History Characters / MerlinMainCast

* TheCorruptible: It could be argued that Morgana was easily swayed over to the dark side because of how broken, fragile and vulnerable she was emotionally, psychologically and mentally. Darkness had already existed inside of her but it could be that a combination of psychological and mental issues, a dysfunctional family (being a Pendragon), the people she surrounded herself with (bad influences such as Morgause, Agravaine and even Uther) and the people who had somewhat of an influence on her turning evil (such as Merlin's betrayal, finding out that Uther arranged an [[UriahGambit Uriah Gambit]] on her father, and finding out he was her father, ect) is most likely what caused her to be so corruptible and what was able to let the darkness fully consume her to the point where she was filled with nothing but anger, hatred, jealousy and vengefulness on the inside.

** She also has a strong resentment against Merlin for poisoning her in season two. In fact, it could be argued that Merlin's betrayal is what cause Morgana to do a full on FaceHeelTurn.

* UnkemptBeauty: In season's four and five. Morgana went from wearing fancy dresses and looking like royalty in the earlier seasons to wearing black gothic clothing with wild, untameable hair in the later seasons.

'''Main Cast''' ([[Characters/MerlinTheCharacter Merlin]]) | [[Characters/MerlinOthers Others]] ([[Characters/MerlinKnightsOfTheRoundTable Knights of the Round Table]])]]-]]]

[[header:[-[[center:''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'' '''[[Characters/{{Merlin|2008}} Character Index]]'''\\
[[Characters/MerlinMainCast Main Cast]] ('''Merlin''') | [[Characters/MerlinOthers Others]] ([[Characters/MerlinKnightsOfTheRoundTable Knights of the Round Table]])]]-]]]

!!Myth/{{Merlin}}
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/merlin-emrys_9883.jpg]]
!!!'''Known Aliases:''' Emrys, Dragoon the Great and the Dolma
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/ColinMorgan

->''"If I can't use magic, I might as well die."''

The titular character and the protagonist of the series, Merlin must protect Arthur -- who will one day become king of Camelot and unite the lands of Albion -- while keeping his magic a secret.
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[[folder: A - D]]
* ActionHero: In the beginning, magic-wise. However, he quickly learns that [[GuileHero subtlety and manipulation is more useful]].
* AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: Merlin has to hide his true identity as a sorcerer while making SadisticChoice after SadisticChoice.
* AdaptationalAttractiveness: In most legends, the character of Merlin tends to be an old, zany wizard who is significantly older than Arthur. But in this version, Merlin is youthful, adorable, and a PrettyBoy who has a strong female (and male) following thanks to his portrayer [[MrFanservice Colin Morgan]].
* AdaptationalHeroism: In some depictions, Merlin is depicted as either a villain, a dark anti-hero, or a morally ambiguous character. There are even some depictions that suggest that Merlin is the son of [[{{Satan}} The Devil]] and that he is also a [[TheTrickster trickster]]. But in this version, Merlin is portrayed as very selfless and heroic... at first. Later on, he becomes increasingly ruthless, to the point of killing a dozen men in Season 4 without even batting an eyelid.

** Typically Merlin was once an advisor to Uther, but here Uther is dismissive of Merlin as being nothing more than a servant.
** Him and Guinevere have some ShipTease in series 1 and eventually become close friends, while in most versions of the Legend they have very few interactions.
** He rarely interacts with Lancelot or Gawaine, but here the former is his SecretKeeper and the latter considers Merlin to be his best friend.
* AdaptationalWimp: Justified at first since this is a younger Merlin still learning about his powers, but zigzagged later. On the one hand, his magical abilities are far more impressive than anything his Arthurian Legend counterpart has shown. On the other hand, the original Merlin could apparently see the future and in ''Literature/LeMorteDArthur'' was seemingly aware of events that would take place years later, and he was certainly more knowledgeable than TV Merin. [[spoiler:Presuambly this is averted in the GrandFinale where Merlin has become an ElderlyImmortal and has had fifteen hundred years to improve his abilities.]]
* AdviceBackfire: In the fifth season, Arthur sought out Merlin's advice regarding either bringing magic and the Old Religion back to Camelot or letting Mordred die. Desperate to protect Arthur and avoid the possibility of Mordred fatefully killing Arthur in the future, Merlin tells Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot. This backfired when the Triple Goddesses punished Merlin for his choice by keeping Mordred alive, setting the pathway for him to fatefully kill Arthur in the future. Bad move, Merlin.
* AerithAndBob: Merlin is a rather exotic and unique sounding name compared to names like Arthur or Gwen.
* AesopAmnesia: He ''never'' learns his lesson about falling into self-fulfilling prophecies. '''Never'''. It has deadly consequences.
* AfterActionPatchup: Merlin is often seen tending to other's wounds and injuries, including Arthur and the Knights of Camelot, mostly after a battle has taken place. This is because Merlin has obtained some medical experience from Gauis.
* AFriendInNeed: To Arthur. But really, to everyone. He is always willing to help and be there for anyone who needs him.
* AgeLift: Merlin is traditionally portrayed as being a fully grown man when Arthur is a born, but here he's actually a few years younger than the prince.
* AllForNothing: [[spoiler: Arthur dies ''because'' of Merlin's actions to prevent it. Although it is implied that Queen Guinevere will bring magic back and lead Albion to a golden age, we never see Merlin enjoy what he waits for all the course of the series on screen.]]
* AllLovingHero: Mostly in the earlier seasons (Season's 1 and 2). Merlin would always try to believe the best in almost everyone, even those who didn't treat him nicely (such as Arthur) and those who were clearly becoming darker and more evil (such as Morgana and Mordred). He has even extended compassion and sympathy to those who were possible foes and enemies of his. Merlin believed in giving various characters second chances especially if he believes that they can be saved or redeemed somehow. This is mostly due to Merlin's idealistic and [[MagneticHero friendly]] nature. In fact, many of the mistakes, both big and small, that Merlin has made due to his choices are because of Merlin's compassion, kindness and empathy towards everyone, even those he considers his enemies or possible foes. Merlin has even said in so many words that "everyone matters, no matter who or what they are".
* AllOfTheOtherReindeer: Merlin has to hide his magical abilities from the people of Camelot because magic is considered evil, despite the fact he saves their lives with it every single episode.
* AlmightyJanitor: His magical prowess aside, by Season 4, he is allowed to listen in during state council meetings and Arthur turns to him for advice. He's still officially just a servant.
** Called out by Mordred in the fifth season when Merlin questions Mordred about his actions and whereabouts. Mordred points out that he doesn't exactly owe the ''King's manservant'' any explanations, but is also aware enough of Merlin's influence with Arthur to not push him too far.
* AlwaysSaveTheGirl: To Gwen. Merlin has repeatedly gone to extreme lengths to save and protect Gwen as much as possible. He also has a similar mindset toward [[TheNotLoveInterest Arthur]].
* AlwaysSecondBest: Sometimes feels this way in regards to Mordred, especially when it comes to Arthur. Deep down, Merlin feels that Arthur appreciates Mordred much more than him.
* AmbitionIsEvil: For someone with his power and position, he is remarkably disinclined to use those advantages to rise in rank or become a ruler in his own right (though as Princess Mithian notes, by Season 4, Arthur greatly values his opinion, meaning that he's effectively the right hand man of Camelot's King).
* AntiHero: Merlin could be classified as a [[Analysis/AntiHero Type III]]. Not malicious enough to slip into type IV, but his truly horrendous body count (if it isn't in four figures prior to the last episode, it definitely is by the end of it) it doesn't seem to bother him at all.
* ApologisesALot: To contrast him with Arthur, who rarely apologises for anything.
* ArchEnemy: Morgana, who like him, is also a powerful magic user. Both of them have magic and use it as their preferred choice of combat but Merlin uses his magic for good purposes while Morgana uses magic for immoral or bad purposes. The Great Dragon even describes Merlin and Morgana's relationship as Merlin being the light to Morgana's dark and the love to Morgana's hate. While Merlin uses his magic to protect Arthur and Camelot, Morgana uses her magic to destroy Arthur and Camelot. Both Merlin and Morgana want to bring magic back to the land of Camelot, but how they choose or have chosen to go about achieving that goal are complete opposites.
* TheArchmage: He's destined to become the most powerful sorcerer to ever exist. [[spoiler: And he does, in the finale.]]
* AttentionDeficitOohShiny: In the beginning, Merlin often got easily distracted. He was also rather impulsive and high energy.
* AudienceSurrogate: The story is told from Merlin's [[PointOfView P.O.V.]], therefore, the majority of the audience sympathizes with and relates to Merlin the most.
* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: Merlin and his relationship with Arthur. They may insult each other like no tomorrow, but deep down, they really do love and care for each other and are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the other.
* BadassAdorable: Merlin may look cute and dorky, but he can kick anyone's ass (or better yet, kill anyone) in an instant without hesitation.
* BadassAngster: Merlin constantly suffers heartbreak, both in the romantic and non-romantic department.
* BadassBoast: Gives quite a few when he's [[BadassBystander forced to act]].
--> '''Merlin''': I am the ''last'' Dragon-Lord...
* BadassInDistress: Sometimes Merlin needs saving too. Not as much as Arthur though.
* BadassLongRobe: As Dragoon and Emrys.
* BadLiar: An odd example. He's ''very'' good at keeping his powers secret, but the excuses he comes up with to cover for his behaviour grow increasingly bizarre as time goes by.
* BashBrothers: With Arthur, Gwaine, and Lancelot.
* BattleButler: Merlin is clearly this to Arthur, even though Arthur doesn't realise it.
* BattleOfWits: Often against Morgana after her FaceHeelTurn, who later becomes his ArchEnemy and possesses magic just like him. Before Guinevere becomes Queen, Merlin is practically Camelot's only defence against Morgana's agents.
* BavarianFireDrill: Whenever Merlin gets caught in a compromising position, cue him descending into increasingly ludicrous and outlandish explanation for what he's supposedly doing. It's clear no-one buys it for a second, but they simply can't be bothered to find out the ''real'' reason.
** Whenever masquerading as the elderly "Dragoon", he takes this to even ''more'' absurd levels.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: In the first episode, Merlin [[DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife angsts about having no purpose for his abnormal power.]] The Dragon gives him one, and what follows is [[KickTheDog endless killing and questionable decisions.]]
* BecauseDestinySaysSo: He's smart enough to realize that riding the course and fulfilling his destiny is the best way out.
** Merlin is told by the last dragon that he is fated to protect Arthur until he can grow up, become king and have his own great destiny, so it's kind of recursive. Also a lot of the decisions he makes to secure this destiny were influenced by this prophesy and the great dragons rather biased directions on how to go about achieving it. e.g. poisoning Morgana in ''The Fires of Idirsholas'' to save Camelot even though she had little to no idea of what was actually happening at the time or her role in causing it.
* BecameTheirOwnAntithesis: Starts out as an impulsive, clueless teenager who is easily fooled and manipulated by the Dragon. By the end of series 4, he's clearly found his place as Arthur's advisor, spends the finale organizing everything that goes on (except, notably, Arthur and Gwen's reconciliation) in a scheme worthy of a MagnificentBastard, is one of most intelligent characters, and not only does the Dragon respect him, he obeys him. Probably the closest you can get to this trope without having a FaceHeelTurn.
** This can also reference his MotiveDecay. Series 1 Merlin pretty explicitly views Arthur as a sort of project, with the end goal of molding him into a good king and getting him to legalize magic. However, as he comes to genuinely care for Arthur, and especially after seeing others like Agravaine pretend to care about Arthur only to use and betray him, Merlin becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of using Arthur to further his own agenda - even if doing so would benefit himself and many others. Thus, by the later series he distances himself from any attempts to legalize magic and tries to act solely as a support to Arthur.
* BecomingTheMask: Merlin's initial motivation to protect Arthur is only that Arthur's prophesied to be the one who will bring magic back. By Season 5, he'd forego a chance to let magic return to ensure that Arthur'll live albeit with serious struggles. It's also become disturbingly easy for him to speak of magic as a threat to Camelot.
* BeingGoodSucks: Merlin is undoubtedly a good person who is incredibly heroic and [[ChronicHeroSyndrome constantly saves people by putting his life on the line for everyone and Camelot]]. However, all Merlin has received in return for his heroism and courage is mistreatment, suffering, grief, pain, loss, and tragedy. For Merlin, it definitely sucks to be the hero.
* BeleagueredAssistant: As a servant, Merlin runs around doing Arthur's chores, including extremely demeaning ones, while Arthur insults him and throws things at him. When Arthur wants to shirk his royal duties, it's Merlin's job to cover for him— which has more than once landed him in the stocks. And of course he spends most of the series repeatedly saving Arthur's life. Using his very illegal magic that he could be killed for having. Possibly on the orders of Arthur himself. And he gets no credit for any of this. It MakesSenseInContext why Merlin puts up with all this. Mostly.
* BeneathNotice: Merlin would often disguise himself as Dragoon, a older version of himself. He did this in 3x10 in attempts to stop Gwen from being executed and from being falsely accused of using sorcery in order to get Arthur to fall in love with her. Merlin also disguised himself as Dragoon in 4x03 when Merlin had told Gaius about a sorcerer that could save Uther's life with the use of magic. Merlin's most notable time being disguised as Dragoon was in the series finale, where he became the most powerful sorcerer ever and defeated the Saxons on behalf of Arthur and Camelot. Even when Merlin is not disguising himself as Dragoon, he is basically disguising himself by keeping his identity as a wizard a secret from everyone in Camelot (as his identity as a magic user could end up getting him executed and punished) and trying to pass himself off as just Arthur's servant. With the exception of Lancelot and Gaius, nobody in Camelot of importance (Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, the Knights of Camelot, etc) are aware of Merlin's true identity as a powerful warlock.
* TheBeastmaster: He commands dragons and wyverns. He's also commanded a snake to attack Morgana once.
* BerserkButton: Arthur most of all, since a major part of Merlin's purpose in life is protecting him. But anytime Gaius is in danger, Merlin either gets extremely distressed or extremely ''violent''.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Merlin is adorable, kind, friendly, loyal, and somewhat of a klutz, but God help you if you ever try to kill anyone he cares about, because that is last thing you will ever do. His anger is sudden and his powers are fierce and ''he will'' blast you off the face of the Earth. Keep in mind that this is ''the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever known''. If he wants to tear mountains apart, ''he can do it.'' Please don't make him.
** He also has the highest body count in the series, can pretty much stop time, and can kill you just by looking at you. And do it with absolutely no emotion. In-Universe, he's a LethalJokeCharacter.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: Merlin may be humorous, witty and the comic relief, but don't get on his bad side.
* BigBrotherInstinct: Merlin seemed to have this towards young!Mordred, Daegal, and Gilli.
* BigDamnHeroes: Most of the time, all by himself, but also often with Arthur, Gauis, Gwen and the Knights of Camelot.
* BigNo: Merlin has done this so many times throughout the series to count.
* BirdsOfAFeather: With Morgana and Freya. [[spoiler:It ends badly in [[FaceHeelTurn both]] [[KilledOffForReal cases.]]]]
* BlessedWithSuck: Oh, you have awesome, mindblowing magical powers? Well, that also means you have to go through every layer of hell the writers can throw on you.
* BodyguardingABadass: Arthur is the best swordsman in the Five Kingdoms and can defeat two other swordsmen blindfolded. He has a servant who watches his back on missions. Said servant is Merlin, who can kill you with his brain, making him the more badass of the two.
* {{Bookends}}: Merlin says in the pilot that without his magic, he might as well die. In 5x12, he loses it.
* {{Bookworm}}: Merlin reads A LOT. Part of the reason for this is because Melrin is constantly doing research or trying to discover ways in which to save Camelot or protect Arthur. He is often seen in the library reading many books and it seems as though the library is his best friend. Merlin also frequently reads his spellbook for spells that he needs to perform.
* BoomStick: Merlin has a magical sidhe staff, that fires a blast of magical energy that can even kill a [[TheFairFolk sidhe]]. Despite it being a cool and effective weapon, he's only used it in a few episodes (''The Gates of Avalon'', ''To Kill The King,'' ''The Changeling,'' ''Diamond of the Day, pt. 2'').
* BondingOverMissingParents: With both Gwaine and Arthur. In a series 2 episode, Arthur and Merlin go on a mission to discover what happened to Ygraine (Arthur's mother). On their way to discovering the truth, Merlin asks Arthur what his mother was like and Arthur tells him that he never knew her because she has tragically died before Arthur could open his eyes. Arthur tells Merlin that he can faintly remember his mother and that he has still has a "sense" of her, despite never knowing her because she is a part of him. Merlin then realizes that he shares this in common with Arthur, in that Merlin had never known his father (discovered to be Balinor, who is seen later on) or who he was; that his mother, Hunith, had never spoken about him. Merlin then says that although he never knew his father, he has some faint memory of who he could be, although Merlin chalks this up to just being a part of his imagination due to the desire of having wanted a paternal or father figure in his life. This bonding moment between Merlin and Arthur over the lack of a parent really strengthened the relationship between the two and had showcased that despite the many differences between Merlin and Arthur, they do have something in common that both can understand and empathize with each other over. With Gwaine they up bonding when he explains how his father, who was a knight, died and the king refused to help his mother, while Merlin gives only some details to explain how Balinor helped and was later betrayed by Uther.
* BoyMeetsGirl: With Freya. He meets her, instantly falls in love with her, she falls for him, and the rest is history. Merlin fell so hard for Freya that he was even willing to give up his destiny or fulfilling his destiny (the one in which he walks the same path with Arthur, the Once and Future King) to runaway and be with Freya. Basically, Merlin had chosen Freya over Arthur/his destiny. However, fate ends up changing this for Merlin as Freya is the one that is discovered to be the deadly creature that is killing people in Camelot (the Bastet). Sadly, it ends in tragedy when Freya ends up dying after Arthur mortally wounds her while defending himself against her.
* BoyNextDoor: Appears this way in the beginning. However, he's revealed to have abnormal power.
* BrainsAndBrawn: Merlin and Arthur, with Merlin as the Brains to Arthur's Brawn. Merlin is sort of defaulted into the position of brains because (unlike Arthur) he usually knows what's actually going on. Amusingly, Arthur seems to consider himself the brains and the brawn of their two-man band and takes delight in calling Merlin an idiot, useless buffoon, girl's petticoat, etc. — although, if you don't know that Merlin has magic, his antics do seem a bit strange.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: In season four, Morgana captured Merlin and inserted a fomorrah in the back of his neck. The fomorrah controlled Merlin to kill Arthur at any cost.
* BreakTheCutie:
** Merlin goes through endless pain, tragedy and hardships. The boy never catches a break. Although Merlin is a {{Determinator}}, so he refuses to break. Although with how much they put him through to prove that he's not going to break, that might be even worse.
** As of Series 5, Merlin has acquired extremely thick JadeColoredGlasses, lost his ChronicHeroSyndrome, and despite the fact that he's been putting it on for a while now, Arthur notices that he hasn't smiled in days. When Gaius asks what happened to the boy who stumbled into his chambers all those years ago, this is his response:
---> '''Merlin:''' [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids He grew up.]]
* BrilliantButLazy: Merlin is a genius and extremely intelligent due to being a wizard. However, when it comes to mundane activities such as doing chores for Arthur and Gaius, he has shown to be somewhat lazy, even though he does manage to get all of them done eventually. This is probably because Merlin finds doing chores extremely tedious especially when Merlin could be doing things which he deems more important such as researching or using his magic to save the entire kingdom of Camelot on a daily basis.
* BrokenAce: Merlin may be a very powerful warlock but the burden of being born with his special gifts has managed to gradually break him down emotionally and mentally.
* BrokenBird: Merlin has been through so much pain, grief, tragedy and loss, that he becomes a much darker and serious character as the series progresses.
* BrokenHero: Been through a lot of pain and misery yet still remains rather positive and optimistic regardless. Not to mention that Merlin is always kind to everyone, even those who are mean to him or don't treat him nicely. Series 5 highlights how broken he is with his increasing willingness to KickTheDog.
* BrokenTears: Merlin is constantly shedding these, mostly after someone who is close to him dies.
** SingleTear: Merlin sheds one tear when he kisses Freya, the moment he resolves to leave Camelot.
* [[BroodingBoyGentleGirl Brooding Girl, Gentle Boy]]: [[GenderInvertedTrope Gender-Inverted]]. Merlin is the Gentle Boy to Freya's Brooding Girl. Merlin manages to make brooding, isolated and cursed Freya feel happy and loved.
* BroughtDownToNormal: In 4x01 and 5x12.
** BroughtDownToBadass: Pulls an awesome HeroicSacrifice in the first and still manages to wound Morgana in the second.
* BrutalHonesty: At times. There are cases when Merlin won't hesitate to tell someone exactly how he feels.
* BuffySpeak: Merlin practically speaks like this all of the time. Although, the most notable example is when Merlin describes a sword as "very... [[ShapedLikeItself swordy]]".
* BullyingADragon: When he is in his Dragoon disguise, the knights attack him even when they know that he is a sorcerer. This trope is also played quite literally and inverted: as a Dragon Lord, Merlin is the one doing the bullying towards Dragons and Wyverns.
* BumblingSidekick: To Arthur. A {{subversion}} as even though he has the occasional clumsy moment, he's more competent and quick-thinking than Arthur ever gives him credit for.
* BunnyEarsLawyer: Merlin is (to everyone else) a CloudCuckoolander with serious mental issues who wanders around the castle at night, has a tendency to mumble complete nonsense to himself for no good reason, [[SubvertedTrope and a horrible manservant]]. However, [[DoubleSubversion the emotional support he gives Arthur is invaluable, and he's Arthur's best advisor, even if it's unofficial and Arthur will never admit it.]]
* ButtMonkey: Especially when "helping" Arthur with his training exercises.
* TheCallKnowsWhereYouLive: In the beginning, Merlin is scornful of his destiny to protect Arthur, wanting nothing to do with him. The next night, an enchantress makes an attempt on Arthur's life and Merlin pulls him out of the way without thinking. As a reward, Uther makes him Arthur's manservant, so he's going to have to deal with him full time now.
** Another episode has this trope played as tragically as possible. Merlin falls in love with a fugitive Druid named Freya. After a few days with her, he knows he needs to get her out of Camelot, and decides to leave with her. The night they're supposed to leave, the men hunting her catch up and stab her, causing her to bleed to death in Merlin's arms. It's sad enough, but the man who stabs her is Arthur (albeit in self defense), the destiny Merlin was running away from, and you can't help but feel that this was a case of fate saying TheyWereHoldingYouBack.
* CallOnMe: Whenever Merlin is in trouble of some kind or has found himself in some kind of danger, he uses his Dragon Lord abilities to summon the Great Dragon (Kilgarrah) to help him. The Great Dragon does end up saving Merlin's life and saving the day on more than one occasion once Merlin summons him.
* CallToAdventure: In the first episode when Merlin arrives in Camelot after his mother sends him there.
* CallingTheOldManOut: In 2x13, Merlin calls out his long lost father Balinor on his lack of compassion and nobility because the old man refuses to help him and Arthur stop the Great Dragon from attacking Camelot. He also asks his father about the abandonment but does not seem to be angry about it much.
* CameBackStrong: A non-fatal example. In 5x12, when he loses his magic, Merlin regains it and realizes his full potential.
* CampCook: On missions, hunts or battles, Merlin is always the one seen cooking for Arthur and all of the knights. Understandable considering that Merlin is a servant.
* CannotSpitItOut: His ability to use magic. Also, the prophecy about Mordred killing Arthur.
* CantHoldHisLiquor: Never seen onscreen, but according to Gaius "one whiff from a barmaid's apron and you're singing like a sailor".
* CantKillYouStillNeedYou: An odd variation of this regarding Merlin making the decision to save Morgana's life. It's not that he "needs" Morgana, it's that he can't bear the pain of her loved ones as they struggle with their grief over her impending death.
* CantLiveWithThemCantLiveWithoutThem: In regards to his relationship with Arthur. Although Merlin can find Arthur arrogant and annoying, especially when Arthur constantly teases him, it has been shown over and over that Merlin does care for Arthur. It has also been shown that without Merlin and his influence, Arthur starts to crack emotionally and mentally.
* TheCaretaker: To Freya and Daegal. Also to Arthur, especially in the series finale.
* CassandraTruth: Merlin lives this trope. In every season and most episodes therein, Merlin usually has foreknowledge of the (dis)loyalties of basically everyone. But he can't ever prove this because it variously involves a) exposing himself as a wizard, b) selling out someone he would rather not, or c) being pitted against someone who Uther and/or Arthur trust implicitly. You would think, considering everything Merlin says turns out to be true, people might just start giving him the benefit of the doubt.
** More conventionally, there's one instance of Merlin bursting into the throne room and insisting he's a wizard.
** Surprisingly, [[spoiler: Arthur finally catches on to this in the season 4 finale. He realizes that Merlin knew, and has always known, about such betrayals. Arthur, meanwhile, always sees the best in people right up until they stab him in the back. He finds it quite frustrating that the people he treats as friends are so willing to betray him. He predictably reacts quite badly to Merlin's confession of having magic at first.]]
* CategoryTraitor: Has been accused of this by other magic users because he works for Camelot. He has also refused to take the opportunity to end the magic ban out of personal loyalty to Arthur at least twice.
* CelibateHero: Merlin doesn't do the romance thing that much. He's more married to his destiny and protecting Arthur more than anything else. Because of this, the fandom and even the producers consider Merlin to be asexual.
* TheChampion: Merlin is this in regards to Arthur. Merlin has made it his sole purpose to protect Arthur at all costs. He puts Arthur's safety above everyone else, even his own.
* CharacterDevelopment: Merlin goes from an overly idealistic, naive, impulsive teenage youth who has no control of his magical abilities to a mature, wise, pragmatic and very powerful sorcerer during the span of five seasons.
* TheChessmaster: In ''Sword And The Stone Part II'', where he orchestrates Arthur drawing the sword from the stone so that it will restore Arthur's faith in him being king and rally the people at the same time. And then he removes Morgana's powers to even the fight so Camelot can win. He's come a long way from the easily fooled teenager in Series 1.
* ChessmasterSidekick: He has the magic and knows enough about what goes on to become the most powerful person of the land. Instead, he does everything for Arthur.
* TheChewToy: Especially when he's around Arthur, and PlayedForLaughs.
* ChildhoodFriends: With Will. They had been best friends since childhood and it appears as though they had a very close relationship considering that Will knew of Merlin's identity and about his magic. Unfortunately, Will ends up tragically dying after he makes a HeroicSacrifice and saves Arthur's life.
* ChildProdigy: Merlin could do magic before he could talk. Not only that, but Merlin is a wizard who is very intelligent and wise.
* TheChooserOfTheOne: He orchestrated the entire retrieval of the Excalibur sword in the stone. A bit of a subversion in that Arthur is already TheChosenOne, but it was Merlin that brought it to light. Also played with in that had it not been for Merlin, it's doubtful if Arthur would have been alive long enough to become King, or that he would have gotten to know his Queen Guinevere and met the Knights of the Round Table, who symbolize a more egalitarian Camelot.
* TheChosenOne: He is the legendary Emrys who the Druids speak of and even the Great Dragon knew who he was destined to become, destined to protect the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion and bring magic back.
* ChronicHeroSyndrome: Merlin just can't stand by doing nothing when someone needs help despite the warnings of his mentors.
* ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve: When Arthur is trying to draw Excalibur, Merlin says that he needs to truly believe he can in order to do it. Subverted since Merlin was just trying to boost Arthur's confidence: once Arthur is sold on Merlin's story, Merlin covertly uses magic to make the task extremely easy for Arthur, thus reinforcing the idea he was trying to instill.
* ClarkKenting: Inverted. Merlin's OlderAlterEgo looks, sounds, and acts nothing like him and yet everyone says his "eyes are familiar". And it's not like he has an unusual eye color or anything, they're standard blue eyes in a cast of blue eyes that everyone picks up on. Even when he disguised himself as an old woman (very convincingly at that), Arthur kept wondering if he'd met "her" before. Although, given that Arthur is extremely WrongGenreSavvy, whatever guess he had had to be miles off.
* CloudCuckoolander: While his actions generally make sense to the audience, to everyone else he comes across as utterly bizarre. But he's right enough of the time that some people still take him seriously.
* TheCoatsAreOff: In the Pilot episode, Merlin removes his jacket before preparing to fight Arthur. He ends up having his ass handed to him.
* CoconutSuperpowers: Merlin's ability to slow down time.
* ColourCodedForYourConvenience: Merlin almost always wears the colours red and blue. This seems to mirror the character whom Merlin is modelled off of, ''Series/{{Smallville}}'''s Clark Kent.
** However, in 4x06, Merlin is seen wearing a purple shirt instead of either a blue or red shirt, indicating that something was indeed wrong with Merlin. This was because Merlin was [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashed]] by Morgana into killing Arthur at any cost.
*** The fact that the shirt is purple is also potentially significant, in that purple was traditionally a colour reserved specifically for royalty, as purple dyes used to be quite expensive. Merlin wearing that colour for the first time in an episode where he's attempting to assassinate the king could be construed a number of ways.
* CombatPragmatist: Merlin repeatedly uses magic to gain an advantage by turning the things around him against his opponent. He's also not above stabbing from behind or cursing the enemy.
* ComesGreatResponsibility: Gaius teaches him this philosophy in series 1. YMMV on how much he actually succeeds in following it.
* ComingOfAgeStory: The series centres on Merlin growing up from a naive, overly idealistic and optimistic young warlock or wizard to a wise, pragmatic and powerful sorcerer.
* CommonalityConnection: With Arthur. Merlin originally strongly disliked Arthur when he first met him, thinking of Arthur as a arrogant, spoiled, entitled, royal ass. It turns out that Merlin's destiny is intertwined with Arthur's. Later on, they bond over growing up without a parent.

