and companionship, he proposes a friendly exchange: each day he will give Gawain whatever he gains while hunting, and Gawain must surrender whatever he receives inside the castle.

Also known as The lady of the castle

First appears in chapter 2

Bertilak's beautiful young wife, introduced beside a much older noblewoman at the Christmas gathering. Graceful and accomplished in courtly speech, she shares the castle's warm welcome for Gawain and attracts the visitor's admiring attention.

Also known as The old lady

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly, richly honored woman who accompanies the young lady of Bertilak's castle. She is physically contrasted with her beautiful companion and is treated with a degree of respect that suggests importance not explained when Gawain first sees her.

First appears in chapter 4

A servant sent to lead Gawain from Bertilak's castle toward the Green Chapel. Near the destination, he warns that the Green Knight is deadly and offers Gawain a chance to flee in secrecy rather than keep the appointment.