** Since the Fisher King explains that the journey to the Perilous Lands was in fact Merlin's quest, not Arthur's, he takes on aspects of Percival who typically goes on the quest to the Fisher King.
** In the finale, Merlin takes on the role that is usually allocated to Bedivere in the legends when he throws Excalibur back to the Lady in the Lake.
* TheConfidant: Whenever a character needs someone to talk to, he's always the obvious choice. Even guest characters are much more inclined to talk to him than anyone else. Arthur even invokes this trope in a few episodes by sending him in to talk to people who aren't speaking to anyone else.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Between his personal attachment to Arthur and the desire to end the oppression on magic users. As time passes, he increasingly leans towards the former.
* TheConscience: Often to Arthur. He always tries to prevent Arthur from being overly impulsive in his actions due to his temper. In short, for Arthur, Merlin is the voice of reason, even though Arthur doesn't realize it. However, it's subverted in ''The Disir'' when Merlin advises Arthur to do something ''against'' his conscience.
* ConstantlyCurious: He gets into troubles because of this.
%%* CoolOldGuy: When masquerading as the 80-year-old sorcerer "Dragoon".
* CoolSword: Excalibur. Merlin is the one who created the sword for Arthur. He's also used the sword a few times to defeat the enemy.
* CosmicPlaything: Although many of the decisions that Merlin has made has contributed to his own problems, so much tragedy happens to Merlin that it seems as though destiny loves torturing Merlin as much as possible.
%%* CountryMouse: At least at first.
* CourtMage: Subverted. He takes care of magical threats, negotiates with other magic users, and if magic is needed he provides it. But no one aside from Gaius and Lancelot know this is the case. [[spoiler:Might be played straight as of the finale, now that everyone knows who he is.]]
* CoverBlowingSuperpower: Merlin must constantly save the day while keeping his powers and abilities secret, since magic is banned in Camelot on pain of execution.
* CrazyPrepared: Half of his spells are so tailored to the situation that either Merlin is making them up as he goes or he really does learn spells just in case he wants a magnetic sword, he needs to drop bed covers on someone, or he needs to throw a bench.
* CreateYourOwnVillain: It could be argued that Merlin betraying Morgana by poisoning her in season two had a strong influence on Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn. Merlin even admits that he blames himself for what she had become in the series finale.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: Merlin may be bumbling, clumsy and at times, naive, but I dare you to get on his bad side. He can certainly kick anyone's butt with the use of his powerful and dangerous magic. [[PapaWolf Especially if you hurt his loved ones.]]
* TheCuckoolanderWasRight: A bit of a subversion in that he's not completely a CloudCuckoolander, but since nearly everyone else believes he is, this happens nearly OnceAnEpisode. Arthur eventually catches on to this and starts consulting Merlin on everything.
* CurbStompBattle: Many times throughout the series. The most notable one is [[spoiler: in the series finale when he takes out the entire Saxon Army, Morgana and Aithusa, one after another with his magic, turning the entire battle around in just ''two minutes''. At that point, he officially became the most powerful sorcerer in existence.]]
* CuriosityKilledTheCast: A non-fatal example, when Merlin releases the goblin in 3x03. Sometimes Merlin's curiosity really gets the best of him.
* CursedWithAwesome: Merlin is born with magic but sometimes Merlin views his magical abilities as a curse out of fear of being ostracized and viewed as a monster by others. Therefore, Merlin is subjected to hiding his identity, which is a great weight on his shoulders.
* TheCutie: Especially in the first season before he started to go through endless pain, grief, loss and tragedy.
* TheCynic: Merlin becomes much more cynical and pessimistic and pragmatic as the series progresses. A total contrast to who he was in the beginning, which was WideEyedIdealist, TheIdealist, and NaiveNewcomer. While it is depressing to see this happen to Merlin, it is completely understandable why becomes this way considering all of the tragedy, loss, pain and grief that he has suffered over the course of the series.
* DarkerAndEdgier: As the series progresses, Merlin becomes much more dark and ruthless. His body count continues to increase as the series goes on.
* DeadpanSnarker: Merlin is the epitome of sarcasm, humour and wit. He is always saying a sarcastic and witty statement, joke or catchphrase.
* DeathBySecretIdentity: Oh boy, almost everyone who discovers Merlin's secret ends up dying.
** Almost all the people [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade who have discovered Merlin's secret are dead.]] Most OneShotCharacter, were they VillainOfTheWeek such as Edwin, Sophia, Aulfric, Tauren, Sigan, Catrina, Jonas, Aredian, Grunhilda, and more recently, Borden, Lamia; or VictimOfTheWeek such as Will, Freya, Balinor, the Fisher King and Daegal, have died within the episode. And then we have the few who lasted longer, such as Nimueh, Agravaine, and more recently, proving that AnyoneCanDie, Lancelot and Alator.
** As of the series finale, [[spoiler: Mordred, Morgana and Arthur]] have joined the list.
** In fact, it's quicker to name the characters that haven't fallen prey to this trope: it's a short-list of Hunith, Gaius, Gilli and (eventually) Guinevere.
* DeathGlare: Constantly shares these kinds of looks with Morgana. Also, with people he doesn't like, trust or whom he's skeptical of.
* DeclarationOfProtection: Merlin has made it his life's mission to protect Arthur at all costs because he considers it his destiny to do so.
* DecompositeCharacter: Several traditional elements of Merlin's character are seemingly divided with other characters such as Gaius, Nimue and Kilgharrah.
** Gaius resembles the traditional version of Merlin, being an old man and advisor to the king, though in his case Uther instead of Arthur.
** Nimue's background is very similar to the traditional Merlin, being a friend and CourtMage to Uther and responsible for Arthur's birth, though instead of a BedTrick she used magic so Arthur could be born at the cost of Ygraine's life.
** Kilgharrah's knowledge of the future is similar to versions of Merlin who could see the future, and his mysterious and at times malevolent actions bring to mind more villainous interpretations of Merlin.
* DeliberateValuesDissonance: No show based in modern times would have a protagonist (Merlin) that is so innocent, idealistic and naive (at least in the first two seasons) with such a horrendous body count that doesn't seem to bother him at all. Why? Because this is the Dark Ages and killing people who are trying to kill you is completely okay. Killing in cold blood is still frowned upon, though.
** Merlin calling Morgana out in the Series 3 opening for killing can come across as hypocrisy, but if you notice his main problems are that she's killing innocents and her actions will only cause more hatred against magic.
* DespairEventHorizon: Plenty of times, but particularly in 4x03. Gaius has to end up talking Merlin out of it.
** Also in 5x12, when Merlin ends up losing his magic. Merlin becomes completely hopeless and feels completely worthless without his magic. It takes his father (Balinor) in spirit form to make him believe in himself again that he is stronger than he thinks he is.
* DespairSpeech: Merlin gives a major one [[spoiler: in the series finale when he yells out to the Great Dragon in Dragon Lord language when trying to summon him after Arthur dies. By that time, it was obvious that Merlin [[HeroicBSOD had completely lost it.]]]]
* DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife: Only in the first episode. Then the Dragon informs him of his destiny.
* DestructiveSaviour: Although Merlin is the hero and always ends up saving the day, the guy possesses the gift of magic and is also very powerful. Sometimes when Merlin uses his magic to save the day, he can cause quite a bit of destruction at the same time.
* {{Determinator}}: Merlin is probably the most determined character in the entire series. He NEVER gives up.
* DeusExitMachina: As the series progresses, he becomes so powerful the writers have to constantly find ways to get him out of the way
* DidNotGetTheGirl: Merlin's romance with Freya. [[spoiler:Freya ends up dying.]]
* DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu: Sometimes Merlin's big mouth gets him into quite a bit of trouble with his enemies.
%%* DisappearedDad: [[spoiler:Until 2x13. Then, he died.]]
* DisguisedInDrag: When Merlin is dressed as Dolma. It's played for laughs, but Colin Morgan's performance is actually quite convincing.
* DisneyDeath: Throughout the series, it has appeared that Merlin has actually died a few times from various different things (from weapons, poisoning, etc). However, after he appears to be dead, he wakes up alive fairly soon afterwards. [[spoiler: Turns out that the reason for this is because Merlin is immortal and therefore, cannot die.]]
* DistractedByTheSexy: Happens frequently with Merlin: [[MeetCute every time he first meets a woman]], he's momentarily dumbfounded by their beauty. However, when things get serious, he plays the [[NotDistractedByTheSexy reverse trope]]. In [[{{Recap/MerlinS02E09TheLadyOfTheLake}} The Lady of the Lake]], after Freya goes back to her human form for the last time, she's completely naked. The moment Merlin realizes this he takes off his jacket and covers her without even trying to sneak a glance. Happens again in [[{{Recap/MerlinS04E11TheHuntersHeart}} The Hunter's Heart]], when he finds Gwen injured in the forest. She's wearing something that looks like a harem woman outfit, but he's focused on healing her.
* DistressedDude: Sometimes. But most of the time, the one who's always in trouble is Arthur and Merlin has to save him.
* TheDitherer: Merlin has ten years in which to complete one task: groom Arthur into the type of king that will allow magic back into the land, unite the various kingdoms of Albion, and rule over the Golden Age. [[spoiler:He fails for a number of reasons, some external, but largely because of his own inability to act and ''force'' Arthur to confront the important issues at hand. If, for example, Merlin had been upfront about his magical abilities at a much earlier stage, the course of his and Arthur's lives would have gone much differently]].
* DitzyGenius: Merlin is a servant who has trouble cleaning his own room, let alone Arthur's, manages to trip over nearly anything you put in front of him, is a horrible liar (about the little things), gets things thrown at him all the time by the prince, doesn't respect royalty and gets put in the stocks all the time, can barely hold his liquor, rarely varies between the social extremes of over-affectionate and sarcastically aggressive, has a weird penchant for awkward situations... and also happens to be the most powerful, badass warlock the world has ever known.
* DoomMagnet: Pain and tragedy follow Merlin everywhere he goes. He never seems to catch a break and he never gets a chance to be happy.
* DorkKnight: Merlin is clearly heroic but at the same time, he's rather dorky and socially awkward.
* TheDogWasTheMastermind: Played with considering that the entire audience already ''knows'' Merlin's true power, but InUniverse, the likes of Arthur and Morgana will inevitably be gobsmacked when TheReveal finally happens.
* DragonRider: For relatively practical reasons.
* DramaticIrony: The Knight's protectiveness of Merlin, when you consider that (not counting Mordred's magic, although Merlin would probably win anyway) Merlin can kick their asses to kingdom come without even trying hard.
** The most powerful sorcerer who is destined to bring magic back serves the anti-magical faction.
* TheDreaded: As of Series 4, Morgana is frequently haunted by terrifying nightmares of "Emrys", standing over her, seemingly all-powerful and berating her for all the death she's caused.
* TheDrifter: Merlin appears to be this at the very end of the series finale as Emrys.
* DudeWheresMyRespect: Merlin is a powerful warlock who has saved Camelot more than once and saved Arthur more times than we can count, but since magic is banned on pain of death, he has to keep it a secret. He's Arthur's manservant, and the two share a very [[VitriolicBestBuds vitriolic]] [[WithFriendsLikeThese friendship]], so he gets plenty of humiliating tasks on a regular basis. Though it's usually PlayedForLaughs, it can be surprisingly poignant at times.
** Over time, Arthur does come to respect Merlin's opinion and occasionally admits what a good friend Merlin has been. Doesn't stop them from being VitriolicBestBuds, though.
* DudeWheresMyReward: Merlin has this hard, and there isn't really anything he can do about it since magic is a crime punishable by death. He has secretly saved Camelot itself from total destruction multiple times over the course of the show. He saves Arthur's life OnceAnEpisode, often several times an episode, and aside from the exceptions that can be counted on one hand, either someone else gets the credit or Arthur never realizes his life was in danger in the first place. He's even saved Uther a couple of times, even though the guy's the reason why he has to keep his magic a secret.
* TheDulcineaEffect: In ''The Lady Of The Lake''. Merlin merely glimpses Freya and instantly decides he must risk everything to save her, though the fact she's being persecuted for magic use might have something to do with it.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: E - H]]
* EasingIntoTheAdventure: Merlin was sent to Camelot to live with Gauis before knowing his destiny and his true purpose.
%%* EccentricMentor: Merlin appears this way as Emrys. In original Arthurian legend, Merlin is often depicted as this towards Myth/KingArthur.
* ElderlyImmortal: By the series finale and in the present day, Merlin is an old man who is centuries and centuries old. Although, it is uncertain if that is just a disguise that Merlin has used so that he wouldn't be recognized.
** Merlin is '''Type C.'''
* EverythingButTheGirl: Even though Merlin continued to get more and more powerful with the series progression, love and romance was something that Merlin didn't have much luck with. He had found happiness when he met and fell deeply in love with [[FirstLove Freya]] but sadly, she tragically dies. Ever since then, Merlin has never fallen for another girl again.
* EvilCostumeSwitch: When Merlin traded in his usual red or blue shirt for a purple shirt in 4x06, you simply knew that Merlin wasn't himself. Which was the case considering that Merlin was [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashed and controlled]] by Morgana to kill Arthur at any cost.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange: He has a different hairstyle starting Series 3. This is also the series where he begins acting as Arthur's advisor.
* {{Expy}}: Merlin is influenced by or modelled off of the character of Clark Kent aka Superman from ''Series/{{Smallville}}''
* EyeColorChange: Merlin's eyes turn brownish-gold when he uses magic.
* FamedInStory: The legend of Merlin, the wizard, is widely well-known. His destiny has been foretold since the dawn of Time. He is known amongst the dragons, seers, Druids, the magical peoples and other magical creatures. However they know him by the name of Emrys instead, similar to how Arthur is known as the Once and Future King.
* TheFatalist: In fact, it was probably Merlin's ultimate downfall in the end. Merlin would often take the concept of fate and destiny much too seriously. Merlin became very narrow sighted and had tunnel vision in regards to the subject of destiny. To the point where he ended up creating various (and much unnecessary) SelfFulfillingProphecy's throughout the course of the series.
* FatalFlaw: His almost pathological habit of keeping Arthur (and everyone else except for Gaius and the Dragon) in the dark about what is ''really'' going on, even if it doesn't necessarily involve revealing his magic.
* FeetOfClay: Out of universe example: Merlin is repeatedly referred to as [[TheArchmage the most powerful sorcerer ever]] and frequently shows his [[MundaneUtility skill with housework]], but as soon as he is faced with an injury, a troll, other magical creature, a sticky hiding-in-the-cupboard situation, or heaven forbid one of those other witches/wizards who are obviously infinitely less powerful than he, such as Nimueh, Edwin, Cedric/Cornelius Sigan, then he immediately either forgets his 'amazing abilities' or finds himself completely outdone.
** More a case of UnskilledButStrong. Merlin possesses a great deal of raw, instinctive power, but lacks training, enabling his [[WeakButSkilled less powerful but experienced opponents]] to gain the upper hand. Best demonstrated when fighting Nimueh: Merlin tries an incantation, and she laughs it off and sticks a fireball in his chest. Then Merlin gets [[BerserkButton ripshit pissed]] and [[spoiler: blows her into Ludicrous Gibs through sheer willpower]].
* FightsLikeANormal: Has extraordinary abilities and powers and could easily mop the floor with anyone who goes against him, but he chooses to appear weak and an incapable fighter in order to conceal identity and his abilities.
* {{Flanderization}}:
** Merlin used to be quite good at hiding his magical abilities by rationalizing (or completely avoiding) the odd situations he often found himself in because of them. Nowadays not an episode will go by that doesn't have Merlin getting caught in compromising positions ([[HoYay usually with a dose of subtext]]), and having to explain himself with increasingly bizarre excuses. By this stage, Arthur thinks that he's an alcoholic weak-bladdered cross-dresser who prowls around the castle at night, is obsessed with pest infestations, and has serious mental problems.
** The sheer number of hours and variety of tasks he puts in as Arthur's servant. In the earlier seasons, it was a RunningJoke that Arthur constantly threw endless chores at him, but he also had time to apprentice with Gaius as a physician and study magic, plus often took breakfast and dinner with Gaius. By the later seasons, in part because Arthur as King really is relying on him for more and more, Merlin seems to spend every waking minute with him, attending his training ''and'' council meetings, serving all his meals, and somehow still getting his other tasks done. By Series 3, Gaius apparently doesn't even give it a second thought when Merlin doesn't cone home at night, and just assumes he's with Arthur. It even becomes a RunningJoke that Merlin never gets days off.
* {{Foil}}
** To Arthur. Merlin is the poor but optimistic and self-assured dark-haired servant. Arthur is a blond, rich noble of RoyalBlood with a serious inferiority complex. Merlin is a warlock who possesses powerful magical abilities as his weapons, while Arthur is a regular human who doesn't have powers and uses swords to defend himself. Merlin helps Arthur become more heroic and idealistic, but he himself gets more cynical and morally compromised.
** To Morgana later on in the series. Merlin is the warlock to Morgana's witch. They both have had to keep their identities a secret from everyone and hide who they really are in the land of Camelot for if their true identities were ever revealed, they would have both faced execution. Both are prophesied to bring magic back to the land. But the way they want to go about bringing back magic are completely opposite. Kilgarrah has said that Morgana is the dark to Merlin's light; the hatred to Merlin's love. While Merlin is poor and comes from a commoner background, Morgana is a noble and comes from RoyalBlood.
** To Mordred. Both are warlocks who possess magical abilities. Both Merlin and Mordred are from poor or a commoner background. Both have a bond or relationship with Arthur. Both of them have had their love interests (Freya in Merlin's case and Kara in Mordred's case) slain by Arthur's hand. Both Merlin and Mordred want to live in a land where the magical people are free. Merlin is born with magic and is a very powerful sorcerer, while Mordred is a Druid. While Merlin had UndyingLoyalty for Arthur, Mordred chose to have a FaceHeelTurn and side with Morgana. While Merlin protects Arthur with his life, Mordred is the cause of Arthur's ultimate downfall.
* ForGreatJustice: Merlin's primary reason for wanting to fulfill his destiny (so that he could help Arthur lead Albion into a Golden Age where the magical people are free).
* TheForceIsStrongWithThisOne: Comes with being the most powerful sorcerer to ever exist. Other magical people can sense how powerful Merlin is.
* ForegoneConclusion: It was pretty much predicted that Merlin would become the most powerful sorcerer and wizard to ever walk the Earth. Also, Merlin becomes Arthur's most trusted advisor.
** Merlin was also the one to hint the idea that Arthur and Guinevere will eventually fall in love and that commoners will become Knights of Camelot.
* ForgotAboutHisPowers: Merlin decides that POISONING Arthur is necessary to fake his death, when there have to be a million other ways to do it. Arthur gets bonus points for going along with it.
** After the first few episodes, Merlin also completely forgets his original innate power of stopping time and telekinesis with nothing but a glare. As soon as he starts learning some spells that don't even have a fraction of this power, he only uses spells which could have him executed if anyone listens to his muttering.
** Lampshaded in ''The Darkest Hour'', when Merlin uses a spell to light the fire while the other knights are gathered around. Lancelot, the only knight who knows about his magic, glares at him. As we saw in series 2, Merlin can light a fire just by moving his hand and there is no need to risk the knights overhearing him.
* FreudianTrio:
** In the trio of himself, Arthur, and Gwen, Merlin is TheSpock[=/=]Superego (calm, secretive, has made at least one SadisticChoice in which he sacrificed a dear friend in order to save a greater number of people) to Arthur's TheMcCoy[=/=]Id (arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, driven by his emotions, usually puts the individual before the bigger picture) and Gwen's TheKirk[=/=]Ego (TheHeart, motherly, adored by both men as a LoveInterest/[[LikeBrotherAndSister Sister Figure]].
** In the team of three consisting of himself (Magic), Arthur (Courage), and Gwaine (Strength), Merlin is TheKirk[=/=]Ego (balanced, neutral, the mediator between the opposing personalities of Arthur and Gwaine, friends with both Arthur and Gwaine) to Arthur's TheSpock[=/=]Superego (stoic, serious, strategic, noble, courageous) and Gwaine's TheMcCoy[=/=]Id (fun-loving, roguish, carefree, rebellious, daredevil).
** Merlin could be seen the Ego mediating between the magical power represented by the wise Gaius (Superego) and the human world of the impulsive Arthur (Id).
* FriendOrIdolDecision: Merlin must chose between Freya and Arthur. He actually chooses Freya, but [[YouCantFightFate destiny]] puts a stop to this.
* FriendshipMoment: Many times with Arthur throughout the series. Also with Gwen, Gwaine and Lancelot.
* FutureBadass: According to the Dragons and the Druids, the arrival of '''Emrys''' has long been prophecised.
* GeekPhysiques: The skinny or slender type. It is especially noticeable in the first few seasons. Merlin does buff up later on in the series.
* GeniusSlob: Although Merlin is hygienic in the sense that he bathes and takes care of his personal hygiene, his room is an absolute mess. It is probably understandable why Merlin isn't particularly tidy and neat because Merlin is too busy either cleaning for or doing chores for Arthur and Gauis, saving and protecting Arthur and using his magic to protect Camelot at all times. Arthur tells Merlin in a season one episode when he looks searches his room that there are closets which are meant to be used to put all of his clothes in. Even Arthur acknowledges how untidy Merlin is and calls him out on it.
* TheGift: Merlin is born with magic and is basically [[MadeOfMagic magic itself]]. Unlike regular magic users who must learn and master magic to become stronger, Merlin didn't need to learn magic at all. He is destined to be the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth. Merlin is also a [[TheSmartGuy a genius]] and [[MagneticHero highly admired by magic users and the Druids]].
* GivingTheSwordToANoob: Merlin doesn't have much experience in sword fighting. However, in 3x13, Merlin retrieved Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake (Freya) in order to defeat Morgana's immortal army. Kilgarrah had told Merlin that in the wrong hands, the sword was capable of doing great evil. But at that particular and crucial moment in time, the sword was used by Merlin to defeat the enemy (Morgana's immortal army), even though the sword is meant for Arthur.
* GoalInLife: To reinstate magic in the kingdom and to protect Arthur long enough for him to fulfill his destiny (and by proxy, protect Arthur's family members, particularly his father and his wife).
* GoThroughMe: So much, in regards to Arthur and everyone else that he cares about. Merlin even says that if someone wants to kill Arthur, they would have to kill him first.
* TheGoodChancellor: Bonus points for qualifying without even having rank.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: Merlin wears red and blue, which are both Hero colours. If he's not wearing those colours, you'll know something is wrong with him.
* GoodIsNotSoft: He's one of the sweetest characters on the show, but that compassion does not always extend to his enemies. To put it flatly, go near his friends, and you will die. If you threaten him, he won't worry about killing you, either. He befriends nearly everyone he meets and bonds tightly with them, and is putting his life on the line just by being in Camelot because he believes that when Arthur becomes the Once and Future King, magic will return to Albion peacefully. Yet when the time comes to kill the monster, he will. No regrets, no hesitation, just "You threatened my friends. Bye." followed by instant death. Best demonstrated in the series 4 finale, when he is cornered, unarmed, and there's no way out except to use his magic. He tries to talk them down, even though he knows it's futile, but fails. When they finally close in, he flicks his eyes and kills five guards without hesitation.
* GreatBigBookOfEverything: Merlin receives a book of magic from Gaius in the first episode, and he learns almost everything he needs about spells or magical matters from it.
* GreyAndGrayMorality: The boy wizard is definitely a good guy. But he supports a KnightTemplar king (Uther) who would execute him if he knew the truth, often against [[DesignatedVillain designated villains]] with a legitimate grievance, and Merlin often makes some [[WhatTheHellHero questionable choices]] to balance his nature against his support of the king. Why? It's just BecauseDestinySaysSo ("destiny" in this case being a dragon with a fairly major and deserved grudge against Uther himself).
* GuileHero: After a few close calls, he matures into this from a reckless teenager who thinks magic can solve everything. He increasingly relies on his wit and manipulation, and magic is simply a tool for his plan.
* HalfHumanHybrid: Merlin is the son of a human mother (Hunith) and a Dragonlord father (Balinor). Technically, he is a creature of the Old Religion.
* HateAtFirstSight: When Merlin first met Arthur, he admitted that he couldn't stand him. However, this has changed, as Merlin and Arthur have [[HeterosexualLifePartners become very close and attached with one another]] as the series progresses.
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: After years of making SadisticChoice after SadisticChoice under the tutelage of morally questionable mentors like Gaius and the Great Dragon, Kilgarrah and also suffering endless heartbreak, grief and tragedy, he becomes noticeably similar to Morgana (and by extension Uther) in the ease with which he jumps straight to highly questionable actions and finds justifications for them.He is also both directly and indirectly responsible for both Mordred and Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn and turning against Arthur and the rest of Camelot. He also contributes to the continuing oppression of magic users, the very thing he fights to end.
* HealingMagicIsTheHardest: Seems to be the case for Merlin. He could not heal Arthur in 3x05, and has difficulty with healing spell again in 5x07.
* TheHeart: Merlin is the centrepiece and the emotional aspect of the series. He brings everyone together and the story is from his point of view. Therefore, most of the audience tends to sympathize with him the most. He shares this role with Gwen.
* HeartbrokenBadass: Merlin has suffered so much heartbreak, loss, grief, tragedy and pain that it is a surprise that Merlin hasn't completely broken down.
* TheHero: Merlin is practically the only thing that stands between Arthur and the many manners of death, and he protects Camelot by extension.
* HeroicBastard: Ironically, he might not have been been a bastard at all had it not been for Uther's interference, and his father is unaware he exists until the Series 2 finale. All the better to contrast with Morgana, who becomes a BastardBastard after her FaceHeelTurn, and Mordred, who isn't one at all in this version.
* HeroicBSOD: Many times throughout the series, but particularly after [[spoiler: Arthur's death in the series finale.]] In fact, Merlin basically loses it.
** The entire final season is arguably one long HeroicBSOD for Merlin, after he experiences a vision of Mordred killing Arthur that he [[YouCantFightFate becomes obsessed with averting]]. This seems to be a major reason for his JadeColoredGlasses, HeroicFatigue, GreyAndGrayMorality, and generally more ruthless and sullen personality throughout the season.
* HeroicFatigue: Initially an optimistic boy who happily uses his magic for anyone who needs help, Merlin nurses quite a resentment and bitterness after years of cleaning up after Arthur, hiding his magic and making SadisticChoice while receiving disrespect in return.
* HeroicLineage: Merlin discovers that his long-lost father, Balinor is a Dragon Lord.
* HeroicResolve: If any of his loved ones are threatened, he will find the strength to keep going and defeat his enemy no matter how powerful for cunning his enemy is. Best seen in 1x13, 2x07, and 4x03.
* HeroicSacrifice: Too many throughout the series to count, and almost for every single character on the show, but primarily for Arthur.
* HeroicSelfDeprecation: Doesn't think that much of himself for a guy who saves the kingdom on a regular basis.
* HeroicSpirit: Merlin has it more than anybody.
* HerosFirstRescue: In the Pilot episode, when Merlin saves Arthur by pushing him out of the way when Marry attempts to kill Arthur by throwing a dagger at him. As a reward, King Uther makes Merlin Arthur's personal manservant.
* TheHerosJourney: Merlin's main purpose in the series.
* HesBack: At the end of "Diamond of the Day Part 1", when he regains his powers once more.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Arthur, in a VitriolicBestBuds way.
* HiddenBadass: Merlin doesn't physically look intimidating, but he can kick anyone's ass, including the much bigger guys.
* HiddenDepths: Merlin may look like a naive and clumsy servant boy but he's actually a very powerful warlock. He's also probably the most well informed person in the cast given his position.
* HiddenInPlainSight: He's the savior of the magical race, living in the most anti-magic place he could be in as an innocuous servant.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: If Merlin had just ignored the visions, namely in ''Crystal Cave'', he wouldn't have fallen into the SelfFulfillingProphecy loop.
* HomoeroticSubtext: Merlin has this with almost every single male character that he has interacted with, especially with Arthur.
* HonestAdvisor: To Arthur, though subverted in that he seldom tells Arthur the full extent of the deal, especially when magic is involved.
* HonorBeforeReason: Believes in doing the right thing, regardless if it is foolish or dangerous. However, it remarkably ''[[SubvertedTrope doesn't]]'' prevent him from [[IDidWhatIHadToDo making morally questionable choices that he himself hates]], such as poisoning a scared and helpless Morgana or leaving a young Mordred to his death.
* HopeBringer: Merlin is this to everyone around him, but especially to Arthur. On the cosmic scale, he embodies the promise that magic will return and Albion will enter a golden age.
* HowDoIShotWeb: Even though Merlin was born with magic and had never been taught magic, he still needed guidance on how to use his magical abilities effectively. This is what Gaius' main role was in regards to Merlin.
* HumbleHero: He is a highly powerful warlock who has dragons at his command, yet is content to be Arthur's servant.
* HypercompetentSidekick: Merlin is always saving Arthur, much to Arthur's unawareness.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: I - M]]
* IGaveMyWord: Merlin in his second WhatTheHellHero moment of 2x12 when [[spoiler: he frees the Great Dragon (Kilgarrah), who then proceeds to attack Camelot.]]
* IHaveManyNames: Emrys, among others, according to Mordred and the Great Dragon. Somewhat [[InvertedTrope inverted]] as Merlin himself is unaware of most of them.
** He has also given himself a name for his SecretIdentity as an old man: "Dragoon".
* IJustWantToBeFree: Played straight. Merlin's main goal in life is to be free to be who he is, which is a person who practices magic within Camelot without being persecuted or executed.
* IJustWantToBeNormal: In the pilot, Merlin is worried that he's a monster because of his magic. He plays with this again in 2x09 when the situation with Freya gives him a reason to quit the destiny business and get out of Camelot.
* IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight: Merlin tries this on Morgana in 3x02. It doesn't work.
* IKnowYourTrueName: Many Druids and Creatures of the Old Religion refer to Merlin by his true name of "Emrys". This doesn't give them any power over him, though.

** He's a servant while Arthur is the Prince, and later the King, of Camelot.
** This extends to the Knights of the Round Table and eventually Gwen when she becomes Queen.
* IOweYouMyLife: Why Merlin tries so hard to help Lancelot become a knight.
* IShouldHaveBeenBetter: In the series finale, [[spoiler: Merlin tells Kilgarrah that he feels that he failed in his destiny because Arthur died. Kilgarrah reassures Merlin that he didn't fail and that he did the best that he could. Although, it could be assumed that these were just kind parting words Kilgarrah was telling to Merlin as a way of making Merlin feel better about Arthur dying.]]
* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: To Freya. Her happiness is part of the reason he was willing to give up his grand destiny and ran away from Camelot with her.
** Platonically, he has also done many risky things for Arthur.
* IconicOutfit: Merlin's infamous red or blue neckerchiefs, as well as his boots and the hat he wore in ''The Poisoned Chalice''.
* TheIdealist: Especially in the first season. Merlin becomes much [[CharacterDevelopment more of a realist and more pragmatic with a good dose of cynicism as the series progresses.]]
* IDidWhatIHadToDo: Merlin poisons Morgana -- who was unaware that she was the vessel of the Knights of Medhir -- because [[IDidWhatIHadToDo he did what he had to do]] in order to save Camelot, but at the price of killing his friend and someone he cared about. Many fans, while praising the acting of Colin and Katie, did not agree with Merlin's actions.
** It's actually lampshaded in a hilarious [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Ik_sSRo58&feature=related commentary in 2x12]] between Colin and Katie discussing Merlin's eventual decision to kill Morgana, with Colin trying to defend himself.
---->'''Katie [=McGrath=]:''' You do everything to not kill anyone else. The Dragon says kill [Morgana], and you're like "all right."\\
'''Colin Morgan:''' No, I kill loads of people. I kill at least one person an episode.
* IdiotBall: Merlin kick-starts an episode's plot by conjuring the smoke of a campfire into the image of a galloping horse. A woman sees it, tells King Uther, and a witch-hunt begins. Merlin spends the remainder of the episode lamenting just how stupid he was.
** And in another when Morgana has gone to see the Druids for advice, Uther thinks she has been kidnapped and so Merlin has the [[SarcasmMode bright idea]] to cause a big commotion escaping the locked up city (as opposed to trying to sneak out quietly) and for no reason at all lights a fire in the middle of the forest thus leading the knights right on his tail to where the Druids are hiding.
* IdiotSavant: Appears this to others, especially Arthur.
* IgnoredEpiphany: ''The Crystal Cave'' seems to be one long lesson to him about the dangers of blindly trusting destiny, and how it can easily turn into a SelfFulfillingProphecy. If he had remembered this in Season 5, [[spoiler:Mordred wouldn't have turned and he'd have gotten exactly what he wanted: a magical Camelot with Arthur as its king.]]
* ImmortalHero: Merlin can never die because he is an immortal.
* InelegantBlubbering: Colin Morgan doesn't do {{Single Tear}}s. When he's crying, he's crying.
** In ''A Lesson In Vengeance'', Merlin nearly breaks down because it appears that his spell has failed to heal Arthur. Partially done to contrast with [[spoiler: Gwen, who was brainwashed the episode before and has spent the entire episode crying Crocodile Tears to get everyone to follow her.]]
** Merlin [[spoiler: revealing his magic to Arthur]] in the series finale almost doesn't come to pass since Merlin is crying so much.
* InformedAttribute: Merlin is described as weak and scrawny. Maybe in the first and second series that was true, but the actor has since filled out and it barely applies. Loose clothing seems to shake this somewhat, but whenever you see Colin Morgan out of costume it's blatant that he's just as big as some of the other knights that are described as muscular.
* InformedFlaw: Merlin is widely regarded as a barely-competent servant, and even seems to see himself that way. But many scenes open on Merlin doing his servant tasks perfectly well before getting interrupted, and he seems to mostly start messing up when he gets distracted trying to save Arthur or the entire realm. Given there are some big time-jumps between episodes, it's reasonable to assume that Merlin is a perfectly capable servant most of the time, who, from Arthur or others' points of view, probably just goes to pieces in a dangerous situation.
* InnocentBlueEyes: In the first few series. Changes into IcyBlueEyes when he becomes more cold and ruthless towards those he considers enemies.
* InSeriesNickname: Kilgarrah, the Great Dragon, often calls Merlin ''Young Warlock''.
* InstantExpert: At casting certain spells. Some can be slightly more difficult though. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] because he is, well, Merlin.
* InsultOfEndearment: Frequently refers to Arthur as either a "Clotpole" or a "Dollophead", although there are other insulting nicknames that Merlin likes to throw at Arthur. Of course, Arthur is never amused by any of it.
* InternalizedCategorism: Merlin has a mild case of this. Merlin is a powerful warlock and a wizard who is a genius. But he conceals and hides his identity out of fear of being shunned, ostracized, seen as a freak or abnormal and most of all, out of fear of being either banished from Camelot or executed. It doesn't make Merlin feel any better about himself and who he is when Merlin is constantly told or reminded on a daily basis by both Arthur and Uther that magic is evil. Plus, Merlin has also seen that many magic users abuse their powers and use their powers as a force for evil (such as Morgana, Morgause, Edwin, and Mordred for example). It is no wonder that Merlin is sometimes ashamed to have magic considering that many magic users have a rather bad reputation, especially within the land of Camelot.
* InterspeciesFriendship: With Arthur and Gwen primarily. Merlin is a powerful warlock and dragonlord (a supernatural species) with magical abilities and Arthur and Gwen are both regular humans.
* InTheBlood: Merlin's dragonlord powers and abilities, which are described to be a sacred gift, [[LineageComesFromTheFather have been passed down from father to son]] for thousands of years. Balinor, Merlin's father, was a dragonlord. After Balinor died, Merlin inherited the dragon lord powers. Merlin is currently the [[LastOfHisKind last dragon lord in existence]].
* InvincibleHero: There is literally ''nothing'' he can't do. Merlin was born with the gift of magic and has even been described as being magic itself. as the series continues, Merlin has shown that he only continues to get stronger and stronger and by the fourth and fifth series, his power is immense. Not to mention that not only his his power as a warlock one of the greatest and most powerful ever, but he is also highly intelligent and will often use his intelligence to outwit and out gambit the enemy along with using his magic to protect Camelot. By the series finale, Merlin is the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth.
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: Merlin has to keep his abilities a secret within a land that condemns magic and views magic as evil. At times, Merlin feels like an outsider and an alien.
* ItsAllMyFault: Sometimes Merlin blames himself for things that aren't even his fault. For example, Merlin blamed himself for Uther's death, even though he was only trying to save Uther.
* ItsForABook: Merlin uses a variation of this, ("it's for homework") in ''Lancelot'', to excuse his unlikely interest in the library.
* ItsPersonal: Merlin is a fairly calm person, generally speaking, but if you dare to threaten someone he cares about, he will hurt you.
* JadeColoredGlasses: He has become noticeably pragmatic and jaded during the course of the series. By season 5, he has advised Arthur to abandon the quest to rescue the captured knights and to shoot a defenseless man. It's played for laughs but he is completely unenthusiastic to investigate the scream of a woman in 5x03, a remarkable change from a young man who is [[ChronicHeroSyndrome eager to help]] in the beginning.
-->'''Gaius:''' What happened to the young boy who came into my chambers just a few years ago?\\
'''Merlin:''' He grew up, and learnt the meaning of duty.
* JumpedAtTheCall: In the Pilot, he despaired that his magical power made him a monster. The Dragon gave him a purpose and he committed to it after some initial misgivings about Arthur Pendragon.
* JustEatGilligan: Merlin's steadfast refusal to tell anyone about the fact that he has magic has caused more problems than it's solved. In particular, his treatment of Morgana led at least partially to her FaceHeelTurn. Particularly as she likewise discovers she has magic in the second series. Her neck is on the line just as much as his, as it doesn't seem like that Uther would have been merciful.
* {{Keet}}: Especially in the beginning. Merlin was very optimistic, fun loving, bubbly, cheery, impulsive and enthusiastic with high energy. This often contributed to Merlin getting easily distracted as well as his endless BuffySpeak and MotorMouth. Averted later on in the series. Merlin becomes much more [[CharacterDevelopment mature]], [[JadeColoredGlasses cynical]] and [[PragmaticHero pragmatic]] as the series progresses.
* KidAppealCharacter: Although the character of Merlin has a strong adult following due to the Arthurian legends, Merlin in this version strongly appeals to the much younger demographic just as much as the adult demographic. Part of the reason for Merlin appealing to the younger audience is because in this version, [[AdaptationalAttractiveness Merlin is much more youthful, attractive, and lovable]] in comparison to the Merlin of the original legend.
* TheKlutz: Merlin's clumsiness is a defining characteristic.
* KnightKnaveAndSquire: Merlin is The Squire to Arthur's The Knight and Gwaine's The Knave. They are also known as the trio of Magic (Merlin), Courage (Arthur) and Strength (Gwaine).
* LanguageOfMagic: Merlin seems to use Old English for this purpose. This is weird, given that Old English would have been the language of the Saxon invaders that King Arthur fought against. Chalk it up to TranslationConvention.
** The one exception is when he's in Dragon Lord mode. It's Homeric Greek then.
* LargeHam: When he's in his "Dragoon" disguise.
* LastOfHisKind: Merlin's father is revealed to be the Last of the Dragon-Lords, Magi who possessed the ability to command and bend Dragons to their will. Upon his father's death, Merlin inherited the gift and the responsibility of being the Last Dragon-Lord.
* LetsGetDangerous: Merlin's default state, even to those who knew he had magic, was a clumsy, silly moron who was just as likely to screw things up as make them right. But threaten his friends, and you won't last five seconds. He also became more mature, edgier, serious and much more wiser as the series progressed.
* LetThemDieHappy: In 2x09, Merlin takes Freya to a place that reminds her of her home.
* LethalJokeCharacter: In-Universe. Out of any number of elite knights, it's Merlin who ends up getting dragged along whenever Arthur goes on a solitary mission. Arthur seemingly does this because Merlin makes him laugh and provides moral support. He's completely unaware that Merlin is the only reason he survives these missions.
* LikeASonToMe: To Gaius, and Merlin considers him to be "more than a father" to him.
* LikeAnOldMarriedCouple: With Arthur, especially when they're bickering over Merlin's domestic tasks.
* LikeBrotherAndSister: With Gwen.
* LimitedWardrobe: Merlin has only one red shirt, one blue shirt, two neck scarves and a brown jacket that he wears through all five seasons. [[FridgeBrilliance This may be deliberate.]] Merlin is a servant, and probably doesn't have a lot of money.
* LinearWarriorsQuadraticWizards: Merlin has gone from no magical training at all (the only thing he can do is telekinesis), to causing earthquakes, summoning gods, commanding freakin' '''dragons''' to do whatever he wants, and in the finale, [[spoiler: he beats the entire Saxon army, a dragon, and a HighPriestess almost casually with lots and lots of lightning.]] As Merlin started to get more experienced though, he was more proactive in fights and took out way more guys than Arthur. By seasons four and five he was the main powerhouse of the group, and in season five finale curbstomps an entire army, Morgana who's the closest in power to him, and a dragon all at once. Arthur gets one level-up (Excalibur), and that's it. And even at the start of the show before his development, it's clear Merlin would beat Arthur in a fight if the gloves were off.
* LivingEmotionalCrutch: Believe it or not, to Arthur. It has been shown that without Merlin, Arthur would be very vulnerable emotionally and physically. Although Arthur may not realize it, he strongly depends on Merlin for many things.
** Arthur is also this to Merlin by the later seasons, when Merlin is increasingly wearing JadeColoredGlasses and becoming more and more ruthless. His affection for Arthur and the purpose he derives from serving him seem like the only things keeping Merlin going most of the time, and Arthur's continuing idealism and heroism prevent Merlin from JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope.
** Gaius to Merlin throughout the series. Gaius is a ParentalSubstitute and mentor to Merlin, and the only person around for the entirety of the series who knows of Merlin's powers and all he does for Arthur and Camelot. Thus, Gaius is usually the only person who can provide comfort and reassurance to Merlin when things get difficult.
* LonelyAtTheTop: Merlin eventually becomes the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth. But he ends up completely alone in the end due to everyone that he loves and knows dying. Heartbreaking.
* LongLostRelative: Merlin is this to Balinor, his birth father. Merlin first met Balinor in the season two finale. [[spoiler: Sadly, Balinor ends up dying.]]
* LoveAtFirstSight: With Freya. Sadly, it ended in tragedy [[spoiler: when Freya ended up dying.]].
* LoveHurts: His relationship with Freya, TheGwenStacy.
* LoveMartyr: Even though Arthur doesn't always treat him nicely and almost never acknowledges his worth in a straightforward manner (especially jarring when compared to how Arthur treats the knights and Guinevere), Merlin still cares about Arthur and is always there for him no matter what.
* LoyalToThePosition: Played straight in regards to Arthur. Merlin has told Arthur that he is glad to be his servant till the day he dies. In the series finale, Merlin flat out tells a dying Arthur that he was born to serve Arthur, that he is proud of that and he wouldn't change anything.
* LukeYouAreMyFather: Merlin meets his long-lost father, Balinor, for the first time in the season two finale. Balinor had no idea he had a son. [[spoiler: Sadly, he ends up dying in the episode.]]
* MadeOfIron: Merlin been sliced open by a mace, taken fireballs to the chest, poisoned, and been hit by freezing spirits that killed everyone else.
** [[spoiler: Turns out that Merlin is indeed an immortal being according to the series finale and therefore can't die]].
* MadeOfMagic: According to Balinor, Merlin is magic himself.
* MagicalGesture: Sometimes Merlin uses his hands when using his magic.
* MagicalIncantation: When Merlin casts spells.
* MagicKnight: By Series 3, Merlin seems to use sword and sorcery equally well together to take down his enemies. It's likely he picked up fighting techniques purely in self-defense from a combination of always being attacked and Arthur's insistence upon using Merlin as a sparring partner (or practice dummy).
* MagicStaff: Merlin has two staffs, a Sidhe staff he's used on a couple occasions, and a staff from the Crystal Cave in the series finale. Both are capable of channeling lightning (or at least something that looks like it) and utilizing it as a weapon.
* TheMagicComesBack: Merlin's ultimate goal for Camelot.
* MagicIsAMonsterMagnet: Because of who Merlin is, who is a powerful sorcerer, he ends up attracting endless and different magical creatures who pose as threats to him and to Camelot. This is the price that comes along with Merlin's identity. He is known to good and bad magical monsters, creatures and beings alike.
%%* MagicIsMental
* MagneticHero: Merlin is definitely this. He befriends nearly everyone he meets and others always seek Merlin out for help or advice.
* TheMagnificent: Merlin disguised as Old!Merlin calls himself "Dragoon, THE Great!"
* TheManBehindTheMan: Merlin is this to Arthur, so much it's practically a CentralTheme. Arthur's going to rule all of Albion, the greatest kingdom that ever was or ever will be? Yep. He's the ChosenOne? Yep, so much that he has a ChosenOne chosen to protect him. Merlin, on the other hand, is partially responsible for Morgana and Mordred's eventual FaceHeelTurn via SelfFulfillingProphecy, got Arthur and Gwen together, made friends with Lancelot and Gwaine and ignited the idea of commoners being knights, put the sword in the stone, put the lady in the lake, convinced the dragon to forge Excalibur, and is responsible for a lot of Arthur's CharacterDevelopment into the Once and Future King he was supposed to be in the first place.
* MarriedToTheJob: More like married to "destiny".
* MartyrWithoutACause: Merlin is constantly willing to trade his life in order to save others. He often offers himself up to be sacrificed without hesitation, especially if it is someone that he loves and cares about (examples include Arthur, Gaius, his mother, etc).
* TheMasquerade: "Keep the magic secret".
* TheMasqueradeWillKillYourDatingLife: The reason why Merlin doesn't get romantically involved with anyone is because he has to keep his magic a secret both to survive and to achieve what he's destined for. Also, everyone who knows about his secret and whom he can depends emotionally on (sans Gaius and the Great Dragon) [[DeathBySecretIdentity inevitably dies]].
* MeaningfulName: The name Merlin means '''"sea fortress"''' or '''"of the sea fortress"''' in Welsh.
** The name that Merlin bestows upon the baby dragon, Aithusa, turns out to mean 'Light of the Sun' in dragon-speech.
** '''Emrys:''' Means [[spoiler: [[{{Immortality}} 'Immortal']].]]
* TheMedic: Not as experienced as Gaius, but he knows the basics and has learned a lot from him. Mordred even comments on how much of a skilled physician Merlin is in the fifth season.
* MeetCute: It's played with. Whenever Merlin meets a pretty girl, he shows interest, evident with his encounters of Gwen, Morgana, Nimueh, Lady Catrina, Sefa, and Freya.
* MessianicArchetype: Merlin is destined to become the greatest and most powerful warlock or sorcererto ever live on Earth. His role is to guide Arthur to a Golden Age where the magical people are free. His destiny has been foretold since the dawn of Time and he is known to the likes of Druids, dragons, seers, the magical peoples and other magical creatures and beings. [[MotiveDecay YMMV on how much he fulfills this role]].
* MerlinSickness: Averted. Merlin doesn't have it in this version.
* MirrorCharacter: To Morgana, obvious considering she is traditionally his ShadowArchetype.
** Best shown in 5x02 when Arthur calls Morgana out on [[BecameTheirOwnAntithesis being virtually unrecognisable anymore]], and in 5x05 when Gaius notes that Merlin has gotten a much [[TookALevelInJerkass darker]] personality from the innocent boy he first met, both respond to the criticism with;
---> '''Merlin / Morgana''': [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids I grew up]].
** Agravaine says this almost word by word to him as they both have a DarkSecret to hide from Arthur.
* MoralityPet: He brings out the best in the Dragon, although only so far.
* MoreExpendableThanYou: In the Series 1 finale, this happens twice, first with Merlin declaring that Arthur's life is worth a hundred of his own and then - when it becomes clear that the deal was for a life, not necessarily Merlin's, and his mother becomes dangerously ill - Gaius sacrifices himself in Merlin's place. [[DisneyDeath It doesn't last,]] as Merlin realizes that killing the witch who cast spell in the first place also worked and [[HoistByHisOwnPetard used her as the sacrifice.]]
** Happens again in the fourth series premiere. They need to sacrifice someone to heal the veil between the worlds, and Arthur thinks it should be him. Merlin wants to take his place, since, as a servant, his life is more expendable. When the time comes to sacrifice someone, Merlin knocks Arthur out, and offers himself to the gatekeeper of the spirit world. As they're talking, [[spoiler: Lancelot sneaks behind him and walks through, providing the necessary sacrifice.]]
* MotiveDecay: Merlin begins the show by wanting to protect Arthur so that one day he can accept magic and make it legal. By the end of the show, Merlin has explicitly redefined his destiny as simply serving Arthur.
* MotorMouth: At times. Sometimes when Merlin gets talking, he just can't stop. Hence Arthur's catchphrase of "Shut up, Merlin."
* MrFanservice: Downplayed. He was the first male character in the show to get a ShirtlessScene.
* MusclesAreMeaningless: Merlin is a skinny, lanky and even scrawny built guy but he could ''easily'' kick anyone's ass, including Arthur and the Knights of Camelot, who are all much broader, muscular and huskier built than he. Merlin may not be very buff and muscular but he is still by far the most powerful character in the series due to being the most powerful sorcerer ever.
** Although Merlin does buff up later on in the series. It is especially noticeable in season five.
* MuggingTheMonster: All the freaking time. If you want to survive in the world of Merlin, please do not attack the scrawny guy on the ground who has clearly never had a day of combat training in his life. Odds are that a spear will fly out of nowhere and stab you.
** In the Series 4 finale, Arthur, Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde are trying to escape from Agravaine in a series of tunnels. Merlin doubles back, intending to lead them away, but gets cornered. He tries to convince them to leave him alone, but Agravaine decides to kill him anyway. Left with no other choice, Merlin uses his magic to defend himself, and kills all but one of the men in an instant with a flick of his eyes. The surviving man dies less than two minutes later, again by Merlin.
** This actually happens to Merlin a lot, as in this version of the legend he's a peasant teenager who often goes unarmed. By Series 5, he's grown so tired of this that when a group of bandits tries to mug him and his companion, he just tells them to back off and sends their leader flying when they don't comply. Give them credit, though, they're smart enough to get out of there once they realize who they're up against.
* MundaneUtility: Merlin often uses his magic to do household chores, to the great distress of his mentor figure (magic is illegal in Camelot, and anyone caught using or even knowing magic is put to death).
* MyCountryRightOrWrong: Substitute "country" for "kingdom" and "future king."
** MyMasterRightOrWrong: Averted. Merlin often has to protect Arthur from ''[[HonourBeforeReason himself]]''.
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Plenty of times throughout the series, but especially after Merlin tries to save Uther with magic and Uther ends up dying instead.
* MyGreatestFailure: Merlin takes the biggest risk of his life in order to [[spoiler: save Uther with magic and convince Arthur that magic can be benign. However, Morgana and Agravaine's actions prevent his spell from working and Uther dies, seemingly hardening Arthur's heart against magic forever.]]
** Also, [[spoiler: not being able to save Arthur from dying]] in the end.
* MysteriousProtector: {{Inverted}} with Merlin's alter-ego Dragoon. Though he's trying to save Gwen's life, his plan involves him making everyone believe that he's their enemy.

[[folder:N - S]]
* NaiveNewcomer: In the beginning, when Merlin leaves his childhood in Ealdor for Camelot. He's inexperienced in court life and constantly finds himself in troubles.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: In a meta sense, "Merlin" is synonymous with "insanely powerful magic".
* NeverAcceptedInHisHometown: Merlin confesses to Arthur that he never really felt as though he belonged in Ealdor.
* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: Although since he's unsure of even his own powers, its justified that he can get away with this. An example is Merlin's mind's eye. Kind of justified in that he learned about it from a very obscure source and so couldn't use it before this episode, but it still fits the trope. Time will tell if this is brought up again.
* NiceGuy: He will not be unnecessarily mean unless provoked first and is a bad case of ChronicHeroSyndrome especially in the beginning. However, his kindness isn't extended to whom he considers enemies.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero:
** 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 [[spoiler:Morgana's FaceHeelTurn from the side of good to the side of evil.]]
** In 3x5, "The Crystal Cave", he Morgana has a fall, ends up in a coma and his slowly dying from internal injuries. Merlin and Gaius know she's turned evil by this point, but the other characters don't. Merlin can't stand the grieving of his friends and orders Kilgharah for a spell to save. The Dragon point blanks tell him that whatever evil Morgana from this point on will be his fault.
** 4x03 [[spoiler: 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''.]]
** 5x05 [[spoiler: When the Disir told Arthur they'll save Mordred if he bring back magic, Merlin told him magic has no place in Camelot hoping to ScrewDestiny. Result: the Disir heal Mordred as a punishment so he will, in time, play his part in Arthur's death. Merlin's mistake basically condemns Arthur to ''die'']].
** [[spoiler: And the '''biggest on the whole series''', hatching Aithusa from his egg. Not only does Aithusa saves Morgana from dying, thus giving her more chances to threaten Camelot, but later Morgana uses his fire to create the sword that Mordred used to injure Arthur. Since it was a magical blade blessed with dragon fire, Gaius was unable to heal the wound and Arthur died.]]
* TheNicknamer: Merlin has nicknames for Arthur which include "Dollophead", "Prat", "Cabbage-Head", "Turnip-Head", "Simpleton", "Clotpole".
* NobleMaleRoguishMale: Merlin could be seen as the Roguish Male to Arthur's Noble. While Merlin is all about doing the right thing, he is more willing to use underhanded means, while Arthur is more upstanding, chivalrous and noble.
* NoBadassToHisValet: Merlin is almost completely immune to Arthur's royal demands and complaining, largely due to the fact that Arthur cannot intimidate him. He's also totally willing to knock the royal prat down a notch or twenty whenever he becomes too unbearable, punishment be damned.
** It helps that, while Arthur is a BadassNormal and MasterSwordsman, Merlin could still kill him without lifting a finger. Arthur may not be aware of this, but Merlin definitely is.
--->'''Arthur:''' "I could take you apart with one blow."\\
'''Merlin:''' "I could take you apart with less than that."
* NoHeroToHisValet: As Arthur's manservant, Merlin sees him at his worst - and most vulnerable.
* NonActionGuy: Only in the very beginning. Especially when he goes up against Arthur in the Pilot.
* NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished: Merlin may use his magic to save Camelot on a daily basis, which is a good deed on Merlin's behalf. However, if it were ever discovered that Merlin uses his magic to do good deeds for Camelot and its inhabitants, Merlin would be punished by law, either by being banished or executed (burned at the stake, hanged, beheaded, etc). Hence, why Merlin keeps his magic a secret despite using his magic to do good. Basically for Merlin, saving Camelot and protecting its inhabitants with his magic is punishable by law.
* NoJustNoReaction: This was Merlin's reaction when the Great Dragon told him that his (Merlin's) destiny is tied to Arthur.
* NoRespectGuy: Despite being the show's most competent hero, and regularly saving people's (especially Arthur's) life, he's still treated like the resident ButtMonkey. Justified, because no one knows Merlin's secret except Gaius and Lancelot, and to everyone else he's just Arthur's servant.
* NoSympathy: Although Merlin is a highly empathetic person to generally everyone, he doesn't always extend compassion to his enemies.
* NotHimself: In 4x06, when he was being controlled by Morgana to kill Arthur at any cost.
* TheNotLoveInterest: Merlin to Arthur. However, many fangirls [[HoYay may disagree...]]
* NotQuiteTheRightThing: Merlin decision to poison Morgana. He was exhausted, out of options, and had been told to do so by the dragon, but the act has far-reaching consequences.
* NotWhatItLooksLike: Merlin frequently gets walked in on in various compromising-looking situations, usually by Arthur or Gwen. Not only does he have to explain that it's not what it looks like, he usually can't even tell the truth and so has to come up with another (comedically improbable) excuse. While they usually don't believe him, they trust him enough to give him the benefit of the doubt.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Often happened unintentionally in Series 1. Nowadays, he actively exploits it.
* ObliviousToLove: Merlin was completely oblivious to Gwen having a crush on him.
* OccultDetective: Often with Gaius.
** Some fans would say also Merlin and Gwen, who have teamed up on more than one occasion to investigate the fantastical mysteries in Camelot.
* OddCouple: With Arthur of course.
* OddFriendship: With Arthur of course. They have different backgrounds, personalities and outlooks, yet they are extremely close and attached to one another. This is because ultimately, Merlin and Arthur's destinies are intertwined.
** Merlin and the various knights also count, since they generally have very little in common but all seem to like him quite well and are rather protective of him.
* OldMaster: When Merlin is in his Emrys or Dragoon disguise. He may look old, but he can kick anyone's ass easily.
* OlderAndWiser: Played straight. Merlin not only becomes significantly stronger in regards to his magic and his power, but he also gains significant wisdom and intelligence as the series progresses. He also becomes less naive and idealistic and much more serious and pragmatic. Hard to believe that Merlin goes from a naive warlock to someone who is much more pragmatic, powerful and wise.
* OlderThanTheyLook: Although Merlin's age is vague in the series, he has always looked baby-faced and younger than his actual age. It seems as though Merlin hasn't aged all that much in the span of a decade. [[spoiler: This is subverted in the series finale when Merlin is seen as an immortal old man.]]
* OmniscientMoralityLicense: Merlin has been told by The Great Dragon to do some incredibly morally questionable actions, including letting a child (Mordred) die, letting the King (Uther) die, and poisoning a woman (Morgana) for the greater good. There are times when Merlin will listen to the dragon and other times when he rebels and does what he feels is right for him. Either way, it doesn't always end well for Merlin, whether or not he listens to the advice of The Great Dragon. At the end of the day in many situations, Merlin is in a lose-lose situation.
* OneManArmy: As ''Diamond of the Day'' can attest, you do '''NOT''' want to be on the receiving end when Merlin decides to fully unleash his power. In a [[CurbStompBattle matter of minutes]], he single-handedly manages to [[ShockAndAwe obliterate]] most of Morgana's army (the Saxons) and sends the rest scurrying into full retreat. To give some perspective, before the battle, Morgana's army outnumbered Camelot's nearly 5-to-1 and was told to contain ''thousands'' of men. Oh, and he finishes it off with taking down Morgana, who is the closest next to him in power, with one shot AND also commanding Aithusa to leave Camelot and never return using his dragonlord powers.
* OnlyFriend: To Arthur. Arthur has even admitted that Merlin is the only true friend that he has, despite being surrounded by many others. Also to Gwaine. Gwaine admits so himself in 3x08.
* TheOnlyOne: Merlin is the last Dragonlord. It is revealed when Merlin's dad dies that there can be only one and the power passes from one individual to another father-to-son upon death. Therefore, when the Great Dragon was attacking Camelot and was going to destroy it, Merlin was the only one who could stop the dragon with the use of his dragon lord power.
* OnlyOneName: Although Merlin has many names or aliases, Merlin's surname or last name is never mentioned and remains unknown. It's either Merlin or Emrys.
* OnlySaneMan: To Arthur and his knights, who're obsessed with [[HonorBeforeReason the Knight Code]]. Merlin never hesitates to point out the holes and impracticality in their course of action.
* OnlyTheChosenMayWield: Merlin magically embeds ''Excalibur'' in a stone, to keep it safe until Arthur is meant to wield it. In a subversion of the norm, Merlin's magic isn't emphathic in any sense: the sword is impossible to remove by hand, and Merlin simply tricks Arthur into thinking he is the only person able to do it. Merlin loosens the blade with magic once Arthur is in the right mindset.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: When walking back to Camelot in 3x05, Merlin is either quiet or laconic, lies rather well, and when Arthur compliments him, he ignores him. Arthur is immediately suspicious, but doesn't investigate. Reappears in 5x05 when Arthur comments that Merlin doesn't rise to his jibs and it means something is wrong.
** Both Arthur and Gaius seem to understand that if Merlin has gone unusually quiet or deferential, it means he's probably very upset about something. Unfortunately, in the case of Arthur, Merlin often can't tell him [[SecretIdentity what's really bothering him]].
* OohMeAccentsSlipping: On occasion. Colin Morgan gets better at hiding his accent as time goes on.
* OpenMouthInsertFoot: Merlin often has a habit of saying what's on his mind, even if it sounds stupid or foolish. Hence, the catchphrase: "Shut up, Merlin".
* OppositesAttract: Merlin and his relationship with Arthur, with Arthur being a rich and emotionally repressed blond, and the latter being a poor but easy-going brunet. As the series goes on, however, it becomes Arthur being the idealistic king backed by Merlin's [[IDidWhatIHadToDo pragmatic]] and secretive sorcerer
* OvershadowedByAwesome: Mentioned frequently, in that Merlin ''knows'' he's the most powerful person in any given situation, but will always be considered a lowly servant in amongst all the kings, princes and knights.
* PapaWolf: A non-parental example, but he is ''fiercely'' protective of Arthur, Gaius and Gwen.
* PaperThinDisguise: By the later seasons, becomes increasingly careless and obvious about using magic in front of Arthur, and uses thinner and thinner excuses to explain it away. This seems to be an aspect of his HeroicFatigue and getting tired of hiding it. Arthur still manages to [[MasterOfDelusion never catch on]].
* ParentalAbandonment: Didn't know his father or where he was [[spoiler: until 2x13, then he died afterwards.]]
* PermaShave: Merlin seems to be lacking in the facial hair department. He is always smooth-faced.
* PerpetualPoverty: PlayedWith in the show. Merlin is sometimes implied to be quite poor, since he works as a servant, doesn't seem to own many clothes or possessions, and at one point Arthur even comments that he knows Merlin "doesn't have any money." On the other hand, Merlin has basically no living expenses due to living with Gaius (apart from possibly chipping in for food), apparently has enough income to ''allegedly'' spend a lot of time at the tavern, has access to a horse due to working at court, and Arthur presumably pays their way whenever they travel. On top of that, historically a prince's or king's personal attendant was actually a fairly prominent serving position that would be relatively well-paid. So whether or not Merlin himself is poor, most of his material needs are looked after by Arthur or Gaius and he never seems to have to go without.
* PersonOfMassDestruction: He's the most powerful warlock or sorcerer to ever live on Earth who can take out armies and cause disasters like earthquakes.
* PlayAlongPrisoner: Camelot's cells have no defense against magic, which means that whenever he's in there, he can leave whenever he wants.
* PleaseDontLeaveMe: [[spoiler: As Arthur is dying in the series finale, Merlin tells Arthur to stay with him.]]
* PluckyComicRelief: Much of humour of the series comes from Merlin's antics. Especially as his older alter ego, Dragoon The Great.
* PoisonAndCureGambit: In 2x12, Merlin turns Morgana's poisoning into this when Morgause bursts into the room, offering to tell her the poison if she removes the spell over Camelot.
* PoisonIsEvil: Inverted, as it is first the heroic Merlin who uses it for morally-dubious means (killing Morgana in order to break a fatal spell upon Camelot).
* ThePollyanna: For all the tragedies in his life, he remains optimistic that one day Arthur will end the oppression on magic and leads Albion to the golden age as the prophecy promises. He's also most of the time (and at times inappropriately) cheerful and upbeat. When he stops joking around, even Arthur knows that something is wrong.
* PoorCommunicationKills: [[spoiler:Had he just told Morgana about his magical powers early on, the course of the story would have gone completely different.]]
* PowerIncontinence: Notably averted. All other magic users have their powers go out of their control, but Merlin was using magic on purpose since before he could talk.
* PowerMakesYourVoiceDeep: When he's speaking the dragon tongue, his voice is notably deeper.
* ThePowerOfFriendship: Merlin's undying loyalty to Arthur stems from his very close friendship with him.
* PragmaticHero: Merlin poisons the innocent Morgana to save the good future he works for. Gaius encourages him on this way, and they both end up talking about how hard making difficult choices can be, but how it becomes necessary.
* PreAssKickingOneLiner: He can pull them off on occassion.
--> '''Merlin''':You should not have killed my friend. *cue lightning*
* PrimaryColorChampion: Merlin usually wears the colours Red and Blue (TheHero colours) together.
* ProfessionalButtKisser: As Arthur's servant, he's ''supposed'' to be this.
** SarcasticDevotee: What he ''actually'' is to Arthur.
* ThePromise: Merlin made a promise to Kilgarrah that he would free him one day.
** Also that he would ensure that he would find a place to keep ''Excalibur'' in a safe, hiding place. Merlin put the sword in a stone.
* PropheciesAreAlwaysRight: At least Merlin used to believe so. At times, Merlin took the subject of destiny and fate much too seriously. One could argue that it ended up being his downfall.
* TheProtagonist: The story centres on Merlin, his heroic journey and his relationships with other characters.
* ProtagonistCenteredMorality: Merlin is AudienceSurrogate and TheHero of the series who saves the kingdom of Camelot, however, his endless body count and the amount of people (although they are enemies) he has killed over the course of the series cannot be overlooked. In fact, the amount of people Merlin has killed in order to save and protect Arthur and Camelot is rather morally questionable. Understandable but again, very morally questionable. Although, Merlin's body count could be seen as IDidWhatIHadToDo.
* ProtagonistTitle: The series is named after him.
* {{Protectorate}}: Of Camelot, the knights, but especially Arthur and Gwen. His protection also extends to anyone with magical abilities, such as Mordred and Freya.
* PubertySuperpower: Averted. Merlin could use his magic 'before he could talk'.
* PuppyDogEyes: Merlin's eyes are large, blue and twinkling. His eyes make him all the more adorable, even if you want to yell at him for his choices and decisions sometimes.
* TheQuest: In 3x08, Arthur goes on a Quest to get the [[GoldenFleece Golden Trident]] and prove himself worthy of the throne. Subverted as it turns out Merlin was the one really on the Quest and the Fisher King gives him [[AllThatGlitters water]] from the Lake of Avalon. Arthur still gets the Trident and Merlin, Arthur and Gwaine are named Magic/Courage/Strength as a Trio by Grettir, the watcher of the bridge.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: What makes Merlin appear so ethereal and unusually beautiful.
* RealityIsUnrealistic: Sometimes actually tells people the truth about what he's up to, knowing they'll assume he's making it up. In one episode he announced to a roomful of people that he was a sorcerer after Gwen had been accused of witchcraft, but everyone assumed he was lying to protect her. Or, in a particularly funny example, when a possessed Merlin announces flat-out to Sir Leon that he's about to kill Arthur, Leon assumes Merlin's just annoyed with him.
* ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: In the DistantFinale, he's clearly lived through the centuries.
** RedBaron: 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 also describes what Merlin is, namely an immortal magical being.
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Merlin gets to tell [[spoiler: Uther's ghost]] a piece of his mind in 5x03. Earlier, under the Dragoon guise, he says some scathing things to both Uther and Arthur, calling Uther a "tyrant" and Arthur a spoiled, arrogant brat who treats his servants like crap and has the face of a toad.
* RedIsHeroic: Merlin is often seen wearing the colour red. Often combined with blue.
* RedOniBlueOni: Merlin is the Blue to Arthur's Red.
* RefugeInAudacity: Probably the only reason Merlin keeps his job is because of this.
* RefusalOfTheCall: Merlin refused to accept his destiny when the Great Dragon had told him that his destiny was tied to Arthur Pendragon, someone whom he immediately disliked. It didn't take.
* TheReliableOne: Merlin is the one whom others can always depend on, especially at a time of need.
* TheResenter: Towards Morgana and Mordred, for good reason in both cases.
* ResurrectiveImmortality: Merlin is still alive in the present day. He's taken fireballs to the chest, swords, and huge slash wounds, and yet has gotten up again. It was confirmed in a DistantFinale that he really is immortal (his name, ''Emrys'' means "immortal") like his mythological roots.
%%* RitualMagic
* TheRival: Merlin became a bit of this to Mordred in the later seasons.
* RobeAndWizardHat: In the third episode of the first season, Merlin — who has mostly averted this trope by wearing typical clothes — sarcastically argues that he should wear a pointy hat to convince Arthur that he's a wizard.
-->'''Merlin:''' He thinks he is so sharp. Even when I told him I was a wizard, he still couldn't see it.\\
'''Gaius:''' Sometimes it's pretty hard to spot.\\
'''Merlin:''' Maybe I should go around wearing a pointy hat?\\
'''Gaius:''' I don't think you'll find one big enough.
* SadClown: Sometimes Merlin will use wit and humour to hide how he is really feeling, especially if he feels overwhelmed in any way.
* SadisticChoice: When Merlin claimed the the wine from a visiting king was poisoned, Uther calmly gave the cup to Merlin to drink. If it was poisoned, Merlin would die. If it wasn't poisoned, Merlin would be given to the infuriated visiting king to do whatever he wishes to Merlin.
** Towards the end of series two, Merlin is given the choice of either allowing Camelot to be destroyed by some freaky enchantment placed on Morgana or personally trying to kill her. '''Ouch'''.
** ''The Disir'' is about him making a choice between [[spoiler: a chance to lift the oppression on magic and preventing the death of Arthur. He chooses Arthur. It backfires spectacularly.]]
* SamaritanSyndrome: Merlin will always go out of his way to help others.
* SarcasticConfession: In "The Darkest Hour", Merlin tells Arthur "You have no idea how many times I've saved your life". Arthur's response is that when he's king, Merlin can be his court jester.
** BrainwashedAndCrazy Merlin in "A Servant of Two Masters":
-->'''Sir Leon:''' (about a fancy crossbow) Will that do the job?\\
'''Merlin:''' Oh, yes. That will do the job nicely.\\
'''Sir Leon:''' Er, what is the job, exactly?\\
'''Merlin:''' To kill Arthur.\\
'''Sir Leon:''' He's driving you mad, is he?\\
'''Merlin:''' Not for much longer.
** Also in 5x11, Merlin telling the knights he's the best tracker out of all of them. Given his magical GPS, this is completely true, but they take it as a joke
* SaveTheVillain:
** Has saved the BigBad Morgana on a few occasions, despite the fact that she is his arch-enemy. [[spoiler: In the series finale, Merlin does end up finally killing her though]].
** Has also saved Uther.
* SayMyName: "Emrys!" [[spoiler: In the finale, Merlin just zaps Morgana unconscious and continues owning the Saxons.]]
** Merlin's whole Arthur! [[AccidentalInnuendo Go]] [[HoYay faster!]] thing kind of has its own merits...
** And the way Merlin pronounces Freya is quite lovely.
* ScarfOfAsskicking: After 4 seasons of uncontested scarf-badassery, Merlin finally meets his match when Mordred reappears with an even bigger, more awesome scarf.
* ScarilyCompetentTracker: Merlin has magical GPS, which allows him to track, see and map out paths and directions ahead of him.
* ScrewDestiny: He wants to prevent the whole 'Mordred killing Arthur' thing. [[spoiler: He fails.]]
* ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight: Merlin's decision to forge Lancelot's credentials in order to bypass the First Code of Camelot.
** Using magic in Camelot definitely counts.
* SecretKeeper: He's the only one who knows about Lancelot's feelings for Gwen. He also grudgingly keeps quiet about [[spoiler: Mordred's magic]].
** He's also one of the first ones, along with Gaius, to discover that Morgana has magic.
* SelfFulfillingProphecy: His actions against [[spoiler: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. Series 5 is all about [[spoiler: how his efforts to prevent Arthur's prophesied death backfire on him.]]
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: Merlin is the Sensitive Guy to Arthur's Manly Man.
** Also Merlin and Gwaine with Merlin as the Sensitive Guy to Gwaine's Manly Man.
* ServileSnarker: His default mode towards Arthur.
* ShellShockedVeteran: [[spoiler: Merlin becomes this in the series finale. He walks the Earth a lonely, cynical and miserable immortal old man, spending centuries and centuries waiting for Arthur to return. The fate of Merlin is really tragic when one looks at it.]]
* ShipperOnDeck: He ships Arthur/Gwen, probably more than they do themselves.
* ShipTease: He has some small moments with Gwen, who kisses him in the fourth episode, during series 1 along with some other moments with Morgana. However, [[SingleTargetSexuality the only woman]] he's ever expressed any serious romantic interest in was Freya.
* ShockAndAwe: [[spoiler: He rains lightning down upon Morgana's army during the Battle of Camlann, which forces them into full retreat]].
* ShootTheDog: Merlin is forced to poison Morgana, who he has been lying to about her magic and hiding his own from, because she is the vessel for a curse that has caused all of Camelot to fall into a sleep they cannot awaken from. Admittedly, his hand was forced by Kilgharrah the dragon and Morgause only made things worse, but up until that point, he had viewed Morgana as a great friend and there was even a little bit of romance between them. He also betrayed the location of a Druid camp that he'd led Morgana to in hopes that she would learn more about her magic because Uther was hunting down innocent people and killing them to find her. This also kickstarted Mordred's hatred of Merlin.
* ShootTheShaggyDog: [[spoiler:He fails in his mission to bring about a golden age with Arthur. He gets one with Gwen, but...ouch.]]
%%* {{Sidekick}}: Arthur sees Merlin as this to him.
* SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids: When Merlin refuses to save Mordred's life because he's destined to kill Arthur, Gaius asks what happened to the young boy who first arrived in his chambers. Merlin replies, "He grew up. [[IDidWhatIHadToDo And learnt the meaning of duty.]]"
%%* SimplemindedWisdom: Arthur credits him with this.
* SingleTargetSexuality: The closest he's come to having a relationship other than Freya was some very mild flirting with Sefa over five years since her last appearance. Even in the finale, when [[spoiler: her arm grabs Excalibur]], he has a brief LongingLook.
* SixthRanger: Merlin can be seen as this to Arthur and the Knights at the Round Table (Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, Leon). He's a servant who tags along to take care of duties like cooking or preparing camp, though in fact he also protects them with magic in secret.
* SkywardScream: In series 1 finale when he thinks Gaius is dead. A big one in the GrandFinale when [[spoiler: Arthur is dying]].
* TheSmartGuy: He's definitely this (especially when compared to Arthur), as he is one of the most perceptive and well-informed characters.
* SmartBall: In 5x09, Merlin tells Arthur that Gwen is enchanted, and manages to prove it to him. This is an incredibly rare thing by this show's standards. In fact, the last four episodes are pretty much an abridged version of season 3, except with competence instead of idiocy.
* SmarterThanYouLook: Arthur frequently says this about Merlin as a way of giving him a backhanded compliment regarding Merlin's intelligence and wisdom.
* TheSnarkKnight: Under the burden of his destiny and the questionable choices he makes, snarking is Merlin's way of coping.
* SnarkToSnarkCombat: Often with Arthur.
* TheSneakyGuy: On missions and battles, Merlin is sneaky in regards to using his magic to outwit his enemies during combat with Arthur and the Knights.
* TheSoCalledCoward: According to Arthur.
* SociallyAwkwardHero: Not afraid to be brave, heroic and courageous when it comes to saving the day, but can be incredibly awkward and clumsy in everyday life.
* SoHappyTogether: With Freya. Sadly, it doesn't last.
* SpeaksFluentAnimal: Merlin can communicate with dragons and wyverns in dragon language or dragon tongue.
* SquishyWizard: Goes from this to MagicKnight as the show goes on.
* StarCrossedLovers: With Freya. [[spoiler: It ended in tragedy in 2x09 when Freya died.]]
* StatusQuoIsGod: Merlin is forced to go back on his vow not to speak to the dragon again; Merlin gets a girlfriend and vows to run away with her, but by the end of the episode she's dead, and he gets over it within less than a week.
** The status quo of no-one knowing about Merlin's powers was kept right up until the end: [[spoiler: Morgana didn't find out until the end of the antepenultimate episode and Arthur and Gwen didn't find out until the last episode, during which Merlin and Gwen never meet anyway.]]
* StepfordSmiler: Sometimes. In 2x08, he manages a genuine smile while fighting back tears.
-->'''Arthur:''' It has become clear to me that those who practice magic are evil and dangerous. And that is thanks to you.\\
'''Merlin:''' Glad I could help.
* StepfordSnarker: Uses sarcasm to hide how he's feeling sometimes.
* StockPunishment: A lot in series one. It was used as a RunningGag in [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/MerlinS01E07TheGatesOfAvalon "The Gates Of Avalon" (S01, E07)]].
* StoryBreakerPower: Take a shot for every problem that Merlin could have solved [[BanOnMagic if magic wasn't punishable by death]] and he wasn't [[HowDoIShotWeb restricted by his lack of training]].
** He does get his full power and training in the GrandFinale [[spoiler:and owns the entire Saxon Army at Camlann]].
* StrangerInAFamiliarLand: In regards to his hometown of Ealdor. [[spoiler:In the series finale, it seems as though Merlin is a drifter who doesn't call Camelot home anymore and only passes through Camelot to see if Arthur has risen again]].
* TheStrategist: Merlin can be very strategic and calculating when he wants to be.
* StrongerWithAge: Merlin was born with magic, but as he got older, he became increasingly more powerful. [[spoiler:By the end of the series, Merlin is the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth]].
* StoryBreakerPower: Despite being the main character, Merlin's sheer power and skill means that he can solve whatever problems that haunt Arthur and the others with ease. As such, he is repeatedly left unable to assist to his full capacity because having him around to constantly help out would save the day far too easily.
* SupernaturalGoldEyes: When using magic.
* SuperpowerfulGenetics: Merlin inherited the special Dragon Lord powers from his father Balinor, who was also a Dragon Lord.
* SuperpowerLottery: Comes with being the most powerful warlock ever. Pretty much the only thing he can't do within the limits of human sorcery is to predict the future without aid such as the crystal like Morgana.
* SupportingProtagonist: Sort of played with. Merlin is often seen as TheProtagonist of the series as it is Merlin's story, and he really does seem to be TheChosenOne. But once you step back and look at what he's been chosen for... His entire purpose in life, his reason for existing at all in the threads of destiny is to protect Arthur. Arthur's destiny is to be the greatest king Albion has ever known. Who's the ChosenOne now? By the start of series 5, Arthur is Myth/KingArthur, with a CoolSword (Excalibur), HotConsort ([[TheHighQueen Guinevere]]) and BadassCrew (The Knights of Camelot) seated at the Round Table. Merlin is still a servant, much to the fandom's dismay.
* SuperMode: The eventual result of Merlin reaching his full potential.
* SwordAndSorcerer:
** Merlin is the Sorcerer to Arthur's Sword, although throughout the series, Arthur doesn't know it or realize it. [[spoiler:Not until the series finale]].
** Better fit is Merlin and Lancelot with Merlin as the Sorcerer and Lancelot as the Sword. Lancelot is [[SecretKeeper knows about Merlin's magic]], whereas Arthur is completely in the dark about it for the entire series [[spoiler:until the series finale]].
* SympathyForTheDevil: In the beginning of season three, Merlin tells Gaius that when he thinks of Morgana, who has done a FaceHeelTurn, all he feels is sadness. This attitude changes quickly when she begins targeting Arthur, Gwen, Uther, and the rest of Camelot in later episodes.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: T - Z]]
* TakeAThirdOption: Often when Merlin is faced with a tough decision, he will want to try this approach as much as he can. Unfortunately for Merlin, when he does attempt to do so, the problem ends up becoming worse. Basically when it comes to making tough choices and decisions, it's often a lose-lose situation for Merlin, hence why he tends to make repeated {{Sadistic Choice}}s.
* TakeMeInstead: Merlin spends most of 1x13 offering his life in exchange for Arthur's after Arthur suffered a mortal...bite from the Questing Beast. In the same episode, we have Merlin trying to offer himself for his mother, Gaius doing so instead to protect Merlin, Merlin offering himself in exchange for Gaius, and ultimately the price paid is the life of the big bad of that season. BalancingDeathsBooks indeed.
* TakingTheBullet: In Season 4 he yanks Arthur backwards so that he ends up facing the deadly Dorocha instead of him. Merlin nearly dies from this, but is luckily [[ImmuneToBullets healed by magical spirits]] BecauseDestinySaysSo.
* TallDarkAndSnarky: Merlin is one of the most sarcastic characters on the show.
* TearfulSmile: Sometimes Merlin smiles when he cries, whether they be tears of sadness or tears of joy.
* TechnicalPacifist: He prefers to just knock people out rather than kill them. If he has to kill them though, he will.
* ThatCameOutWrong: Merlin has a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time quite frequently. Most of it is because of Merlin's case of MotorMouth.
* TheoryTunnelvision: His attitude towards Mordred in season 5. He is hellbent on believing that Mordred will cause Arthur's death, even if there are reasons to give the guy the benefits of the doubt as Gaius points out.
** He was told that he was destined to protect Arthur and that Arthur would eventually bring back magic, and he repeatedly and solely sticks to that particular prophecy, disregarding any other method and even turning down other opportunities to repeal the magic ban.
* ThinkNothingOfIt: Merlin saves Camelot on a daily basis, yet he never sought any glory, power, status or credit. Arthur tells Merlin this in the series finale in a rather admirable tone. Merlin responds to Arthur by saying that he doesn't save people and Camelot for credit or glory.
* ThrowTheDogABone: Merlin may have permanently turned Arthur against magic. But in 4x04, he's actually continued the race of dragons, and, according to the Great Dragon, the birth of a white dragon (whom he named ''Aithusa'') is an omen of good fortune.
* ToBeLawfulOrGood: Merlin has faced many of these types of situations in the series. The most notable one is in season two when Merlin had to stop Morgana and Morgause from completely destroying Camelot. He had to resort to going against his personal feelings and morals and doing what he felt was right for the greater good of Camelot, which was poisoning Morgana.
* TokenSuper: Merlin was the only one of Arthur's allies to possess magic. Technically Morgana always had magic, but [[DoesNotKnowHisOwnStrength didn't know it until much later]], [[spoiler:by which she had [[FaceHeelTurn betrayed Arthur]]]]. While Gaius performed magic in the past, but had given up these habits and only used it as a last resort. So overall Merlin is still the only one who actively uses magic to help Arthur.
* TookALevelInBadass: Merlin goes from moving things with his mind and no magical training at all to earning the title of "most powerful sorcerer ever" throughout the series. Morgana is the only one who poses any threat to him, and he takes her down with one shot in the Grand Finale. Oh, and remember how he got stuck in the crystal cave and missed Camlann in the original legends? In this version, he not only [[spoiler: shows up to Camlann, but he curbstomps the entire Saxon army by making it rain lightning on the enemy troops. Too late for Arthur, unfortunately.]]
* TookALevelInJerkass: Fitting his MirrorCharacter to Morgana. Her StartOfDarkness coincides with him becoming more wily and ruthless.
* TragicBromance: With [[spoiler: Arthur.]] Merlin watches his [[spoiler: best friend die in his arms]] and there is nothing that he can do to stop it.
** Also with [[spoiler: Lancelot.]]
** And [[spoiler: Gwaine.]]
** And let's not forget [[spoiler: his childhood friend, Will.]]
* TragicHero: Let's see, he loses everyone he loves, everyone that he loves and knows has died, has to keep his abilities a secret from the outside world and he spends the rest of his immortal life walking the earth lonely, waiting for Arthur to rise again. Tragic is an understatement to describe Merlin's ultimate fate.
* TranquilFury: If Merlin is yelling at you, trying to hit you, or insulting you, you're completely safe. If Merlin has no expression on his face at all and you've just pushed his BerserkButton, ask for five minutes to set your affairs in order and then submit quietly to your doom.
* TraumaCongaLine: Everything bad happens to Merlin. [[spoiler: In the series finale, Merlin spends centuries and centuries as an immortal alone and miserable. All of his friends and loved ones have died]].
** In Series 2, Arthur regresses to being a JerkAss to him in the beginning after the whole build-up in Series 1, [[spoiler: his mentor Gaius nearly gets burned at the stake due to his moment of carelessness, his first love dies, he has to make a SadisticChoice and poisons Morgana under extreme duress, and he finds and loses his father within the span of ''one day'']].
* TheTrickster: Combined with TricksterMentor at times, when Arthur starts seeking his advice, due to his witty, carefree and joking attitude. This trait comes from [[Myth/ArthurianLegend the source material]]. As the series goes on, he relies less on his magic and more on his wit and manipulation to get things done. Whenever he masquerades as the elderly "Dragoon", he seemingly revels in this role.
* TrueCompanions: With Arthur, Gwen, Gwaine, Lancelot and Morgana before her FaceHeelTurn.
** In 5x12, [[spoiler: It doesn't matter that Arthur doesn't know how Merlin contacted him... the fact that it was Merlin was incentive enough for him to rally his army.]]
* TryingNotToCry: Many times. The most famous one being he holding back his tears when [[spoiler: his father dies to keep their relation from Arthur]].
* {{Tsundere}}: Merlin is '''Type B'''. Primarily towards Arthur.
* UhOhEyes: Whenever Merlin's eyes start to glow gold, you know that he's going to strike you with magic.
* UnderestimatingBadassery: ''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.
** "So? What can a serving boy do?"
* UnderstandingBoyfriend: To Freya. Not every guy can accept that you're a giant winged panther.
* UndyingLoyalty: To Camelot and to his friends and loved ones. Merlin will never turn his back on his friends. [[spoiler: To the point where he's still alive, hanging in there after centuries, just so he can be there when Arthur returns.]]
* UnskilledButStrong: Especially in the earlier seasons. He has trouble enchanting a lance, but get him angry enough and he will blow you to bits with lightning. [[TookALevelInBadass He's since gotten better.]]
* VagueAge: Merlin's age can be roughly worked out from canon info: Merlin was conceived at the end of the Great Purge which was described as having taken place 20 years ago during series one when Arthur is 21. So Merlin must be roughly a year and nine months younger than Arthur.
* VerbalBackspace: When Merlin suggests disguising Uther as a woman...er, a ''servant''.
* VitriolicBestBuds: With Arthur.
* VocalEvolution: Merlin's voice got progressively deeper and huskier as the series progressed.
* WalkingTheEarth: His ultimate fate in the end of the series.
* WeirdnessCensor: No one notices either Merlin mumbling nonsense to himself or his eyes turning gold, even if he's right in front of them.
* WeirdnessMagnet: With all the stuff going on, one has to wonder if it's Merlin as a person or just the whole of Camelot that's attracting it. Lampshaded by Bradley James: "When something is wrong, blame Merlin".
* WellIntentionedExtremist: Over the course of the series, Merlin has been forced to do numerous morally questionable things and has either directly or indirectly killed a ''lot'' of people along the way, simply because his destiny is to protect Arthur.
* WeUsedToBeFriends: With Morgana, who used to be kind-hearted and compassionate before her FaceHeelTurn. When Merlin asks her this question in series 3, she replies that she hasn't forgiven him for poisoning her.
* WhatTheHellHero: He's been called out by Arthur (5x02), and Gaius (5x05) for his ruthlessness towards Mordred. Mordred himself confronts him in 5x09
-->'''Mordred:''' Everything I do, you think of the worst.
* WhoWantsToLiveForever: [[spoiler: In the series finale, it appears as though Merlin has been living for centuries and centuries due to being immortal. Although, what is heartbreaking about Merlin being an immortal old man is that not only is he a [[{{Hobos}} hobo]] and TheDrifter, but he is completely and utterly alone because every single person that he loves and knows has died. Being immortal is certainly not a blessing for Merlin at the end of it all, especially when he spends his immortal life waiting for Arthur to return. Let's just say by the looks of it, Merlin is one lonely and miserable immortal.]]
* WideEyedIdealist: In the beginning. As the series progresses, Merlin becomes much more [[SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids cynical, darker and edgier]].
* WiseBeyondTheirYears: The Euchdag commends him on this in 5x02.
* WithFriendsLikeThese: Arthur. In response to Arthur's bullying him, he has humiliated Arthur behind his back several times.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatPerks: Merlin uses his magic to do chores, and occasionally humiliate Arthur when he's getting on his nerves.
* WizardBeard: When disguised as Dragoon.
* WizardClassic: Subverted most of the time as he's just a young man, but played straight when he's in disguise as Dragoon, who has a long white beard and robe.
* WorfHadTheFlu: Literately, whenever he is overpowered by another magical user, it is usually this. For example, despite being able to easily nullify Morgause's fire spell, she is able to later on neutralize his magic with her own due to having the element of surprise or preparation over him, such as when she restrained him with cuffs capable of blocking his magic and later on when she caught him off-guard and threw him away when he tried to spill blood in the Cup of Life. When he is freed due to Gaius, he instantly wipes the floor with her. Later on, Morgana is able to come close to beating him because he is in a weakened state being that he was using magic to make himself older and repeatedly temporarily incapacitate him after she's grown stronger due to catching him off-guard.
* WorldsStrongestMan: As the greatest sorcerer to ever walk the earth Merlin possesses godlike magical power surpassing the likes of powerful Sorcerers like Morgause, Nimueh, Mordred, and Morgana with the ability to do anything he wishes and have total mastery over the most difficult of magic.
* WorthLivingFor: Merlin seeks to fulfill his destiny out of the strong belief that one day, he and the rest of the magical people will be free as he and Arthur bring about a Golden Age in Albion.
* WouldHurtAChild: While he never lay a finger on Mordred, he used magic to prevent the kid from escaping some knights who were going to kill him.
* YankTheDogsChain: Something good happened to Merlin? Open up the Tearjerker page, cause he's not going to be happy long. He's reunited with his childhood friend (Will) who knows about and accepts his magical powers? He dies. He falls deeply in love with a pretty Druid girl (Freya)? She dies. At long last, he meets his long lost father (Balinor)? He dies. Arthur begins to think that maybe, just maybe, Uther's wrong and magic isn't inherently evil? Merlin has to lie through his teeth and convince him otherwise in order to stop him from murdering his own father. Lancelot, who is Merlin's close friend, is the only person who knows about Merlin's magic and accepts him but what happens to him? He dies. And Arthur [[spoiler: finally discovering about Merlin's magic, accepting Merlin for who he is as his best friend and companion, finally appreciating and thanking Merlin for all that he had done for him over the years but Arthur ends up dying in the end.]] Pretty much every time something significantly nice happens to Merlin, he gets the rug yanked out from under him.
* YouAreNotAlone: [[spoiler: Merlin never leaves Arthur as he is dying in 5x13.]] He says this almost word-for-word to Arthur in 4x03 when [[spoiler:Uther dies]]
* YouCantFightFate: He's constantly finding this out the hard way, starting from the very first episode in which he rejects the idea of Arthur being his destiny, only to instinctively save his life and thereby become his manservant as a "reward".
** Merlin told Arthur that there should be no place for magic in Camelot due to Merlin secretly not wanting to save Mordred from dying in order to avoid the possibility of Mordred killing Arthur from coming true. However, after Arthur took Merlin's advice to not accept magic, The Triple Goddesses ended up saving Mordred, setting the path for Arthur's downfall.
** The entirety of the last season. In the first episode, [[spoiler: Merlin is shown a vision of Arthur being fatally wounded by Mordred. Try as he might, he ultimately failed in preventing it and actually cemented its coming through his actions.]]
* YouCouldHaveUsedYourPowersForGood: What Merlin basically tells Morgana in season three. It doesn't work unfortunately.
* YouHaveToBelieveMe: His usual line of argument, though no one ever believes it. He never has any proof, because obviously AWizardDidIt, and so it never works. You'd think he'd learn after a few tries. Or alternatively, you'd think the other characters would learn that no matter how insane Merlin's initial claims may seem (or however badly he goes about explaining it), he's always — always — proven to be right by the end of the episode.
** Although this is finally subverted by ''The Dark Tower'', when Merlin is trying to get the Knights to follow him. Arthur, being his usual GenreBlind self, starts to ignore him, but the Knights point out that it can't hurt as they're already lost, and ask Arthur to give him a chance.
* YouMustBeCold: Merlin did this plenty of times with Freya in 2x09, often using his jacket to cover up Freya and keep her warm.
* YoungerAndHipper: In this series Merlin is a young man about the same age as Arthur, not an old man with a beard.
* ZenSurvivor: [[spoiler: Merlin has spent the entire series going through endless loss, pain and tragedy. In the series finale, he ends up an immortal old man who is completely alone with all of his loved ones dying. Merlin refuses to be a mentor to anyone else until Arthur rises again. He ends up spending centuries and centuries waiting for Arthur's return so that he and Arthur will be reunited once more.]]
[[/folder]]

!!Disguises
[[folder:Dragoon the Great]]
!!Dragoon the Great
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/dragoon.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:618:some caption text]]

Using an aging potion, Merlin takes on the form of an old man who uses the identity Dragoon the Great. This form also becomes identified as Emrys by others.

* ArchEnemy: Morgana sees him as this, due to not knowing that he is actually Merlin who is also known as Emrys.
* BeneathTheMask: While somewhat exaggerate, Dragoon basically says what Merlin genuinely thinks as he calls Uther a tyrant and criticises how Arthur treats his servants.
* EvilSorcerer: Portrays himself as this in "Queen of Hearts", being a wizard seeking revenge on Camelot by enchanting Arthur and Guinevere so they will fall in love and bring shame to the court.
* TheTrickster: By turning up the witty remarks and insults, Dragoon is pretty good at tricking and confusing people since they are so surprised by the things he says.
* WizardBeard: He has one so he looks even more like a WizardClassic.
* WizardClassic: He's clearly based on the classic depiction of Merlin, having a white beard and wizard robes.

[[folder:The Dolma]]
!!The Dolma
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/thedolma.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:1000:some caption text]]

Using magic, Merlin took the form of an old woman in order to help Arthur.

* DistaffCounterpart: To his other disguise Dragoon the Great.
* GenderBender: The male Merlin takes the form of a woman.
* GenderBenderFriendship: Arthur isn't aware that the Dolma is Merlin and doesn't consider the sorceress a friend, but hilariously some of the Dolma's interactions with Arthur come across as somewhat flirty.

->''"In sibbe gerest."''

[[folder:Arthur Pendragon]]

!![[Myth/KingArthur Prince (later King) Arthur Pendragon]]
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/arthur-01_5657.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:280:"I want to say... something I've never said to you before... Thank you."]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/BradleyJames

->''"He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure."''
-->-- '''Gaius'''

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

* AbortedDeclarationOfLove: Arthur seems to be on the verge of telling Guinevere that he loves her in the series three finale. However, she interrupts him after he makes the mistake of saying "if I never see you again..." which only compels her to insist that they will meet again.
* ActionHero: Combat is his main way of solving problem. Too bad he's in a series where the most dangerous enemies are manipulative and subtle.
* AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: Arthur has serious DaddyIssues and issues with everyone lying to him and betraying him, including his own best friend, Merlin.
* AdaptationalBackstoryChange: Most versions of the Arthurian Legend have Arthur be conceived through a BedTrick arranged by Merlin, who takes him away shortly after his birth and gives him to be raised by Sir Ector. Arthur is HappilyAdopted and unaware that he's Uther's son until he pulls the sword from the stone as a boy. This version of Arthur was raised by Uther as a prince, with his parents having been married.
* AdaptationalBadass: Arthur in the show series comes off as more badass, strong and tough than his Arthurian legend counterpart.
* AdaptationalDumbass: Even when he's king, Arthur is incapable of dressing himself without Merlin's help.
* AdaptationalHeroism: As with most adaptions, the show makes him far more heroic and selfless if a little spoilt at the start.
* AdaptationalNiceGuy: He might be classist and prejudice at times, but he's far better than his Arthurian Legend counterpart.
* AdaptationalPersonalityChange: Two major changes in his personality are caused by his AdaptationalBackstoryChange in this version. Arthur has grown up as the prince of a magic hating king, and therefore Arthur is pretty spoiled, especially at the start of the series, and has a strong distrust of sorcerers.
* AdaptationalRelationshipOverhaul:
** Merlin has almost always been TheMentor to Arthur and his most trusted advisor. Here he's his manservant and HeterosexualLifePartner with a VitriolicBestBuds dynamic.
** Traditionally Arthur was HappilyAdopted and never knew Uther, while in this version he was raised in Camelot by Uther.
** Guinevere is a servant in this version instead of the daughter of a lord, meaning that there are issues that prevent their romance from happening at first.
** Because he was adopted, he never knew Morgana until they met after he became king. Here they grew up together with neither being aware they were actually siblings until they were adults.
* AdiposeRex: At the end of Series 4, Arthur seems to be getting fat and heading down this path. Thankfully - [[spoiler: or not, due to him dying?]] - it is stopped before it becomes too bad... though it does require an extra hole in his belt for "extra comfort and ease of use".
* AggressiveCategorism: In the beginning Arthur was rather prejudiced, bigoted and judgmental. [[CharacterDevelopment He changed as the series progressed, mostly thanks to Merlin and Gwen]]. However while he becomes more determined to create a more fair and equal society, he never comes to fully accept magic even though he doesn't hate it as much as Uther.
* AerithAndBob: Arthur and Merlin. While Arthur's name sounds rather normal and is considered to be quite common, the name Merlin is somewhat exotic and unique sounding by comparison.
* AlwaysSecondBest: Feels this way about Lancelot. Arthur believes that Lancelot is "the better man" in everything from their skills in combat to how Guinevere feels about them.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Compares himself to Lancelot and believes that he's the better man. And for good reason.
* ARealManIsAKiller: Arthur describes himself as "the ultimate killing machine" and this is in no way an InformedAbility. In fact, it's almost disconcerting to see him kill another man (albeit one who was trying to kill him) without a moment's hesitation in the very second episode of the show.
* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: With Merlin and Morgana, sort of. Arthur may tease and make fun of Merlin constantly and he frequently calls Merlin many different insulting names, but it is very clear that despite all of that, Arthur deeply cares for Merlin and is strongly protective of him. Although, Arthur simply cannot admit how much he values Merlin and his friendship at first. It could be argued that Merlin is a LivingEmotionalCrutch for Arthur as without Merlin, Arthur would not only be dead a thousand times over but would eventually crack emotionally and psychologically without Merlin and his influence and presence. Series 5 really showed how dependent Arthur really is on Merlin for many things.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: When Arthur is crowned King in 4x03.
* BadassNormal: Arthur has no superhuman abilities and is completely human, yet he can still kick major ass and is a very skilled fighter and warrior.
* BadLiar: When he contemplates using [[spoiler: the horn that can resurrect dead people]], it is obvious that he is hiding something. However, he can pull rank on Merlin to end all questions.
* BecauseDestinySaysSo: Arthur is destined to be the greatest king Albion has ever known. He's also destined to unite the five kingdoms back into the great land of Albion, rule as High King with the most powerful warlock ever (Merlin) and free the magical people. He accepts this prophecy and does everything to realize it. [[spoiler:In a ProphecyTwist, he dies before he could achieve ''any'' of those. It's his Queen Guinevere who brings about a golden age]].
* TheBerserker: Arthur seems to be always willing to throw himself into a battle, regardless of the consequences and dangers. Thankfully, he has Merlin watching his back and saving him constantly.
* BigGood: Except for his prejudice against magic and in spite of his Violence, Arthur stands for honour, chivalry, and compassion. His dreams and idealism are what reign Merlin in when the latter is on the verge of [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope jumping off the slippery slope]]. Arthur's also the one Morgana considers her main rival and seeks to destroy, and the prophesied great king that Merlin bets everything on. He is the opposite of [[EvilSorcerer Morgana]], who is the BigBad.
* BloodKnight: Arthur loves fighting and defending his kingdom. He believes that it is a part of his duty to do so.
* BoisterousBruiser: Arthur goes hunting or travels for quests with gusto, especially in the beginning of the series.
* BrainsAndBrawn: Arthur is the Brawn to Merlin's Brains. While Arthur is more of a fighter and a warrior, Merlin relies more on strategy, his brains, his intelligence and manipulation tactics in order to fight the enemy.
* BrokenPedestal: Arthur is a huge WellDoneSonGuy who's basically spent his entire life having it hammered into him that whatever he does, his father Uther does it better. After about three years of ruling as king, he gets a chance to contact Uther from the otheworld, who immediately [[{{Jerkass}} reams him out on all the]] [[SarcasmMode "stupid"]] [[{{Jerkass}} decisions he's made to bring equality to the land]]. Arthur's heartbroken, and accidentally lets Uther's spirit free, who proceeds to wreck the Round Table, attack Percival with an axe, and attempt to set Guinevere on fire. Arthur's in denial for a lot of this in the show, even when he tries to banish and later execute Guinevere for her relationship with Arthur, but it's only when dealing with Uther's ghost that he finally breaks and realizes just how terrible a man his father was.
* BrokenTears: When his father dies, and when confronted with the ghost of a boy who died in a raid led by him.
* BrotherSisterIncest: With Morgana. The show started out heavily hinting at a Arthur/Morgana pairing in series 1. In the pilot episode, Gwen tells Merlin that Morgana was born to be a queen, and it's assumed she'll marry Arthur. Then as series 2 started, all of the build-up was dropped and the pairing was completely ignored. Then in series 3, Arthur and Morgana were revealed to be half-brother and -sister.
* BrutalHonesty: Sometimes Arthur can be too blunt and harsh, especially towards Merlin. Luckily, Merlin is just as sarcastic and blunt as well, so it equates to constant SnarkToSnarkCombat between Arthur and Merlin.
* CainAndAbel: With his half-sister Morgana. In terms of roles, Arthur is the Abel (the BigGood) to Morgana's Cain (the BigBad). It doesn't help that Morgana spent much of her time plotting against Arthur and trying to kill him. See SiblingYinYang.
* CantLiveWithThemCantLiveWithoutThem: His relationship with Merlin. Though it may seem that Arthur constantly picks on Merlin and teases him, it has been proven and shown that without Merlin, Arthur really doesn't function all that well, if not, ''at all''. Hell, Arthur can't even ''get dressed'' without Merlin.
* CannotSpitItOut:
** He can't bring himself to express his feelings for Gwen.
** He's infamous for frequently giving backhanded compliments to Merlin instead of acknowledging the guy's wisdom.
* CannotTalkToWomen: After asking [[RomanticFalseLead Princess Mithian]] out for a picnic lunch, he mutters to himself: "I've never been much good at this." Something of an InformedFlaw, as he never ''really'' seems that uneasy around the likes of Morgana, Guinevere, or any other visiting princess.
* CatchPhrase: "Shut up, Merlin."
* TheChainsOfCommanding: He is willing to try his best to be a better ruler, but is haunted by his inability to make good judgements about people. He has also complained about the burden of expectations placed on him.
* TheChosenOne: ''The'' Chosen One of the series, destined to be The Once and Future King destined to unite the lands of Albion and return magic to the land. He has Merlin and Guinevere, who are chosen ones by their own rights one way or another, to protect and guide him.
* ChronicHeroSyndrome: Arthur has the constant need to save people as much as possible.
* CommonalityConnection: With Merlin. Originally, when Arthur first met Merlin, Arthur thinks of Merlin as a silly, incompetent, foolish and stupid peasant. But eventually Arthur comes to realize just how important Merlin is to him as the series progresses. On the outside, Arthur and Merlin don't share anything in common in terms of backgrounds, personalities, upbringings and outlooks, but what they do share in common is the same destiny.
* CompetitionFreak: Arthur is really competitive by nature.
* CompositeCharacter:
** With Gwaine, as elements of ''Literature/SirGawainAndTheGreenKnight'' are given to him by being the knight who makes a deal with a mysterious warrior and then being asks to put his head on a chopping block as a SecretTestOfCharacter.
** Also with Percival and Galahad to a lesser extent. Both are known as the knights to find the Holy Grail, while Arthur is the knight given the task of finding the [[LawyerFriendlyCameo Cup of Life]] in Series 3. Related to this is that he's the one to go on the quest to the Fisher King, which is unrelated to the Holy Grail in this version but was also a role given to Percival and Galahad.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Arthur has moments where he butts heads with Uther, usually when the latter is being too harsh, accusing an obviously innocent person of witchcraft, or not taking good enough care of the people of Camelot.
* CoolCrown: He's probably meant to have this but ends up getting the short end of the stick. Whilst Uther wore a simple but respectable looking circlet, Prince Arthur had something that looked like a shiny metal head-band. In a FlashForward, Arthur was seen wearing Uther's crown, but when he finally became King himself, he switched to a giant gold crown with fleur-de-lis spikes on it, which most people thought looked a little bit like the Burger King crown.
* TheCorruptible: Arthur is probably the most corruptible character in the entire series. It's mostly because Arthur is too easily trusting and naive in regards to others and their intentions.
* CorruptTheCutie: Arthur has been corrupted or deceived by almost every single person who was close to him. He is often the victim of much corruption from various characters (such as Agravaine and Morgana, for example).
* CostumePorn: Arthur wears highly impressive armour.
* CrazyJealousGuy: Arthur doesn't appreciate Guinevere having close friendships with any other males (except Merlin) and becomes [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] every time she seems particularly fond of any one other than him. When he catches her and Lancelot in an embrace, he attacks Lancelot and would have killed him had Guinevere not thrown herself between them.
* TheCynic: Subverted. Arthur was cynical in the beginning, the opposite of Merlin, who was TheIdealist. Later on, Arthur became [[CharacterDevelopment much more idealistic and hopeful]] while Merlin became [[JadeColoredGlasses more pragmatic, realistic and cynical in his thinking.]]
* CulturedBadass: Arthur is from royalty and enjoys all of the finer things in life that come along with it. For the badass side, he's a skilled knight who likes to fight.
* DefrostingIceQueen: Defrosting Ice Prince/Defrosting Ice King. Due to the influence of Merlin and Gwen, Arthur goes from an arrogant, entitled, impulsive young noble to a much kinder, humble, and understanding leader.
* DarkSecret: [[spoiler:"A Herald of the New Age" reveals that as a young and inexperienced man with a desire to prove himself he led the Knights of Camelot on a raid on a Druid camp. Despite telling the Knights to spare the women and children, he knew some disobeyed and froze instead of telling them to stop.]]
* DeliberateValuesDissonance: Arthur can be sexist and elitist at times.
* DesignatedVictim: In almost every single episode, Merlin always has to save Arthur from many enemies and dangers. It's a RunningGag in the series.
* TheDeterminator: Most of the time, Arthur is rather determined and doesn't quit when he really wants something.
* DistressedDude: In almost every single episode. He's the target of dozens of assassination attempts, and is regularly poisoned, shot, knocked out, hypnotized, held prisoner, and put under enchantments.
* DoesNotKnowHowToSayThanks: Arthur is never that good with expressing gratitude and appreciation towards others, notably Merlin. [[spoiler: This is up until the series finale when Arthur's final words to Merlin before he dies are, "thank you."]]
* DontYouDarePityMe: Arthur hates it when others feel sorry for him.
* DoomedByCanon: It was pretty much expected that Arthur would end up dying at the end of the series. [[spoiler: And he does.]]
* DramaticallyMissingThePoint: He seeks to make a kingdom that is fair and just. However, he fails to notice that the people who need fairness and justice the most are the magic-users, and continues to persecute them.
* DumbMuscle: Unfortunately, for someone expected to be a wise ruler, perceptiveness isn't his strong point.
* EmotionalBruiser: He's a knight and king and very much a tough guy, but thanks to Merlin and Gwen, Arthur becomes more comfortable with opening up and expressing his feelings and vulnerability.
* EmotionallyTongueTied: Especially in the beginning. Arthur always had issues with expressing his feelings. This changes later on though, thanks to both Merlin and Gwen.
* EvenTheGuysWantHim: King Alined admits to being a bit attracted to him.
* ExtremeDoormat: Sometimes Arthur seemed this way in regards to Uther, much to Arthur's detriment. He had a tendency to follow his father and his orders blindly due to Arthur's strong desire to please his father.
* FamedInStory: Not just because he's the ruler of Camelot, but because his destiny is already known to the likes of the dragons, the druids, and other magical beings.
* FatalFlaw: He just can't help trusting the wrong people. It's endearing, but also immensely frustrating.
* FlawExploitation:
** 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.
** Agravaine exploits his insecurities and desires to please his father to manipulate him into potentially disastrous decisions.
* FlirtyStepSiblings: Arthur and Morgana are like this during series 1 since Arthur's father 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's relationship to that of step-siblings. There is some attraction and flirting going on between them. [[spoiler:And it turns out, they're half-siblings.]]
* {{Foil}}:
** To Lancelot. Lancelot's presence highlighted both Arthur's faults and his virtues. On the one hand, when Arthur realizes that there may be something between Lance/Gwen he pulls a massive sulk and makes an off-handed comment that he's only there because Morgana begged him; whilst Lancelot graciously admits defeat and bows out of the Love Triangle before there's any more trouble. On the other hand, the fact that Lancelot leaves in the middle of the night without even saying goodbye highlights Arthur's honesty with Gwen when he tells her that nothing can ever happen between them.
** To Merlin. Their backgrounds, upbringings, outlooks and personalities are entirely different. Arthur is rich, a noble and comes from RoyalBlood, while Merlin is a commoner who is poor and comes from humble beginnings. Personality wise, Arthur and Merlin could not be more different; Arthur starts off as more arrogant, entitled and spoiled while Merlin starts off as humble, selfless and idealistic. Arthur was also TheCynic while Merlin was TheIdealist (however, Arthur and Merlin start to switch roles in the later series as Arthur becomes more optimistic and hopeful while Merlin becomes more cynical and pragmatic). Arthur is a regular human, a BadassNormal who possesses no supernatural abilities whatsoever (he uses swords and combat to fight and defeat the enemy) while Merlin is TheArchmage who is a powerful warlock or sorcerer who possesses very strong magic (he uses his magic to help fight or defeat the enemy). Their contrasting personalities and their opposing backgrounds could have been the major reason why Arthur and Merlin had clashed so much in the beginning, but could also be the reason why Arthur and Merlin also complement each other in beneficial ways.
* ForGreatJustice: Basically Arthur's motto regarding his duty to Camelot and Albion -- he wants to rule with justice in his kingdom.
* FreudianExcuse: It's clear that many of Arthur's emotional and psychological issues and insecurities stem from the fact that he was raised by an emotionally distant and abusive father (Uther). It didn't help that Arthur was completely motherless growing up (thanks to Uther, of course - though unwittingly on Uther's part).
* FriendshipDenial: With Merlin in the beginning. Merlin would often acknowledge Arthur as his friend, but Arthur would often deny this and say that he is just his servant. Subverted now that Arthur has frequently addressed Merlin as his friend later on in the series.
* GoodIsNotDumb: Best demonstrated in these two lines from ''The Coming of Arthur''. Justified in that most of his smarter moments stem from being a tactician, which makes sense since he leads an elite army.
-->'''Arthur''': The best place for this cup is the [[CardboardPrison vaults of Camelot]]
-->'''Arthur''': *stops and looks around worriedly* ItsQuietTooQuiet.
* TheGoodKing: What he is expected to be and what he eventually becomes [[spoiler: in series 4]], despite him making some mistakes along the way. Arthur is destined to become the greatest king Albion has ever known. He is meant to unite the land of Albion during a Golden Age and free the magical people. Character and personality wise, Arthur has shown that he is noble, brave, honourable, virtuous, chivalrous, empathetic, and compassionate and stands for all that is right and good. He has shown that despite being a royal, he has compassion and understanding for those who are of lower status than him and he has shown to care immensely about the well being of the inhabitants of Camelot. HonorBeforeReason is basically Arthur's motto in everything that he does and stands for. He has shown to be a fair and just leader and he always respects the input from the people that surround him, people such as Merlin, Gwen, Gaius and the Knights of Camelot, etc).
* GreenEyedMonster: He gets very jealous a couple of times, when Lancelot or Gwaine look particularly friendly with Gwen.
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: Arthur is chivalrous, noble, brave and honourable and he is pure of heart. Despite originally starting off as selfish, spoiled and entitled, even from the start he shows a streak of nobility (in the very first episode when his and Merlin's second mock duel ends with Merlin being dumped on his arse, he tells the guards to let Merlin go, because "He's a fool, but a brave fool"). He eventually shows his real personality once he goes through CharacterDevelopment and learns to discard his {{Pride}}. His mother Ygraine, to whom he bears a StrongFamilyResemblance to, was the embodiment of this trope as she was seen to be kind, good hearted, caring, and nurturing. Therefore, it seems as though Arthur inherited his good and pure heart from his mother. Arthur has InnocentBlueEyes to match his HairOfGold.
* HairTriggerTemper: In the beginning of the series he gets angry very easily over minor things. An indication of his maturity throughout the series is the frequency of his temper tantrum, especially towards Merlin.
* HardHead: Arthur getting knocked out is both RunningGag and a convenient way to keep Merlin's magic from him.
* HeroAntagonist: Arthur occasionally lapses into this. While he's undoubtedly a good guy, he has been raised from birth to be distrustful of magic and will not hesitate to arrest anyone caught using it, even though the penalty is death. What separates him from Uther is that he does this not out of maliciousness, but because [[MyMasterRightOrWrong it is his Father's law]] and he's honour bound to obey it.
* HeroesPreferSwords: Arthur always uses his sword, even though he's shown to be quite handy with a mace.
* HeroicBSOD:
** When his uncle betrays him, he breaks down very badly in 4x13 that he feels he must AbdicateTheThrone because he was such a horrible leader. If it weren't for Merlin, Arthur wouldn't just be dead a thousand times over, he'd be insane.
** Has a HUGE one in the series finale, when he discovers that the one person he trusts the most, his best friend (Merlin), is in fact a sorcerer and that Merlin had been lying to him for the whole time.
* HeroicSacrifice:
** Drinks the (supposedly) poison for Merlin in "The Labyrinth of Gedref".
** He intends to sacrifice himself to close the veil between the living and undead worlds in "The Darkest Hour"
** He [[TakeMeInstead offers his life for Mordred's]] in "The Disir".
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Merlin. Arthur and Merlin originally don't like each other. Although, eventually, the two become very close and start to bond with each other, mostly because of the fact that their destinies and their paths are intertwined. Arthur repeatedly teases Merlin and makes fun of him, but regardless of Arthur's constant teasing of Merlin, he has shown to be very protective of him and has repeatedly shown that he does care for and love Merlin. It is also apparent that there are plenty of deep HoYay moments between the two, especially when they have deep and meaningful conversations with each other (where they end up sharing deep and meaningful glances with each other). But this is mostly due to Bradley James and Colin Morgan's intense and palpable onscreen chemistry with each other.
* HiddenDepths: He first appears as a spoilt royal JerkJock but as Merlin gets to know him better, his insecurities about his own worth as a leader and his genuine strong sense of honour surface.
* HomoeroticSubtext: With Merlin. Although Merlin and Arthur are HeterosexualLifePartners and even more accurately, VitriolicBestBuds, there is no doubt about it that Arthur and Merlin share the most HoYay moments of any duo in the series. Part of it has to do with the strong and undeniable onscreen (and off screen) chemistry between Bradley James and Colin Morgan. The other part of the reason for the strong homoerotic subtext and implications between the two is the fact that they frequently tease each other, seemingly having a love/hate relationship with each other. Therefore, their interactions with each other could be taken as BelligerentSexualTension. Also, there have been some sexual comments and innuendo that have been included in the dialogue between the two, although this is often PlayedForLaughs.
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Honour? Chivalry? Bravery? Arthur has those qualities honed to perfection! Being capable of noticing if someone is ObviouslyEvil? He might need to work on that some more.
* HotBlooded: Arthur is hot headed, brash, impulsive and passionate by nature. He has a tendency to act before he thinks sometimes, especially when it comes to battle or fighting for Camelot. Both Merlin and Gwen often had to tame Arthur's impulsiveness and his brashness from time to time in order to prevent him from making impulsive decisions that could prove to be costly or detrimental. There is also the fact that Arthur has a bit of a temper, especially when he is angered, frustrated or irritated. His tendency towards throwing a tantrum, especially in the earlier seasons and before he became more pragmatic and went through CharacterDevelopment, showcased his trait of having a temper. Seems that Arthur inherited his hot headiness and his temper from his father, Uther.
* {{Hunk}}: Arthur is very physically appealing to the female fans or audience. Although, Arthur's good looks lean more on the masculine side and he is not a PrettyBoy like Merlin, who is shown to be very delicate and fragile looking physically. Arthur also has plenty of ShirtlessScenes, solidifying his status as MrFanservice.
* IconicOutfit: [[TwentyFourHourArmor Mail shirt]] with the Pendragon red cape.
* IncestSubtext:
** [[spoiler:Now that Morgana has been revealed to be his half-sister, their [[{{UST}} relationship]] in series 1 seems like this.]]
** In the episode [[{{Recap/MerlinS02E08SinsOfTheFather}} "Sins of the Father"]], Arthur meets the (young and beautiful) ghost of his mother, whose words inspire him to gallop straight home and nearly commit {{patricide}}.
* InferioritySuperiorityComplex: His {{Jerkass}} behaviour near the start of the series is quickly put down to his FreudianExcuse of having a very demanding and emotionally distant father, and it's clear in his insecurity with Guinevere, Merlin, Morgana, and Lancelot that he doesn't consider himself worthy of their affection or friendship, even as he takes them all for granted. Merlin and Gwen have to give him many pep talks about believing in himself instead of following his father's examples during his HeroicBSOD moments.
* IHaveNoIdeaWhatImDoing:
** Arthur wasn't entirely sure that his plan to smear himself in Gaia berries to confuse the Wilderen would be successful. Merlin is not hugely pleased when he finds out.
** Arthur gets a moment of this when his father starts dying and he's about to be the new ruler.
** Arthur in 4x11 when faced with marriage to a lovely princess or seeking out the woman that (he thinks) betrayed him, tells Merlin that he has no idea what to do.
* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou: Arthur begins to fall for Guinevere after she calls him out on his rude behaviour and he realizes that she's the only one who doesn't just tell him what he wants to hear.
** Also the reason why Arthur and Merlin get along so well. Arthur acknowledges more than once in the series that he ''likes'' Merlin's impertinence, and actually gets worried when Merlin gets too quiet and deferential.
* InnocentBlueEyes: Has blue eyes that are appropriate to his heroic character. Matching his HairOfGoldHeartOfGold, fitting [[KnightInShiningArmor the honourable, chivalrous Once and Future King]].
* InnocentlyInsensitive: He doesn't realize that it is rude to refuse Hunith's breakfast in "The Moment of Truth" and his stay inconveniences Gwen in "The Once and Future Queen". Gwen calls him out on both cases.
* InSeriesNickname: Merlin calls Arthur "Clotpole" or "Dollophead". Arthur is never amused by this.
* InterclassFriendship:
** He's a Prince, and later King, while Merlin is his servant. While they are genuine friends with Arthur proving that he's ready to sacrifice himself for Merlin, this difference in social class does create a serious power imbalance as Arthur doesn't treat Merlin as an equal.
** Prior to their relationship becoming romantic this applied to Guinevere, and with Lancelot until he knighted him. However, while he got along with Elyan they seemingly didn't become friends until after he was knighted and while Arthur never found out Gwaine was in fact the son of a knight.
* InterspeciesFriendship: With Merlin. Merlin is a warlock and a Dragon Lord with magical abilities and Arthur is a human.
* IOweYouMyLife: Arthur infuriates his father early in Season 1 by going to insane lengths to save the life of a "servant boy" (Merlin) he hasn't even known for particularly long. Arthur points out repeatedly that Merlin was dying of a poisoning attempt intended for Arthur, and that Merlin's actions had saved Arthur's life.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Originally, Arthur was very entitled and self-centered even if he genuinely cares for the people of Camelot. He started to display humility as the series progressed.
* ItsAllMyFault: It says something about Arthur that when he is betrayed by his loved ones, the first question he asks is "Where did I go wrong?"
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: He complains about his life being planned out for him and the resulting expectations several times. Also, being the chosen one for him means he suffers from countless betrayals from people he loves.
* IWorkAlone: Due to his father's influence, he believes that as a leader, he cannot afford to rely on anyone, especially emotionally. Merlin, Gwen and the knights prove him wrong.
* JerkJock: In his first appearance, he's an athletic knight who bullies the scrawny Merlin.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Arrogant and self-centered, but with a genuine sense of justice and near unshakeable loyalty to his friends, his people and his king. Nobody could really see the noble and good side of Arthur in the beginning because he had put up walls to prevent himself from appearing vulnerable to others. Hence why Arthur had such a hard time expressing himself and showing emotion and vulnerability. A lot of this had to do with having to be TheStoic because Uther had basically instilled upon him to be tough, firm and strong at all times and therefore, this made Arthur feel as if he was not able to show weakness when it was necessary.
* KickTheDog: In one episode, Arthur went to go get a flower to cure Merlin against his father's orders. As soon as he came back, his own father imprisoned him for disobeying orders. Arthur didn't care if he stayed in prison for days or weeks, as long as the flower got to Merlin. He even begged his father to at least deliver the flower. Uther simply crushed the flower in front of Arthur, told him to get another servant and dropped the flower just out of Arthur's reach, to underline the lesson that people will die for him and he'd better get used to it.
* LastGirlWins: Gender-Flipped Arthur may have known Gwen [[FirstGirlWins longer]] than her other two love interests, but he was the last to be introduced as a potential love interest for Gwen in 1x10 (though the ship was teased upon in 1x01 and 1x05).
* LastRequest: [[spoiler: Not to be left alone. And Merlin doesn't, living up to the present day waiting for him to return.]]
* LivingEmotionalCrutch: PlayedWith between him and Merlin. Not that he wants to admit it, but Arthur becomes increasingly physically and emotionally reliant on Merlin, often devolving into panic or helplessness when he can't find Merlin or thinks he's in danger. This intensifies when he becomes King, to the point that Merlin becomes his constant companion and advisor and even foreigners (such as Mithian and Annis) pick up on Merlin's importance to him. While Uther, Agravaine, and others continually push Arthur to become more brutal, Merlin pushes him to stick to his ideals, which earns the respect of his rivals and helps usher in a golden era of peace.
** At the same time, Arthur provides Merlin with a sense of purpose from the very beginning, then becomes a comfort and close friend to Merlin, until by Series 5 they nearly switch positions, with Arthur preventing an increasingly ruthless Merlin from JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope.
* LongLostSibling: Revealed to be a long lost paternal half-brother to Morgana. But she does not appear out of nowhere, she is present in his life as his father's ward.
* MagneticHero: His biggest asset as a leader is his ability to inspire respect and loyalty in other people.
* MalignedMixedMarriage: Arthur and Gwen are essentially this trope because [[UptownGirl Arthur is royalty while Gwen is a servant girl]] and King Uther won't hear of a romance between them. Though Arthur is white and Gwen is mixed-race, race is not a factor in Uther's disapproval.
* ManlyMenCanHunt: At least six episodes and one deleted scene involve him out hunting in the forest with Merlin or his knights, in fact it's a crucial part of "[[{{Recap/MerlinS01E11TheLabyrinthOfGedref}} The Labyrinth of Gedref]]" and "[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E11TheHuntersHeart}} The Hunter's Heart]]". And occasionally played for laughs:
--->'''Arthur:''' After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off things. So, I went for a hunt.
--->'''Morgana:''' And killing things mends a broken heart?
--->'''Arthur:''' No, but it's good fun.
* MasterOfDelusion: He was completely stunned when Merlin finally confessed his magical abilities to Arthur in the series finale. Despite the fact that by the final season, Merlin was straight-up doing magic right in front of him on multiple occasions. [[RuleOfFunny And once announced to Arthur and a roomful of people that he was a sorcerer.]] [[note]] Some fans theorize that he ''must'' have been aware on some level, but couldn't reconcile it with his preconceptions that magic is evil, thus repressed the knowledge.[[/note]]
* MasterSwordsman: Arthur is the best swordsman in Camelot, with only Lancelot consistently being his better.
* MarryForLove: He's determined to do this, and even manages to make it sound like a politically sensible idea: "I'll be a much better king for the strength and support of a woman I love."
* MartyrWithoutACause: Arthur is willing to die or sacrifice his life even when it isn't a wise thing.
* TheMcCoy (FreudianTrio): In the trio between himself, Merlin and Gwen, Arthur is TheMcCoy (arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, HotBlooded) to Merlin's TheSpock (calm, logical, intelligent, TheChessmaster) and Gwen's TheKirk (motherly, nurturing, sensitive, TheHeart). See FreudianTrio.
* MeaningfulName: The name ''Arthur'' means ''noble''. However, it also means ''bear''. His last name ''Pendragon'' means ''Head Dragon'' or ''Chief Dragon''.
* TheMenFirst: He is unwilling to risk his knights' lives, and can go to great lengths for them.
* TheMillstone: Aside from the problems he has caused himself, how many times has Arthur's general refusal to listen to Merlin, follow common sense, or even consider that someone ObviouslyEvil is...well..[[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment evil]]... made the problem worse? He gets better throughout the show, but still refuses to believe he is wrong.
* MissingMom: She's long dead... and it's Uther's fault (though, to be fair, not his choice).
* ModestRoyalty: Even though Arthur can appear arrogant, he doesn't always believe that he is worthy of his position as leader and King of Camelot. Merlin and Guinevere have to constantly remind Arthur that he is worthy of his position.
* MoralityChain: To Merlin. As a contrast to Morgana, who doesn't use her power for anyone else, Merlin's loyalty to Arthur designates the warlock as the "good" guy.
* MoralityPet: Was this to his father for most of the show, as most of Uther's more likable/redeeming moments involve Arthur [[spoiler:until season 5, at least, when Uther's spirit returns in one episode.]]
* MrFanservice: With his endless shirtless scenes, he's a treat for anyone who appreciates male beauty.
* MuggleBestFriend: To Merlin.
* MurderTheHypotenuse: Arthur's first reaction when he sees [[spoiler:Lancelot kissing Guinevere]].
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: Can tell there's something about Merlin, looks worried after realizing the boy he liberated is Mordred, and guessing from the musical cue, can sense the importance of Excalibur. However, he always thinks ItsProbablyNothing, so this is pretty much useless.
** Interestingly, on occasions where Merlin is upset about something he can't share with Arthur, Arthur is often able to guess at the issue and land on an incorrect, but related, supposition that makes sense to him. For example, when Merlin is depressed about Freya, Arthur guesses he's upset that Arthur had dumped water on him earlier. When Merlin is worried about meeting Balinor, his father, Arthur guesses that Merlin misses Gaius, his foster-father.
* NamedWeapons: The infamous ''Excalibur'', the sword that is basically created especially for him. However, the name only appears as title for an episode and is never mentioned by the characters.
* NiceToTheWaiter: Arthur flip-flops with this in regard to Merlin. While he clearly assumes he's the superior and constantly insults and berates Merlin while Merlin's trying to do his job, he has shown that he cares about the common people and occasionally shows Merlin some measure of affection and respect.
** He's also willing to risk his life to protect or save Merlin without a second thought.
* NoGuyWantsAnAmazon: It's subtle, but it's there, with Arthur getting rather stand-offish at the sight of any ActionGirl (or at least surprised by the activities of [[TomboyPrincess Tom Boys]]). He instead prefers the feminine and nurturing Guinevere, whose appeal lies in her forthrightness and/or supportiveness. He ''has'' congratulated Gwen on her bravery in combat, but it's clear that he prefers her to stay well out of such situations.
* NobleMaleRoguishMale: Arthur is the Noble Male to Merlin's Roguish Male. While Arthur is very noble and chivalrous, Merlin is more careless and is willing to use underhanded means from time to time to accomplish his goals or mission.
* NobleBigot: While Arthur was raised to hate magic, it's seems he actually merely distrusts it. Several episodes imply that he only hunts down sorcerers because it's the law and personally, he doesn't ''care'' about magic as long as it stays out of Camelot.
* NobodyCallsMeChicken: Never explicitly, but the best way to get Arthur to do something is to insult his bravery.
* TheNotLoveInterest: To Merlin, who will go to extreme lengths for him not only because he is prophecized to be the Once and Future King who will bring back magic but also because he has become a friend.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Arthur often seems to be deliberately ignoring things or making excuses to disguise anything strange. For instance, in an early episode he tries to suggest that Tom had some other illness rather than the currently deadly plague ravaging Camelot, knowing that otherwise he'll be accused of sorcery.
* OfficialCouple: With Gwen. [[spoiler: At the end of season four, they get married and become the RulingCouple of Camelot.]]
* OnlyMostlyDead: In several episodes, he's on the verge of dying. [[spoiler: And it's true to the legend about coming back when the world needs him the most.]]
* OppositesAttract: In regards to his romance with Gwen. While Gwen was a poor servant, Arthur is a wealthy royal.
* OverlordJr: Arthur qualifies completely. A bit of a WellDoneSonGuy, extremely loyal to his father, although he increasingly questions his most hardline policies, particularly on magic (which is logical, because Uther's stance on that particular matter is heavily irrational).
* PetTheDog: Arthur is particularly brutal to Merlin in the early part of the series before he [[CharacterDevelopment starts maturing]], but [[OnceAnEpisode once or twice in any given episode]] shows genuine friendship or concern towards him as well, including taking serious risks for Merlin or going against his father for him.
* PinballProtagonist: Happens a lot to Arthur, particularly in the later seasons.
** In one notable example is in ''The Eye of the Phoenix'', Arthur has a vision that instructs him to seek out the Trident in the lands of the Fisher King. He wanders all the way to the Perilous Lands where he's promptly knocked unconscious by a spirit-destroying bracelet given to him by Morgana. Merlin follows in his wake, meets the FisherKing, retrieves the true MacGuffin (the trident is useless) and is told that the entire journey was for ''his'' benefit. Arthur was just the catalyst for getting him there, and one can't help but wonder why the vision wasn't just sent to Merlin in the first place.
* ThePowerOfTrust: ArbitrarySkepticism to Merlin's claims aside, he's the most trusting person in the whole cast and that makes him sympathetic and earns him incredibly loyal knights. On the flip side, unfortunately for him, just about every loved one in his life betrays him one way or another.
* PrinceCharming: Especially to visiting ladies.
* ThePromise: "When I am King, I promise you; things will be different. We can be together."
* TheProudElite: In the beginning. He becomes less arrogant as the series progressed.
* PuppetKing: 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 ExcaliburInTheStone, is in some way organised and controlled by Merlin.
* RageBreakingPoint: When Arthur confronts Gwen about kissing Lancelot on the night before their wedding. He starts out speaking quietly and calmly, listing reasons for her behavior. When she doesn't agree with any of them he completely loses it, starts yelling, and grabs her by the shoulders. Almost immediately, though, the rage subsides and he apologizes.
* RankScalesWithAsskicking: Uther's education philosophy. Arthur has to prove his worth as Crown Prince through tournaments and military leadership.
* RealMenGetShot: In ''The Fires Of Idirsholas'', Arthur is almost delighted by the fact that Merlin has sustained his "first battle wound!"
* RealMenHateAffection: He prefers to show fondness for Merlin and Morgana through backhanded compliments and snarking contests.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Arthur is a fair and just king, significantly more fair and just than his father, Uther.
* RedBaron: The King Of Camelot, Courage, The Once And Future King.
* RedIsHeroic: Arthur is a swordfighting knight with red as his wardrobe's most dominant color. His long cloak with the pendragon crest is especially noteworthy.
* RedOniBlueOni: Arthur is the Red to Merlin's Blue. Arthur is more hot-blooded, impulsive and passionate, while Merlin is more practical, logical and intelligent.
%%* ResurrectiveImmortality: When Albion needs him.
* RichInDollarsPoorInSense: Arthur in the episode "The Once and Future Queen", when he's staying with Gwen. He says he'd like to take a bath, she tells him that might be hard as she doesn't own a bathtub, and he just stares at her, speechless.
* RichSuitorPoorSuitor: In regards to the love triangle between himself, Gwen and Lancelot. While Arthur is a wealthy royal (Rich Suitor), Lancelot is a poor commoner (Poor Suitor).
* RiskingTheKing: He usually jumps head first into dangers, to Merlin and Gwen's distress.
* RoyalBlood: Arthur comes from a family of royalty in which is father (Uther) is the King of Camelot. [[spoiler: Once Uther died, Arthur became King.]]
* RoyalBrat: Basically Arthur's middle name. One of Merlin's nicknames for him is "Royal Prat".
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The series shows him to be not only the Camelot's heir apparent, but also the day-to-day commander of the kingdom's armed forces. He not only leads them in battle, but also recruits the knights and oversees their training. He also seems to be the closest thing that the kingdom has to a sheriff or chief of police. If any "crime" occurs, it's usually Arthur that's sent to investigate.
* RulingCouple: With Queen Guinevere since season four. [[spoiler: Subverted since Arthur dies at the end of the series.]]
* SayMyName: Says Merlin's name really quite frequently, including screaming it whenever Merlin isn't nearby, whispering or shouting it whenever he thinks Merlin's in danger, and also sometimes emphasizes the first syllable as "MUR-lin" when he's mocking him. He's even mumbled Merlin's name in his sleep on [[HoYay multiple occasions]], to the point that when he wakes up saying Merlin's name in 5x12, Gwen barely seems surprised.
** Always addresses and refers to Gwen by her proper name, "Guinevere", even after they marry.
* SelectiveObliviousness: Not counting not knowing Merlin has magic, Arthur seems to have rewired his brain to ignore everything that Merlin does competently to the point where it seems like he's consciously unaware he's doing it. This actually gets pointed out to him in ''With All My Heart'', and he's ''still unable to grasp the idea''.
--> '''Merlin''': Without Merlin, your queen would still be lost.
--> '''Arthur''': Not sure that's true.[[note]]Let's see, what did Merlin do to free Gwen again? Oh, yeah, he figured out she was brainwashed and found a way to cure her![[/note]]
* TheSpock/'''Superego''' (FreudianTrio): In the team of three consisting of himself (''Courage''), Merlin (''Magic'') and Gwaine (''Strength''), Arthur is TheSpock/Superego (serious, noble, honourable, TheStoic, TheStrategist, KnightInShiningArmor) to Merlin's TheKirk/Ego (balanced, neutral, peacemaker between the opposing personalities of Arthur and Gwaine, friends with both Arthur and Gwaine, TakeAThirdOption, TheHeart, TheConscience) and Gwaine's TheMcCoy/Id (fun loving, roguish, rebellious, LoveableRogue, KnightInSourArmor, PluckyComicRelief).
* SpoiledBrat: So much. Especially in the beginning.
* StayWithMeUntilIDie: [[spoiler: Arthur tells Merlin in the series finale before he knows he's about to die for Merlin to stay with him and hold him.]]
* TheStoic: Arthur didn't show all that much emotion early on in the series. Merlin and Gwen's influence manages to change that quite dramatically.
* TheStrategist
* SugarAndIcePersonality: 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.
* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: How he acknowledges Merlin's wisdom without having to actually admit Merlin's right. Examples include?
--> It's turns out Merlin's not always entirely stupid.
--> It appears on this single solitary occasion you might have been right.
--> I should have listened to you, Merlin. For once, you were right.
* SwordAndSorcerer: Arthur is the Sword to Merlin's Sorcerer.
* TheseHandsHaveKilled: ''The Herald of a New Age'' reveals that he has done pretty horrible things in the past before Merlin arrives in Camelot.
* ThrowingYourSwordAlwaysWorks: Chucks one at a cockatrice.
* TragicBromance: With Merlin. [[spoiler: Arthur dies at the end of the series while Merlin stays with him.]]
* TragicHero: Arthur grew up trying to please an emotionally distant father. Most of the people he trusts betray him one way or another for different reasons. All his efforts to be a good king turn out to be not enough and Camelot is repeatedly threatened because of his tendency to blindly trust the wrong person.
* TraumaCongaLine: The end of series 3 and series 4 are not kind to him. Morgana usurps the throne of Camelot, leaving his father a broken shell. His father later dies under circumstances that he blames himself for. Guinevere apparently cheats on him with Lancelot. To top it all, it turns out his uncle Agravaine has been betraying him all along. He's in such a bad HeroicBSOD that Merlin has to find a MagicFeather for him to regain faith in himself.
%%* {{Tsundere}}: Arthur is '''Type A''', primarily towards Merlin.
* TwentyFourHourArmour: It's not very consistent, but sometimes he can wear his armour at the oddest times, including to banquets and other casual celebrations.
%%* UndyingLoyalty: To Camelot and Albion.
* TheUnfavorite: It seemed as though Uther favoured Morgana over him. Uther was more tough on Arthur than he was towards Morgana.
* UnfitForGreatness: Sometimes Arthur believes that he is not a worthy king or leader. He needs many pep talks from others, primarily Merlin and Gwen, in order to believe that he is a worthy king and leader of Camelot. In the season four finale, Arthur loses all hope in himself that he is worthy of being the King of Camelot, even agreeing with Tristan that there is nothing special about him that grants him worthy of his power and position. It takes [[HopeBringer Merlin]] getting Arthur to pull [[CoolSword Excalibur]] out of a stone for Arthur to believe and have faith in himself again.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: With Gwen. It's resolved by the end of series four when [[spoiler: they get married]].
* UnwittingMuggleFriend: For the whole series, Arthur was completely unaware and in the dark about Merlin being a powerful warlock who possessed magic. Merlin kept his secret from Arthur out of fear that Arthur would banish him or execute him. This is now subverted [[spoiler: in the series finale, when Merlin FINALLY reveals the truth to Arthur that he is a powerful sorcerer. Much to Merlin's surprise, Arthur comes to accept Merlin and his magic, despite being extremely shocked and disgusted at first.]]
%%* UptownGirl: A GenderFlipped case for Gwen.
* VagueAge: Out of all the young cast, it's generally accepted that he was twenty-one in the first series, thus making him twenty-nine by the fifth.
* VitriolicBestBuds: With Merlin, usually accompanied with throwing things on his side.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Arthur has plenty of them throughout the series, that it's too many to count.
* WarriorPrince: Arthur may be the Prince of Camelot but he is also a the best and strongest warrior in Camelot. His strength in combat and fighting is one of Arthur's defining characteristics and he is often known or regarded by others as the best warrior and fighter in the land.
* WasItAllALie: [[spoiler: After Merlin comes clean to him about having magic, he questions everything he knows about Merlin.]]
---> [[spoiler: '''Arthur''': So you're not an idiot, that was another lie]]
* WeUsedToBeFriends: In regards to Morgana, after she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* WeaponTwirling: Often does this with his sword, especially when he has the time to do so before he goes in for the kill. Arthur twirling his sword seems to be one of his trademarks or his signatures as a warrior and a fighter, since it is not seen amongst other characters, such as the Knights of Camelot.
* WellDoneSonGuy: Growing out of his desire to please his father is a big part of his characterisation.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: His relationship or romance with Guinevere. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes. Arthur and Gwen eventually become an OfficialCouple in series 4 once Uther, who had strongly disapproved of Arthur and Gwen's relationship because of their differing social statues, passes away and Arthur becomes King of Camelot. Arthur then asks Gwen to marry him and become his Queen. Arthur and Gwen are HappilyMarried at the end of series 4 and they become the RulingCouple as King and Queen of Camelot.
** The magic reveal subplot with Merlin has shades of this too. For 5 series, Merlin's secret of being a sorcerer is kept secret from Arthur and from pretty much all of the major characters in the series (including Uther, Morgana, Gwen, Gwaine, etc) with the exception Gaius and Lancelot. However, in the series 5 finale, Arthur discovers Merlin's true identity as a very powerful sorcerer, when Merlin reveals his secret to Arthur as he is dying.
%%* WithFriendsLikeThese: Merlin.
* WouldntHitAGirl: Unlike [[CombatPragmatist Merlin]] or Uther. Arthur has shown that he has a very strong respect for the opposite sex and he would never resort to the use of violence or combat against women. He has shown this trait in his confrontations with Morgana. Even though Morgana is his ultimate enemy, Arthur still cannot find it in himself to physically attack Morgana in any way and would rather defeat Morgana by using more diplomatic approaches.
* YoungAndInCharge: Arthur becomes King of Camelot during his 20's. But this occurs, because his father ends up tragically dying at the beginning of season 4. Basically, Uther's death had forced the position of being the ruler of Camelot onto Arthur at a much earlier time then expected or prepared.
* YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre: It's hinted that Arthur, despite his arrogance, suffers from low self-esteem thanks to the high expectations of his father. It's usually Merlin and Guinevere who provide the moral support needed for him to really embrace his role as a leader and future king.

[[folder:Morgana]]
!!Lady Morgana Pendragon
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/morgana-01_6920.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:280:"I am a High Priestess. No mortal blade can kill me."]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/KatieMcGrath

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

Morgana is the beautiful ward of Uther who suffers from premonitions in her dreams, unaware that she is in fact, a seer. She is close to her maidservant Gwen. Her strong sense of justice often clashes with Uther's rules and judgement. In series 2, Morgana discovers that she is a seer, but fears what Uther may do if he finds out she has magic. She also briefly befriends the sorceress Morgause, unaware that Morgause is her half-sister. However, Morgana's growing resentment towards Uther and his treatment of those who use magic inevitably leads to her FaceHeelTurn. When she is used as a catalyst for a spell under Camelot, Merlin is forced to poison her. Morgause rescues Morgana, and it is implied that she can save her life. In series 3, Morgana has been recovered and returned to Camelot, but she is firmly set on the DarkSide, pretending to be the "loving ward" while she secretly plots with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot.
----
* AccompliceByInaction: Believes all of Camelot is this.
* ActionGirl: In season 1/2 and season 3 respectively. As well as the last episode of season 4.
* ActionFashionista: Morgana loves fashion plus she's an ActionGirl to boot.
* AdaptationalNameChange: There is no mention of her traditional surname of le Fay, and instead once she finds out that Uther is her father she is referred to as Morgana Pendragon.
* AdaptationalSympathy: Compared to older versions of Morgan le Fay. Morgana actually starts out as a heroic character before SlowlySlippingIntoEvil. She was [[TheGift born with magic]] but tries to keep it suppressed because her guardian King Uther despises magic and persecutes anyone who practices it, so she lives in fear for years. Her half-sister [[ManipulativeBitch Morgause]] manipulates her into turning against her friends; their own actions [[NiceJobBreakingItHero don't help]] as Merlin poisons Morgana to force Morgause into calling off an attack and Morgause subsequently whisks her away from Camelot for months, not allowing Merlin to explain. And then Morgana discovers Uther is actually [[spoiler:her biological father via an affair with her mother but never told her this, and then killed the man who raised her in an [[UriahGambit UriahGambit ]]]], so she's understandably upset and hacked off. She then decides she'd make a much better ruler than either Uther or Arthur, spurred on by Morgause.
* AGodAmI: Well, not god as far as we know, but she certainly doesn't consider herself on the level of {{Muggles}}, and even treats her own kind with contempt if she has no use for them.
--> '''Morgana''': I am more powerful than you could ever imagine.
* AllGirlsWantBadBoys: She seemed particularly interested in both Valiant in season one and Alvarr in season two.
* AlwaysSecondBest: The mere mention of "[[TheDreaded Emrys]]" is enough to reduce to her a nervous wreck. It's repeatedly shown that compared to Merlin, she's basically an ant. According to Merlin however, the day she grew more powerful than him was not far away but nothing ever came of it. The writers have confirmed that by the time of the second to last episode, she had grown as powerful as him so she didn't actually even need to take away Merlin's powers. When he emerges from the crystal cave, he's more powerful than ever before.
* AmbitionIsEvil: Morgana's thirst for power and to become Queen of Camelot and gain entitlement to the throne at any cost, including trying to kill her own half brother (Arthur) and turning against her own former best friend (Gwen), is nothing but pure evil. Morgana's hunger for power turned out to be her ultimate downfall.
* AntagonisticOffspring: To Uther.
* AntiHero: Pre-MoralEventHorizon. Morgana could be classified as PragmaticHero and UnscrupulousHero.
* AntiVillain: [[SlidingScaleOfAntiVillains TypeII and III]]. Afterwards, she goes from a qualmless and often emotionless WellIntentionedExtremist traumatized by her experiences and mostly seeing things in their light to a more thoughtful and calculating but also more human and confused antagonist, with a slight episode of SanitySlippage (thus being technically a type III for anyone who sees her as a villain and doesn't choose the popular AlternativeCharacterInterpretation).
* ArchEnemy:
** To Merlin, though she doesn't fully understand to what extent until the very end. After her FaceHeelTurn, she hates Merlin for trying to poison her but largely sees him as an annoyance while Uther and Arthur are her true enemies. Then she learns that the man named Emrys, who she sees in a vision, is destined to be her doom, not knowing that Emrys is actually Merlin aged into an old man using an aging potion. It's only in the GrandFinale that she finally learns the truth.
** Once Arthur learns the truth about her and becomes King, she firmly becomes his main enemy.
* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: With Arthur, although the specifics of this trope don't apply due to their mostly [[LikeBrotherandSister siblingly]] relationship.
* AxeCrazy: Definitely becomes this season four onwards albeit in a rather cold and manipulative way.
* BadassBoast: Morgana has zero problem with using her powers to try to intimidate others.
* BadassNormal: Before she discovered that she was a witch who possessed magical abilities.
* BadBoss: Consistently treats Agravaine poorly and is very quick to insult and blame him when things go wrong, even though he has [[HypercompetentSidekick been of enormous help]] to her at great personal risk.
* BastardBastard: After her FaceHeelTurn, before which she was a compassionate, good-hearted young woman. It is revealed Morgana is the illegitimate daughter of King Uther and a woman named Vivienne.
* BatmanGambit: Towards every character in the series, primarily to Arthur, Merlin and Gwen. Morgana often used manipulation (primarily with the use of magic) in order to cause harm to others.
* TheBeautifulElite: Especially in season's one and two. Not to mention that Morgana does come from RoyalBlood, although that was unknown in the first few seasons.
* BeautyEqualsGoodness: Eventually {{subverted}}.
* BeautyIsBad: From season three onwards after Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn.
* BecameTheirOwnAntithesis: She went through many personality changes after series 2. You can find almost no similarities between her former self and her new self. Morgana was at first a confident, brave, and always compassionate young woman, who didn't judge any differences between magicians and non-magicians. After she discovers she has magical powers and would thus be hunted by Uther and shunned in Camelot, she becomes insecure and paranoid. Her feelings of isolation and lack of self-worth make her more self-focused. She slowly begins seeing everyone in Camelot as an enemy and reinterprets her relationships with them. After a betrayal, she begins to feel justified in her fear and considers all non-magic users in Camelot as worthless and cruel enemies who deserve to die. She then uses her insight into their inner lives to trap them, manipulate their minds, and ruin their romantic plot lines.
* BigBad: In series four and onwards. She is the opposite of [[TheGoodKing Arthur]], the BigGood.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: In the first episode of series 3 alone, Morgana's killed a knight, plotted with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot, while making numerous Psychotic Smirks to pretty much let us know she's way into TheDarkSide.
* BigNo: In 3x13, after [[spoiler:Morgause is gravely injured]]; she literally brings the roof down.
* BirdsOfAFeather: With Merlin, Mordred and Morgause. All have the gift of magic, although Morgana is originally unaware of that Merlin has magic.
* BlackCloak: In series 4, complete with [[InTheHood hood]].
* BlingOfWar: Morgana's "action gear" involves a shiny metal corset of some kind. Unless she were shot directly in the stomach, it's utterly impractical.
* [[RingOfPower Bracelet Of Power]]: Morgana wears a special bracelet which was given to her by her half sister Morgause. The bracelet has magical power.
* BraidsOfAction: Whenever she has time to prepare for a fight, her hair is put back in a braid.
* BrainyBrunette: Of the ManipulativeBitch type.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: 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 "homicidal".
* BreakTheCutie: Although she has become evil, everything had gone wrong for Morgana. It is probably the biggest reason why Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn to begin with.
* BrokenBird: Morgana's resentment towards Uther's hatred for magic and those who use magic led to her FaceHeelTurn, so much that Merlin sympathizes with her in 3x02 and even tries to pull a [[IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight "I Know You're In There Somewhere" Fight]].
* BrotherSisterIncest: With Arthur. In the first season, there were hints of a Arthur/Morgana pairing, but in the third season, it was discovered that Arthur is her half-brother due to the fact that she and Arthur share the same father, Uther. Which is interesting, considering that in the original Arthurian legend, it's Arthur and Morgause, not Morgana, who have an incestuous relationship as the parents of Mordred (although adaptations often fold Morgause into Morgana and give her these relationships).
* ButtMonkey: Even before her HeelFaceTurn, the writers did not seem to like her.
* CainAndAbel: With Arthur. In terms of roles, Morgana is the Cain (the BigBad) to Arthur's Abel (the BigGood). She spends most of her time plotting to bring Arthur down and has made many attempts to kill him and make him suffer. And it seems as though she doesn't even care even after learning that he's her half brother. It's a far fall from when she actively ''defended'' him in 1x07. See SiblingYinYang.
* TheCaligula: Her short stints as Queen of Camelot didn't seem to involve anything except demanding that the people accept her as their ruler, killing them when they refused, and burning their crops just to drive the point home. Indeed, it often appears that Morgana seems to be under the delusion that by taking the throne of Camelot, everyone will automatically bow down and worship her as their new Queen. Thus her plans always spectacularly fail to take into account exactly ''why'' everyone has such UndyingLoyalty towards Arthur.
* CatapultNightmare: Plenty. They get worse as the series goes on.
* TheChessmaster: Morgana has no problem using and manipulating people to get what she wants.
* TheChosenOne: According to the Dochraid, she's destined to bring back the Old Religion. [[spoiler:Given that she's the BigBad of the series and is killed by Merlin in the GrandFinale, it's doubtful that this is true.]]
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: After losing Morgause, Morgana is never fully loyal again, even to the magic users who serve under her. This eventually becomes her biggest downfall.
* ChronicVillainy: Morgana cannot stop committing evil acts.
* ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive: A couple of times in series three.
* CleavageWindow: Most of her outfits.
* ColorCodedEyes: Morgana's eye colour, which is one of her most noticeable and defining physical features. Interestingly enough, her green eye colour reflects on her personality and her temperament as a person, especially considering that she did a FaceHeelTurn after series 2. Morgana has always been somewhat of a jealous and envious personality, even before she became evil and consumed with darkness and hatred, but her jealous nature and her thirst for revenge became even more amplified and obvious after she became evil and turned to the dark side. Morgana particularly aimed her jealousy towards Arthur and Guinevere, so much that she spent all of her time plotting against the both of them.
* ComplexityAddiction: Hoo boy. Nearly every single one of Morgana's plans falls under this trope.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Ended by Series 3.
* ConsummateLiar: Morgana is always lying.
* CostumePorn: Morgana's entire wardrobe, including dresses that wouldn't look too out of place at a cocktail party.
* ConvenientComa: She ends up in at least three of these over the course of the series.
* CoolBigSis: 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 half-sister]], she's already tried to kill him several times.
* CoolCrown: [[spoiler: At the end of season three, when she is briefly crowned Queen of Camelot.]]
* CorruptTheCutie: She became evil after her half sister Morgause started to manipulate her over to the dark side.
* TheCorrupter: Could be to every character on the show. But mostly to Gwen in season five. Also, to Merlin, when she tried to [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwash]] him into killing Arthur at any cost in season four.
* TheCorruptible: It could be argued that Morgana was easily swayed over to the dark side because of how broken, fragile and vulnerable she was emotionally, psychologically and mentally. Darkness had already existed inside of her but it could be that a combination of psychological and mental issues, a dysfunctional family (being a Pendragon), the people she surrounded herself with (bad influences such as Morgause, Agravaine and even Uther) and the people who had somewhat of an influence on her turning evil (such as Merlin's betrayal, finding out that Uther arranged an [[UriahGambit Uriah Gambit]] on her father, and finding out he was her father, ect) is most likely what caused her to be so corruptible and what was able to let the darkness fully consume her to the point where she was filled with nothing but anger, hatred, jealousy and vengefulness on the inside.
* CuteAndPsycho: She was getting there in series 4, but seems to have fully crossed into this in series 5.
* DaddysLittleVillain: To Uther of course.
* DarkIsEvil: Morgana started dressing like Bellatrix Lestrange in season four. In season five, she strays from the Bellatrix look, but continues to wear black from head to toe.
* DarkMessiah: The Dochraid prophesies that Morgana will bring back the Old Religion to the land. A contrast to Merlin, who is the prophecised [[MessianicArchetype sorcerer who will guide Albion into a Golden Age]].
* TheDarkSide: Morgana becomes evil and does a FaceHeelTurn in season three. She becomes darker and darker as the series progresses, so much that she is no longer recognizable to the character she was in season's one and two.
* TheDarkSideWillMakeYouForget: 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.
* DeadpanSnarker: Before she had her FaceHeelTurn, she had her witty and humorous moments.
* DefrostingIceQueen: Only to revert back into an IceQueen in series 3.
* TheDeterminator: Morgana will do anything, '''anything''', to gain access to the throne of Camelot, including killing people, causing destruction, and betraying and backstabbing others (like Arthur). Hell, she has started wars due to her determination to get what she wants. Morgana is probably one of the most determined characters in the entire series, probably up there with Merlin.
* DiminishingVillainThreat: The more Morgana tries to kill Arthur, the less threatening she becomes. It quickly becomes clear that without Morgause around to make the plans, she's out of her depth.
* DoesNotLikeMen: An unusual case. In the first two series she was portrayed as friendly and flirty toward men, but as she falls further into evil she becomes less and less interested, to the point where she appears practically asexual in her complete lack of awareness of them.
* DreamingOfThingsToCome: Morgana has the ability to see the future.
* DrivenByEnvy: This seems to be the source of her new-found hatred toward Guinevere, considering that her former serving maid is destined to be Queen of Camelot - a position that Morgana believes is ''hers''. Then again, it could be because Gwen chose Arthur over her after she invaded Camelot.
* DrivenToMadness: Morgana being betrayed by Merlin at the end of season two and watching Uther, her father, endlessly execute her kind (magic users) as well as deny being her father to the public caused her (who already has a host of psychological and mental issues to start with) to become obsessive, sociopathic and insane.
* DrivenToVillainy: Many factors contributed to Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn.
* DrunkWithPower: After Morgana discovered that she had magic and became very powerful, she used her powerful magical abilities to destroy Camelot and bring down Arthur.
* DysfunctionJunction: Morgana is a highly dysfunctional individual. Her upbringing and her family (the Pendragons) are the most dysfunctional royal family ever.
* EeriePaleSkinnedBrunette: Morgana has very dark hair with extremely pale complexion. It is very noticeable, especially when she wears black clothing.
* EmpoweredBadassNormal: After Morgana gained her magical abilities. Not only did Morgana become a powerful witch and High Priestess, but she is also a master swordswoman and highly skilled in combat, skills which she possessed before she gained any of her magic.
* ErmineCapeEffect: Well, Morgana is royalty after all.
* EtTuBrute: She ''did not'' take Merlin's betrayal or Uther [[spoiler:not publicly recognizing her as his biological daughter]] well...
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Although Morgana is evil with bad intentions, it is clear that she cared for a few select group of people such as Morgause, Mordred, and Aithusa.
* EvilCostumeSwitch: As of series four, Morgana wears a gothic black dress and green eye-shadow with [[ExcessiveEvilEyeshadow dark eyeliner]], as well as having wild hair.
* EvilCounterpart: To Merlin. See {{Foil}}.
* EvilFeelsGood: Justified. After becoming a sorceress, the only time she doesn't feel terrified and alone is when she's associating with the bad guys. Although she subverts it with [[spoiler: Uther's death. Agravaine expects her to rejoice, but she's in a TroubledFetalPosition and wondering why she feels so empty.]]
* EvilFormerFriend: To Gwen, Arthur and Merlin.
* EvilGloating: There was never a time when Morgana didn't gloat about how powerful she was and how she would defeat Emrys and become Queen of Camelot one day.
* EvilIsPetty: Sure, her animosity toward Uther and Merlin is justified, but her treatment of Gwen is just catty and mean. Though Gwen did betray her for Arthur after she invaded Camelot.
* EvilMentor: To Mordred and Aithusa, sort of.
* EvilPlan: To destroy Uther, bring down both Arthur and Gwen, defeat Emrys (Merlin) and [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen rule Camelot as Queen]]. [[spoiler: She fails.]]
* EvilSorcerer: Gender-inverted. Morgana is a very powerful witch and a High Priestess. However, she uses her magic for evil purposes and she also practices BlackMagic. She uses her magic to bring down Arthur and the rest of Camelot. Morgana is the opposite of Merlin, who is a good or benevolent magic user who practices WhiteMagic.
* EvilWearsBlack: After Morgana does a FaceHeelTurn, she starts to wear much more black or darker colours, indicating her status as someone who has turned to the dark side. In the earlier series, Morgana wore brighter colours such as purple, blue and green for example, which had reflected not only her royal status but her good natured personality.
* ExcessiveEvilEyeshadow: After Morgana became evil, she started to wear heavier eye makeup, such as heavier eyeliner and heavier eyeshadow (the colour of her eyeshadow was green). Before Morgana became evil, she wore much lighter makeup.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange: Morgana's hair style change is vert noticeable after she does a FaceHeelTurn.
* FaceHeelTurn: In season three onwards.
* FallenHero: Morgana was originally a kind and nice person who had shown herself to be compassionate and understanding. However, she does a FaceHeelTurn in series 3 and becomes evil, succumbing to TheDarkSide. There are many factors that contributed to Morgana becoming the way that she did, such as her dysfunctional upbringing, feeling like an outsider within Camelot as somebody who possesses magic, watching those like her constantly being ostracized and killed because of who they are, being corrupted by immoral people (Agravaine, Morgause, even Uther) and being betrayed by those she considered to be her friends.
* FalseFriend: Towards Merlin, and later towards Arthur, Gwen, and (in a daughterly manner) Uther.
* FauxAffablyEvil: Morgana appeared this way to everyone, including to Merlin, Arthur, Uther, and Gwen, during the beginning of season three. She appeared to be polite and nice to everyone's faces, primarily Uther and Gwen. However, Morgana had already slipped over to the dark side. She became full-on evil in the later part of season three onwards.
* FlirtyStepSiblings: Arthur and Morgana are kind of like this during series 1 since Uther is the guardian of Morgana, and she is like a daughter to him. It is almost as if Uther adopted Morgana, which would make Arthur and Morgana like step-siblings.
** As of 3x05, Arthur and Morgana fall into [[spoiler:BrotherSisterIncest]], given that [[spoiler:they share the same father.]]
* {{Foil}}: To Merlin. She's consistently referred to as "witch" in parallel to Merlin's "warlock". They both have great power and live in loneliness because of it, and are both prophesied to bring magic back. However, she's more unforgiving of non-magical people's fears and mistrusts than Merlin, and are more inclined to take out her resentment on them. As the Great Dragon puts it, she's the darkness to his light, the hatred to his love. She is also the DarkMessiah to Merlin's MessianicArchetype. She's also a noble as opposed to Merlin's commoner background.
* ForegoneConclusion: Morgana becoming evil (or at least becoming an enemy of Camelot and its people).
* FreudianExcuse: There are various and understandable reasons as to why Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn. Some of them include her dysfunctional upbringing, watching Uther (her own father) consistently persecute and execute those of her kind (magic users), having to hide her identity as a witch within Camelot out of fear of being executed, suffering from psychological, emotional and mental issues, and also being betrayed by both Uther and Merlin.
* FromNobodyToNightmare: Averted. It's not that Morgana was nobody, it's that Morgana goes from being a "normal" King's Ward into one of the most powerful and most dangerous characters in the entire series. Most of this has to do with the fact that Morgana became completely [[TheCorruptible corruptible]] and let power, jealousy, anger and greed take over her and her motivations.
* TheGift: When Morgana finally accepts her magical powers, sometime between seasons three and four, she becomes a High Priestess after one year of training. She eventually becomes a serious threat to Merlin, who is the most powerful warlock in history. She is a skilled swordswoman and is always able to get her hands on an army.
* GirlyBruiser: Morgana is very feminine but she's a rather capable fighter and is pretty handy with a sword.
* GirlWithPsychoWeapon: Inverted. More like Psycho Girl With Weapon. It's not that the weapon Morgana often has on her (mostly a sword or a knife) is psycho, it's that Morgana is psycho.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Morgana was [[spoiler: crowned Queen of Camelot in one of the final two episodes of season three. Also, she was momentarily Queen in season four.]]
* GoodColorsEvilColors: When Morgana was still good in the first two seasons, she wore lighter colours such as blue, purple and green. However, after Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn, she started to wear much darker colours, specifically black.
* GoodGirlGoneBad: Morgana went from being a kind, caring, compassionate and understanding person to someone selfish, hateful, manipulative, vengeful, and jealous. There are many factors that contributed to Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn such as growing up in a dysfunctional family and environment, being rejected or not being acknowledged by her real father (Uther), feeling like an outsider within Camelot as someone who possesses magic, seeing people of her kind (magic users) constantly being persecuted and killed by the hand of her own father, and being betrayed by people she saw or referred to as her friends (i.e. Merlin).
* GoodHairEvilHair: Morgana's hair changed rather dramatically between the time she was "good" and when she became bad. Morgana's FaceHeelTurn takes her from shiny, flowing tresses to a bird's nest of messy hair that seems to include dreadlocks.
* GoMadFromTheIsolation: For two years in between series 4 and 5, Morgana and Aithusa were locked at the bottom of a well away from the sun. It seems to have shattered nearly every remnant of sanity she had left.
* GracefulLadiesLikePurple: She gets no less than four purple dresses over the course of the first three series, two of silk and two of velvet: [[http://oi47.tinypic.com/hv79xi.jpg one]], [[http://oi46.tinypic.com/riywya.jpg two]], [[http://oi46.tinypic.com/1114bk9.jpg three]], [[http://oi48.tinypic.com/10f3vx1.jpg four]] which denote her status as the king's ward, as well as the fact that she is also of RoyalBlood ([[spoiler: considering that she is King Uther's illegitimate daughter after all.]])
* GreenEyedMonster: Morgana is strongly driven by envy, jealousy and revenge. It became more evident after she became evil. Even before Morgana turned to darkness, she still possessed somewhat of a jealous and envious personality and temperament.
* HardHead: 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 [[Series/{{Smallville}} Lex Luthor]].
* HeelFaceDoorSlam: At the end of the second season, Morgana is unknowingly the source of an enchantment that has put everyone in Camelot to sleep. The only way to break the enchantment is to kill the source (the source being Morgana) - so Merlin poisons her. Throughout that season, Morgana had been teetering between good and evil but this act of betrayal (Merlin's betrayal against her) acts as a catalyst. So when she returns a year later, her half sister Morgause has corrupted her completely. Then in a season three episode, Morgana discovers that she is King Uther's birth daughter. When he refuses to acknowledge her, it's a pretty definitive door slam for Morgana.
* HeroicBSOD: Kate [=McGrath=] said that Morgana sort of "shuts down" in 2x12 as she realizes her role in Morgause's plot.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler:By the time that she trapped Merlin in the Crystal Cave, her powers had finally managed to become strong enough to be equal to his. Too bad that it was the Crystal Cavern where Merlin managed to reach the full potential of his abilities, becoming more powerful than ever and, more importantly, more powerful than she could ever hope to become, returning her to her usual AlwaysSecondBest]]. Had she not [[spoiler:trapped Merlin in the cave and (apparently) stripped him of his powers]], she might have had a chance to defeat him, but instead what she did was ensure that would never happen.
* HourglassPlot: With Guinevere. The two essentially switch positions over the course of the show.
* HumiliationConga: Is unnervingly prone to being on the receiving end of these.
* IceQueen: Morgana is cold, icy, selfish and sociopathic.
* InTheHood: Is often wearing one when she's up to no good.
* InternalizedCategorism: 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 SelfFulfillingProphecy: having taken in Uther's teaching that magic was evil, she subconsciously believes that having embraced her magical side, she ''has'' to act evil.
* IrrationalHatred: The sheer, inexplicable vehemence with which she plots Guinevere's death is difficult to grasp. Granted, she feels as though Gwen is usurping her position as Queen of Camelot, but that she so quickly leaps to the betrayal and attempted murder of her once-closest friend with no remorse whatsoever is rather jarring. Of course, she also plots Arthur's death, but for whatever reason, she takes Guinevere's existence that much more ''personally''. Probably due to the fact that Gwen, like everyone else, thought that magic was evil, and thus would likely have feared her had she known about her powers. See Gwen's entry in FantasticRacism.
* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Has shades of this through the first two series, attempting to kill Uther at least twice because of her hatred towards him. By the third series, she's long since become a BitchInSheepsClothing and crossed the MoralEventHorizon. By the fourth, the Morgana who'd rather die than see a child hurt in series 1 (Mordred), callously reacts to the news of innocents death with an expression of "So?".
* KickingAssInAllHerFinery: She does come from royalty after all.
* KillTheCutie: She is killed [[spoiler: by Merlin in the series finale after he stabs her with a sword in dragons breath.]]
* LackOfEmpathy: This was actually telegraphed fairly early on. Though she's sympathetic when Gwen's father dies, the end of the episode suggests that she was channelling her own grief for [[ItsAllAboutMe her father's death all along]]. Likewise, whilst she was still in her "good phase", she refused to return to Camelot when she heard that hostages would be killed if the druids did not release her (Uther having mistakenly believed she was kidnapped). By the third series, she responds to Merlin's plea that women and children are dying with the word: "Good!"
* LadyOfBlackMagic: Beautiful, intelligent, poised, and a powerful sorceress who can use highly destructive magic. Her magical powers only become more powerful throughout the story.
* LadyOfWar: A graceful sorceress who is also a masterful swordsman.
* LastOfHisKind: She is the last High Priestess of the Old Religion.
* LightFeminineAndDarkFeminine: Dark obviously, though with less emphasis on sexuality (in the later series) than the trope usually implies.
* LittleDeadRidingHood: Morgana narrowly avoids this fate in ''The Nightmare Begins'' after escaping to the forest in a bright red hooded cloak.
* LongLostRelative: She is revealed to be Morgause's [[spoiler:''and'' Arthur's]] half-sister.
* MagicIsEvil: At least when Morgana uses magic. Morgana often practiced dark magic, as opposed to Merlin, who practiced [[WhiteMagic good magic]].
* MakingASplash: Whereas Merlin's powers seem to be based on [[BlowYouAway air]] and [[PlayingWithFire fire]], Morgana is often connected with water, most obviously in ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E01TheTearsOfUtherPendragonPartI}} The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'' in which the damp mandrake root conjures up visions of drowned murder victims.
* MamaBear: 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.
* ManipulativeBitch: Even when she was good, she was ''very'' adept at getting people to do what she wanted them to. See her manipulation of Arthur throughout ''The Beginning of the End'' and Uther in ''To Kill The King''.
* MasterSwordsman: Morgana has been shown to very capable and effective in sword fighting.
* MistreatmentInducedBetrayal: [[spoiler: She began turning against Camelot when she discovered that she has magic and feared for her life. Merlin's poisoning her clinches it.]]
* MoralityPet: Is more or less one for Uther, and is definitely one for Morgause. [[spoiler:Aithusa and Mordred become this for her in series 5.]]
* MotiveDecay: At some point her goals shift from ridding Camelot of a tyrannical king (justifiable) to killing [[spoiler:her half-brother]] and becoming queen herself (not so much).
* MsFanservice: Some of Morgana's outfits have been somewhat revealing.
* MurderIsTheBestSolution: Though she keeps changing her mind on this. Usually she goes straight for the kill when she ''shouldn't'' and relies on [[ComplexityAddiction overly complicated plans]] when she should just be killing.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: NamesToRunAwayFrom/{{Mor}}gana.
* NiceGirl: Was this before her FaceHeelTurn.
* NiceToTheWaiter: In the first two seasons she treats her maidservant Gwen very nicely, and the two are close friends. This obviously changes after Morgana's FaceHeelTurn.
* NoSympathyBetweenMooks: Morgana even treated her own allies and people who were on her side badly, most notably Agravaine.
* NotAsYouKnowThem: Her return in series 3.
* NotQuiteDead: Many times in the series, but most notably after Merlin poisoned her in season two.
* NotSoDifferentRemark: Annis calls her on her similarities to Uther, despite her hatred of him. Also, in "The Sword in the Stone: Part 2", when Morgana calls Arthur out for being not so different from Uther, [[InsultBackfire only for him to counter back]].
--> '''Morgana:''' Maybe you're not so different from Uther as you like to think.\\
'''Arthur''': [[LampshadeHanging Nor are you]].
* OfCorsetsSexy: In series 4 her black outfit is fitted with a laced-up corset.
* OffingTheOffspring: She's terrified of [[spoiler:Uther]] for exactly this reason.
* OffscreenTeleportation: She's a master of this after going evil. If the camera drifts away from her for more than a few seconds, she's gone.
* OhCrap: Morgana in ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E06AServantOfTwoMasters}} A Servant Of Two Masters]]'' upon seeing the 80-year-old disguised Merlin, having had visions of him as "Emrys" and foreseeing that [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou he will stand over her]] on a corpse-littered battlefield, [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech admonishing her for her misdeeds.]] Occurs again for "The Sword in The Stone, Part II".
** In "Diamond of the Day Part 2", the [[SmugSnake smug expression]] on her face turning to rapid horror after Merlin reveals [[spoiler: that the sword he ran her through with was actually ''[[InfinityPlusOneSword Excalibur]]'', a weapon forged in Dragon's breath. In other words, a weapon that ''can'' actually kill her.]]
* OrcusOnHisThrone: In series 4 Morgana spends a lot of time sitting in her hovel, waiting for other characters to bring her news of what she's ordered them to do.
* ParentalAbandonment: Her father died ten years ago, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown. [[spoiler:But as it turns out, Uther is her biological father and kept it secret all along.]]
* ParentalSubstitute: Of sorts, towards Mordred.
* PetTheDog: Has a genuine bond with Aithusa.
* PluckyGirl: Before her FaceHeelTurn.
* PoliticallyActivePrincess: Both before and after her FaceHeelTurn. Prior to it, would often stick up for the rights of magic-users, afterwards she tries to topple the Pendragon dynasty.
* ThePowerOfHate: In season three she is driven entirely by hate, some of it understandable (toward Uther and Merlin) and some of it inexplicable (the writers never give us a reason why she suddenly loathes Arthur and Guinevere).
* ProperLady: Primarily in the earlier seasons when she was King Uther's ward before she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* ProudBeauty: At times, especially in the earliest episodes.
* PsychoticSmirk: Morgana gives these all of the time.
* PsychopathicWomanchild: Morgana displays traits of entitlement, selfishness and brattiness. At times, she displays immaturity, especially when it comes to feeling that she is entitled to the throne of Camelot. Morgana can come off rather bratty and immature and she throws temper tantrums whenever she doesn't get her way.
* PurpleIsPowerful: Morgana wears a lot of purple, which strongly reflects her coming from RoyalBlood as well as being a powerful witch and high priestess.
* PutThemAllOutOfMyMisery: At this point, she seemingly just wants to make everyone suffer.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: The contrast of Morgana's very dark hair and pale skin is even more noticeable in the later seasons.
* RelatedDifferentlyInTheAdaptation:
** She is revealed to be Arthur's paternal half-sister. In the Arthurian legends they're usually maternal half-siblings. Interestingly, the series does still feature Gorlois, Morgana's legendary father - Morgana believed he was her father for much of her life, not knowing Uther secretly had an affair with her mother. This partly explains why Uther took on Morgana as his ward after her parents died, though it also results in Morgana resenting Uther more than ever for never acknowledging her as his child. It also drives her ambition to become Queen of Camelot eventually, because the way she sees it she has just as much right to rule as Arthur.
** As a consequence of this, Morgana and Morgause are presented as maternal half-sisters rather than full sisters, though it doesn't diminish their closeness (especially as they both hate Uther).
* TheResenter: Of Arthur and Guinevere for their positions in Camelot and their adherence to Uther's anti-magic policy.
** She also has a strong resentment against Merlin for poisoning her in season two. In fact, it could be argued that Merlin's betrayal is what cause Morgana to do a full on FaceHeelTurn.
* RichBitch: She comes from royalty after all.
* RivalTurnedEvil: Morgana became this towards Merlin, Arthur and Gwen in season three onwards.
* RoaringRampageOfRevenge: What she's been doing for the past two series.
* RoyalBastard: She's revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of King Uther Pendragon.
* RoyalBlood: Morgana is the daughter of Uther, who was the former King of Camelot.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: Morgana could be the Trope Codifier. She is the illegitimate daughter of King Uther. Morgana hates Uther but ironically, [[LikeFatherLikeSon shares many traits in common with him]]. Morgana also has [[TheMentallyDisturbed many psychological, emotional and mental issues]].
* SameCharacterButDifferent: The abrupt switch in her personality between series 2 and 3.
* SanitySlippage: By series 5, her desire to rule Camelot seems to be the only thing keeping her even remotely grounded. She's so lost in her hatred that the mere mention of failure to kill Arthur sets her off.
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveSupernaturalPowers: Morgana possesses magic. Therefore, she believes that she is able to do whatever she wants because she is a powerful witch. Morgana often tries to use her strength and power of magic to intimidate others.
* SecretlySelfish: Morgana certainly cares about her friends and feels sympathy for those persecuted because they use magic, but most of her actions are actually motivated by her own desires. After Gwen's father is killed, she becomes willing to betray Uther not because of how this hurts Gwen but because of her own issues with him, and after discovering that she has magic becomes far more willing to betray him and aide those who are willing to kill anyone working for him. She also refuses to return to Camelot after Merlin warns her that people will be killed since Uther suspects them of having kidnapped her, showing that at the end of the day she only cares about herself. And it's notable that after her FaceHeelTurn, she seemingly swears revenge on all of Camelot despite Uther and Merlin being the only ones deserving of her anger, not caring how this would result in the death of people like Gwen and Arthur who have always treated her fairly and even helped her in going against Uther's commands such as when they saved Mordred.
* SelfFulfillingProphecy: Which leads to her FaceHeelTurn.
* SelfMadeOrphan: Her mother and the man she looked to as a father and believed for a long time was her father were already dead, but she gave Agravaine the amulet to kill the wounded Uther--her birth father.
* ShipperOnDeck: Morgana became a bit of a shipper of Merlin/Gwen in 1x03 and 1x04.
* ShowSomeLeg: Morgana devises this plan in order for Gwen and her to escape from bandits in 2x04.
* SmugSmiler: One of her defining traits after her FaceHeelTurn, to the point that it's a source of {{Narm}} and MemeticMutation among the fans of the show.
* SmugSuper: When she doesn't have to hide her magic, she's not shy about lording it over non-magic users.
* TheSnarkKnight: Morgana won't hesitate to use sarcasm.
* TheStarscream: Morgana beginning in Series 3 becomes this to Uther.
** In Series 4, this ends up repeatedly being [[FatalFlaw her downfall]], seeking allies to take control of Camelot, but whom end up abandoning her after realising her ChronicBackstabbingDisorder.
* StartOfDarkness: It could be argued that Morgana started to become evil after Merlin poisoned her in season two. [[spoiler: In the series finale, Merlin even admitted that he blames himself for Morgana turning evil and into a villain]]. However her actions prior to this imply she would have turned evil anyway, but poisoning her is just what finally caused her to become the villain.
* StayInTheKitchen: In Series 1-3, while she's a high-ranking noble, her role in Camelot as the King's Ward is basically to show up at functions and look glamourous, and she doesn't have much actual power (compared to [[spoiler: Guinevere later on who actively takes part in ruling]]). Arthur has made some disparaging comments that she should just comb her hair or whatever a girl of her station does all day.
* SugaryMalice: She's good at this one.
* SupernaturalGoldEyes: Like Merlin, when she uses magic.
* TokenEvilTeammate: In season 3, when she returns to Camelot, after her FaceHeelTurn. In season 4 and 5 she's not even a "teammate" anymore.
* TookALevelInBadass: After she discovered that she had magic and found Morgause, she stopped being afraid and began to use her power purposefully.
* TookALevelInJerkass: She always was rebellious and butting heads with Uther, but it was because she didn't like his treatment of magic users and was upset with the rumors of him offing the man she thought was her father. But, after she found out Uther was really her father and had lied she went full on evil. Even when Arthur became king (after she had Uther killed), she didn't stop because she views Arthur as being just like Uther and believes only she can bring back magic.
* TraitorShot: Gets dozens and dozens. And dozens.
* TroubledAbuser: All her interactions with Guinevere post series 3.
* TrueCompanions: Was this with Merlin, Gwen and Arthur before her FaceHeelTurn.
* TheUnfettered: Morgana is extremely ruthless in her actions. She doesn't have any guilt or remorse for her actions or hurting others.
* UnkemptBeauty: In season's four and five. Morgana went from wearing fancy dresses and looking like royalty in the earlier seasons to wearing black gothic clothing with wild, untameable hair in the later seasons.
* UnlimitedWardrobe: Before season four. When Morgana was the King's ward in season's one to three, she had a variation of different outfits and dresses. After she turned bad in season three, her wardrobe became less vibrant and became more limited.
* UnstoppableRage: Morgana has it towards Uther, Gwen and Arthur. She has anger towards Merlin to a lesser extent.
* UsedToBeASweetKid: Arthur invokes this explicitly in 5x02 when he reminds her that she used to be so kind and compassionate as a child. Her response? "I grew up."
* VainSorceress: {{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 she's not really trying to impress anyone.
* VillainCorner: Towards the end of season two, Morgana was already started to do a Face by joining forces with [[LongLostSibling Morgause]]. Morgana became increasingly darker and more evil after Merlin poisoned her. It could be argued that Merlin poisoning Morgana and betraying her caused Morgana to do a complete FaceHeelTurn.
* VillainousBreakdown: At the end of season three, when she finds Morgause gravely injured. She [[BigNo screams so loud in devastation]] that she literally brings the walls down with her magic.
* WaterIsWomanly: A cold, aloof LadyOfBlackMagic whose magical powers are often associated with water to contrast with Merlin's fire-based powers.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: Along with Morgause. Given Uther's treatment of those with magic, her shift in alignment is understandable and [[AlternateCharacterInterpretation her side may even have the moral high-ground over Uther]], but like Uther, she uses some ruthless tactics to achieve her end.
* WeUsedToBeFriends: To Merlin, Arthur and Gwen. In fact, she says these exact words to Gwen in ''The Hunter's Heart''.
* WhiteStallion: When she was still on Camelot's side.
* WickedCultured: Morgana comes from royalty, therefore, she was raised cultured and was surrounded by all of the finer things in life.
* WildCard: In series 2.
* WildHair: In series 4 and onward.
* WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds: Morgana wants nothing but to bring Camelot, Uther and Arthur down. She is willing to do so at any cost. Although, if you look at Morgana's story, you can understand why she became evil or turned against Uther and Camelot. Morgana has always yearned to be accepted in Camelot as a magic user. However, watching her father, Uther, endless persecute and execute people of her kind has made her disdain and hatred for Uther and Camelot grow as time goes on. So, while Morgana doing evil things against Arthur, Uther and Camelot may be wrong on all levels, it is understandable why Morgana did turn against all of them at the same time.
* WoundedGazelleGambit: Occasionally. She gets really good at almost fooling everyone.
* YouAreWhatYouHate: As several characters point out to her in series four, Morgana has become just like Uther.
* YouCouldHaveUsedYourPowersForGood: What Merlin tells Morgana in season three after she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* YouKilledMyFather: Morgana accuses Uther of indirectly killing Gorlois by not sending troops to his aid.
* YoureNotMyFather: Morgana indirectly says this of Uther, telling a neighbouring Queen that it was Gorlois that raised her, and who she thus considers her true father.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Gwen]]
!![[spoiler:Queen]] Guinevere [[spoiler:Pendragon]]
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/guinevere-pendragon_2115.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/AngelCoulby

[-'''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. [[spoiler: As of the finale, she is queen regnant of Camelot.]]
----
* ActionGirl: Gwen is highly capable of defending herself and can use a sword quite effectively.
%% * ActionFashionista: Gwen becomes one [[spoiler: after she becomes Queen of Camelot in season four.]]
* ActionSurvivor: She has ''survived'' a lot, including being being dragged before Uther for crimes she didn't commit twice, being kidnapped by Cenred, being exiled by the love of her life, Arthur, after Morgana enchanted her to kiss Lancelot, and being kidnapped, dragged by a horse, and psychologically tortured by Morgana, until the had her will taken from her. Gwen endured so much, but was still as kind as ever.
* AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: Gwen is given a RagsToRiches storyline by becoming the wife of King Arthur later on in the series.
%% * AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: With both Lancelot and Arthur.
* AllLoveIsUnrequited: Gwen had feelings for Merlin in season one which were unreciprocated.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Gwen is crowned Queen of Camelot in the season four finale.
* BadassNormal: Gwen is completely human and therefore, she has no abilities whatsoever, yet she is highly capable of defending herself and others when the time calls for it.
* BatmanGambit: Pulls one off in 5.02 by gambling on Ruadan's PapaWolf instincts.
* BattleCouple: With Arthur, especially before she becomes Queen, but also after as well.
* BettyAndVeronica: Gwen is the Archie to Lancelot's Betty and Arthur's Veronica. Technically, Lancelot is considered to be Gwen's FirstLove and she fell in LoveAtFirstSight with him (and vice versa). Gwen starts to display romantic feelings for Arthur in series 2, but even in the beginning of series 2, she still had very strong feelings for Lancelot; this was evident in 2x04 when Lancelot and Gwen were reunited when Gwen was kidnapped. Lancelot rescued Gwen and Arthur was also on a mission to rescue Gwen. Both Arthur and Lancelot realize that Gwen has feelings for the both of them, but Lancelot decides to step aside and not come between Arthur and Gwen. As Lancelot ids gone, Gwen starts to fall deeper in love with Arthur to the point where she ends up choosing Arthur over Lancelot. In series 4, Lancelot dies after [[HeroicSacrifice he sacrifices himself to close the veil between worlds of the living and the dead]]. Gwen had made Lancelot promise to protect Arthur at all costs and Lancelot, being the noble and selfless person that he is, adhered to Gwen's wishes and promise.
** However, it seems that the triangle had come back in 4x09, when Lancelot made a return in the episode after Morgana had used magic to bring Lancelot back from the dead. Although, it was not the real Lancelot and was in fact, a shade version of Lancelot. Morgana had raised Lancelot from the dead in attempts to destroy Arthur and Gwen's relationship so that she would not get married to Arthur and become Queen of Camelot. Morgana used methods to manipulate a situation where Gwen would resist the love and the feelings that she had for Lancelot so that Arthur and Gwen would break up. Sadly, it ended up working as Arthur and Gwen break up in the episode. Fortunately, Arthur and Gwen do end up rekindling their relationship and the two get married at the end of series 4, becoming the RulingCouple of Camelot.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Gwen is normally a very nice and caring person who will go out of her way to help others without hesitation but she does not always extend that compassion, kindness and empathy to those she is suspicious of or those whom she considers to be her enemies. Gwen also will not hesitate to call out other people on their bad behaviour and she won't hesitate to kill those whom are posing as a serious threat to either her or those she loves and cares about. This is the same person who has stood up to both Uther and Arthur, calling them out on their behaviour. Gwen becomes even more stern when she becomes Queen in season five. She has shown that although she does have Camelot's bets interests at heart and wants to do right by her kingdom as Queen, she will resort to some rather ruthless methods when it comes time for her to do so. An example of this is in 5.01, [[spoiler: when she sentences her servant Sefa to ''death''.]]
* BigSisterInstinct: Towards Merlin and Elyan. She is highly protective of both of them. Merlin is even one of her weak spots -- threatening him is not a good idea. Gwen sees Merlin as someone who is very dear to her and there is nothing that she would not do for him. She has risked her life to look out for Merlin whenever he finds himself in trouble. Although Gwen was rather distant and estranged from Elyan and did not seem to have too much of a close relationship with him, she is still very protective towards him considering that is the only family that she has left.
* BirdsOfAFeather: With Merlin. Both come from poor or commoner backgrounds. They both originally couldn't stand Arthur and thought that he was a bully, although both of their opinions of Arthur gradually change over the course of the series (Merlin develops a strong and intense friendship with Arthur; Gwen falls in love with Arthur). Both are servants to someone of status, nobility and wealth. Merlin is the personal man-servant of Arthur, the Prince of Camelot; Gwen is the maid-servant of Lady Morgana, the King's Ward). Also, Merlin and Gwen both share TheHeart role on the show. Merlin represents the male emotional aspect of the series, while Gwen is the female centrepiece of the series. Both Gwen and Merlin are advisors to Arthur and guide him to do the right thing as much as possible. Both Merlin and Gwen are compassionate, humble, kind, friendly and understanding in personality. It is no wonder that Merlin and Gwen "clicked" from the very beginning since they share so many traits in common.
* {{Brainwashed}}: [[spoiler: Post the events of 5.06. And all the resultant tropes:]]
** FaceHeelTurn: An involuntary variant.
** StockholmSyndrome: Morgana invokes this by torturing her into thinking all her loved ones hate her, and then offering comfort and help, thus allowing a...
** SymbioticPossession: It is explained that her behavior is due to Morgana taking over her will and replacing her will with her own, which causes the following behaviors...
*** DecoyDamsel: Puts on quite the show of helplessness to manipulate her enemies.
*** FemmeFatale: She definitely acts more coquettish than usual when under Morgana's power. Arthur and the knights are completely wrapped around her little finger.
*** ObviouslyEvil: [[SubvertedTrope But only to the audience]].
*** PsychoticSmirk: Again, only the audience sees it.
** ThePowerOfLove: [[spoiler: What helps to break the enchantment, with the help of Merlin [[DisguisedInDrag disguised as a woman]], Dolma]].
* BrainyBrunette: Gwen is quite smart, pragmatic and logical.
* BreakTheCutie: In ''Lancelot du Lac'', in which she is enchanted into betraying Arthur by Morgana, is banished from Camelot and none of her friends are there to see her off except Merlin. Not even her own brother wants to see her. The cherry on top? Only the audience and the villains know she was enchanted, so she believes everything is her fault. This isn't so much Break the Cutie as smash her to bits, stomp on the pieces, and grind them to dust. As if that isn't enough, she gets enchanted AGAIN by Morgana to kill Arthur and was probably tormented a bit while she was held captive.
* BrokenBird: At various points in the series. Most notably in season one, when Uther has Gwen's father, Tom, executed even though he was innocent; in season four, when Arthur banishes Gwen from Camelot; and also in season five when her brother Elyan unexpectedly dies. Gwen has lost all of her family and after her brother died, she was corrupted by Morgana.
* CassandraTruth: Guinevere spends a lot of time in series 5 warning Arthur about the dangers inherent in him constantly riding out on missions. He never listens.
* {{Chickification}}: In Season 2, Gwen's role is pretty much just TheHeart and Arthur's LoveInterest.
** Rectified in Season 3.
* CharacterDevelopment: From shy, stuttering maid to regal, confident queen.
* CleavageWindow: Sometimes, from Season 2 onward.
* CloserToEarth: She is one of the few minority characters on the show.
* TheConscience: She's the moral compass of the show. With Arthur being morally compromised early on due to his allegiance to Uther and Morgana and Merlin going the slippery slope, she embodies honesty, principles and goodness.
* CoolBigSis: To Elyan.
* CoolCrown: Gets one at the end of the season four finale. Guinevere is lucky enough to wear a very elaborate, but still elegant-looking silver crown adorned with jewels.
* CorruptTheCutie: In season five, by Morgana.
* TheCutie: Primarily in season's 1 and 2.
* CrypticConversation: In [[spoiler: "Diamond of the Day Part 2"]], she has this type of conversation with Gaius, [[spoiler: confirming her suspicion that Merlin was indeed the Sorcerer that [[CurbStompBattle turned the tide]] at the Battle of Camlann in Camelot's favour.]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gwen]]''': [[spoiler: The Sorcerer in the battle, you knew who he was?]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gaius]]''': [[spoiler: *''{{Beat}}''* [[CrypticallyUnhelpfulAnswer Yes]].]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gwen]]''': [[spoiler: Do ''I'' know him? [[IKnowYouKnowIKnow Please Gaius, answer me honestly?]]]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gaius]]''': [[spoiler: ''[[MathematiciansAnswer Yes]]''.]]
%%* DiggingYourselfDeeper
* DamselInDistress: A couple of times, but [[MemeticMutation not nearly as often as you'd think]]. It's probably because the (very few) Gwen-centric episodes ''do'' [[NeverLiveItDown involve her in considerable distress]].
* DoggedNiceGirl[=/=]UnrequitedLove: Towards Merlin in Season 1.
* DudeMagnet: In this version, [[ForegoneConclusion Arthur and Lancelot]] have fallen in love with her, and Gwaine and Helios have shown brief interest.
* ErmineCapeEffect: Gwen's wardrobe changed drastically after she became Queen. She was seen wearing royal clothing.
* {{Expy}}: Of [[Series/{{Smallville}} Chloe Sullivan]].
* TheFace: Gwen is more diplomatic in her approaches socially. See TheHeart.
* FantasticRacism: Subverted and PlayedWith. She doesn't hate magicians, unlike Uther, but like him, she is afraid of magic and tries to punish people who use it. It leads to several inconspicuous KickTheDog moments.
** She tells Gaius what happened with Morgana after she used magic in front of her, [[LesCollaborateurs an act that could have gotten her mistress imprisoned]], even if she was declared the King's ward [[spoiler:and had all along actually been his daughter]]. In her defense, what Morgana did was a curse and before that Morgana went off with someone who was not what they seemed.
** In 4x03, she told Arthur in a deleted scene that she was mistrustful of magic and blames it for a tragedy which befell on her father, hoping that he won't use magic to heal his father (which is the equivalent of [[ToBeLawfulOrGood choosing lawful over good]]).
** In 5x01, she sounded very angry (and had a frightening look on her face), just a short moment after learning that Sefa (her maid)'s father was a sorcerer, before [[spoiler: pretending to sentence her to death while actually working to save her and getting her father, TheManBehindTheMan, imprisoned in her place]], an uncharacteristically harsh gambit [[WhatMeasureIsANonHuman which she doesn't seem to regret]].
* FanServicePack: [[http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lwm890.jpg See for yourself]]. She starts out as a commoner, with the associated plain clothes and modest appearance but becomes ProgressivelyPrettier as the show goes on.
* TheFettered: Gwen strongly believes in laws and following the rules. She is all about doing the right thing as much as possible.
* ForcefulKiss: To Arthur in 2x10 in order to break him out of an enchantment.
* FreudianTrio: In the trio of herself, Merlin and Arthur, Gwen is TheKirk or Ego (TheHeart, motherly, nurturing, loved by both Arthur and Merlin as a LoveInterest/[[LikeBrotherAndSister Sister Figure]] to Merlin's TheSpock or Superego (Calm, secretive, logical, intelligent, has made at least one SadisticChoice in which he sacrificed a dear friend in order to save a greater number of people) and Arthur's TheMcCoy or Id (Arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, is driven by his emotions, usually puts the individual before the bigger picture to Arthur's). See TheKirk.
* GirlFriday: Can be this at times to Merlin, especially when they're teaming up to solve mysteries.
* GirlNextDoor: When Gwen was still a maid servant. This changed [[spoiler: after Gwen became Queen.]]
* GoodIsNotDumb: She's easily the most observant character in the show and knows how to talk people into action.
* GoodIsNotSoft: [[spoiler: After discovering her maid leaked information to her father, tipping off Morgana's forces about Arthur's plan of rescue, cue Gwen swiftly sentencing the maid to death for committing treason. Even Sir Elyan appears shocked at the ease of which she declares this. However, it turned out to be a ruse to invoke a PapaWolf response from her father, who Gwen considered the actual threat. She just needed it to be convincing. It was a gamble, but it worked.]]
* GracefulLadiesLikePurple: Gwen wears a lot of purple dresses, especially when she becomes Queen. Gwen was seen wearing purple colours while she was a servant as well.
* GuileHero: She simply talks to people, using a blend of logic and guile to convince them to act according to her wishes.
* HairTropes:
** ExpositoryHairstyleChange: Her hair goes from practical buns to long, loose curls as she rises in status.
** LongHairIsFeminine: Her hair is long and curly.
** QuirkyCurls: In series 1 and 2.
** RegalRinglets: In series 5.
** MessyHair: In series 1.
* HappilyMarried: To Arthur in series 5.
* TheHeart: Gwen shares this role with Merlin.
* HeartbrokenBadass: Gwen has gone through a lot of hardships and pain in the name of love and romance and she hasn't had the best of luck in the love department. Especially in regards to her male suitors, Arthur and Lancelot.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Morgana. [[spoiler:This starts to deteriorate in series three.]]
* TheHighQueen: As of the end of series four. [[spoiler: This is even more true in the series finale considering that Gwen became the sole ruler of Camelot after King Arthur dies. In fact, the very last words of the entire series are '''"Long Live The Queen!"''', as cried by everyone present in the throne room.]]
* HonestAdvisor: Together with Merlin to Arthur.
* HotConsort: For King Arthur.
* HourglassPlot: With Morgana, essentially taking her place as the most powerful woman in Camelot.
* HugeGuyTinyGirl: With Arthur.
* ImpossiblyCoolClothes: After Gwen becomes Queen.
* InSeriesNickname: Her full name is Guinevere but almost everyone calls her Gwen, except Arthur. Arthur always calls Gwen by her full name "Guinevere".
* InterClassRomance: With Arthur. Gwen was a poor servant/maid and Arthur is a rich noble. This is now subverted after Gwen married Arthur and became Queen.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: With Gaius.
* InterspeciesFriendship: With Merlin. Merlin is a warlock and a Dragon Lord; Gwen is a human.
* IWillWaitForYou: At the conclusion of ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E10QueenOfHearts}} Queen Of Hearts]]'', she promises to wait for Arthur to become King, at which point they can marry.
* KickingAssInAllHerFinery: Especially when she becomes Queen.
* TheKirk/'''Ego''' (FreudianTrio): In the trio between herself, Arthur and Merlin, Gwen is TheKirk/Ego (motherly, nurturing, sensitive, TheHeart) to Arthur's TheMcCoy/Id (arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, HotBlooded) and Merlin's TheSpock/Superego (calm, logical, intelligent, TheChessmaster). See FreudianTrio.
* LadyAndKnight: Played remarkably straight with Lancelot and Guinevere, even though they aren't a lady or a knight when the show begins. However, Lancelot always makes a point of referring to Gwen as "my lady" and by the end of the third series he's been permanently knighted and by the end of the fourth season, she is "my lady" as she's Queen!
** There's a little of this with Gwen and Gwaine as well.
* LadyOfWar: The feminine, graceful young woman who is more than capable of using a sword.
* LadyInRed: A Queen, Gwen wore a lot of red dresses.
* LetsGetDangerous: 1x10, 2x04 and 5x01.
* LikeBrotherAndSister[=/=]PlatonicLifePartners: Gwen eventually becomes this with Merlin in series 2.
* LightFeminineAndDarkFeminine: Light to Morgana's dark.
** In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E11TheHuntersHeart}} The Hunter's Heart]]'' she is the dark to Mithian's light.
* LimitedWardrobe: In the first series she (understandably) only had two outfits.
* LivingMacGuffin: There is nobody that wouldn't risk their life for Gwen if she is kidnapped, gone missing or is in trouble of some sort. Merlin, Arthur, Lancelot and the rest of the Knights would all come searching for her and risk their lives in order to find her without even a second thought.
* TheLoad: DependingOnTheWriter. On one hand, her quick mind has proven useful on several occasions, on the other, she's still a relatively small and untrained peasant girl who often winds up being a DamselInDistress.
* LoveHurts: The poor girl never catches a break -- her feelings for Merlin are unrequited, her brief romance with Lancelot abruptly ends when he leaves Camelot, only to return and their romance is rekindled until Lancelot leaves again after noticing Arthur's and Gwen's feelings for each other, leaving Gwen upset, and her budding relationship with Arthur constantly becomes strained because of their social classes. Once she and Arthur become stable, she is enchanted into cheating on him with [[BackFromTheDead Lancelot]] - the kicker being only the audience and the bad guys know - and banished from Camelot forever. [[spoiler: To top it all, Gwen has to assume power at the cost of Arthur's death.]]
* LoveTriangle: At the centre of the most famous one of all (between herself, Arthur and Lancelot). [[spoiler: Gwen chooses Arthur.]]
* MalignedMixedMarriage: Arthur and Gwen are essentially this trope because [[UptownGirl Arthur is royalty while Gwen is a servant girl]] and King Uther won't hear of a romance between them. Though Arthur is white and Gwen is mixed-race, race is not a factor in Uther's disapproval.
* MartialPacifist: Guinevere dislikes violence and could under no circumstances be described as an ActionGirl (though she wields a sword on a couple of occasions, she's clearly not that good at it, and she remains the only main character to have never taken a life). However, she embodies the SilkHidingSteel trope, and at the beginning of series four, she witnesses the city gates being closed on refugees flocking to Camelot to escape the evil spirits invading the kingdom. She, a female servant, confronts the council of noble-born men, and using nothing but common sense and her own understanding of human nature, convinces all of them that their wisest choice of action is to re-open the gates and allow people to seek refuge in the city. They comply.
* MissingMom: The whereabouts of Gwen's mother are unknown. It is possible that she is deceased.
* ModestRoyalty: Though she gets a significant upgrade in clothing, she only ever wears minimal jewellery (just earrings and her wedding band). This is in stark contrast to Morgana of the first two seasons, who was often decked out in necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.
* MoralityChain[=/=]MoralityPet: Serves as this for Arthur.
* MsFanservice: Especially in the later seasons.
* MuggleBestFriend: To Merlin. While Merlin is a powerful sorcerer with magical abilities, Gwen i s a regular human.
* MythologyGag: She gets Arthur's conventional characterization in Arthurian legend: commoner to [[spoiler: ruler of the realm]], marriage to a royal, [[spoiler: leader of the kingdom to a Golden Age of justice and chivalry.]]
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: After Arthur witnesses her and Lancelot kissing the night before her and Arthur's wedding. Made all the worse because only the audience knows that she was under a spell the entire time and she actually believes that she willingly betrayed Arthur even if she doesn't understand why.
* NamingConventions: At the start of the show, she was invariably referred to as Gwen as a reflection of her status as a {{maid}}. This changed as the series went on (in particular, her [[LoveInterest Love Interests]] usually called her by her full name), and by series 5, she's consistently called Guinevere to reflect her higher status.
* TheNeedsOfTheMany: She often gives wise advice to Arthur and/or the Council on this principle.
* NeverASelfMadeWoman: The kingdom'd never benefit from Gwen's wise rule had Arthur not fallen in love with her.
* NiceGirl: Very much so. She becomes more struct after she becomes Queen, yet she still remains generally good and kind hearted.
* NinjaMaid: In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS01E10TheMomentOfTruth}} The Moment of Truth]]'' at least.
* NonActionSnarker: She might not be able to sword-fight an opponent into submission, but she's sassed quite a few bigger, stronger, more powerful people in her time.
--> ''"I don't expect someone like YOU to understand that."''
* OccultDetective: Occasionally, with Merlin before she became Queen.
* OfficialCouple: With Arthur. [[spoiler: At the end of season four, Gwen marries Arthur and she and Arthur become the RulingCouple of Camelot.]]
* OnlyOneName: Subverted. Before she married Arthur, Gwen's last name was unknown. Given the time period and having a last name would have been anachronistic even for nobility, it's likely that she doesn't have one.
* OppositesAttract: Gwen is a poor servant and Arthur is a wealthy royal. They come from completely different backgrounds and social statuses.
* OfCorsetsSexy: Wears them as outerwear in series 2 and 3. She seems to be wearing them as underwear in series 4.
* TheOneThatGotAway: She is this to Lancelot.
* ParentalAbandonment: Her father was executed at Uther's hand, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown.
* PimpedOutDress: Gwen gets a rather dramatic clothes upgrade after she becomes Queen at the end of season four. She starts to wear much fancier dresses in comparison to the plain dresses she wore when she was a maid and a servant.
* PluckyGirl: Gwen is very positive, optimistic, spirited and upbeat. She tries to believe the best in everyone and in everything, much like Merlin.
* [[PoliticallyActivePrincess Politically Active Queen]]
* ThePollyanna: Although she's also remarkably pragmatic.
* [[PragmaticHero Pragmatic Heroine]]: Gwen is incredibly pragmatic and logical in her thinking, especially when [[spoiler: she became Queen in season four]].
* ProgressivelyPrettier: It's not that Gwen wasn't pretty before, but after Gwen became Queen in season four, her physical appearance and her wardrobe took a turn for the better.
* PromotionToParent: Elyan says of her: "she raised me."
* ProperLady: Especially as Queen. Even as a maid, she was very polite and courteous.
* RaceLift: In the Arthurian legends, Guinevere is Caucasian. But on the show, Guinevere is not.
* RagsToRiches: Gwen went from being Morgana's maid to being the Queen of Camelot.
* RagsToRoyalty: See RagsToRiches.
* TheReliableOne: Gwen is highly dependable and trustworthy. She is always there for her friends at a time of need. Even Merlin can be seen depending on Gwen from time to time.
* RequisiteRoyalRegalia: After Gwen became Queen of Camelot.
* RichSuitorPoorSuitor: Their social classes aren't played into the LoveTriangle, but Arthur (rich suitor) and Lancelot (poor suitor) for Gwen.
* RingOnANecklace: After Gwen is banished from Camelot by Arthur for betraying him (albeit unwillingly, as she'd been under an enchantment), Gwen wears the engagement ring he gave to her around her neck as a reminder of their love. She loses it when Morgana rips the necklace off, although this results in Arthur finding the ring and being reminded that he still loves Gwen, prompting him to forgive her.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The first episode that showcases her as Queen makes a point of demonstrating how active she is: she gives advice at a council meeting, she rules the kingdom in her husband's absence, and she ferrets out a traitor that was leaking information to her enemies.
* RulingCouple: With King Arthur in season four and five.
* SatelliteCharacter: Gwen really has no real CharacterArc of her own, at least not one that isn't connected to her relationships with Morgana, Arthur or Merlin. She does have a father and a brother, but the former was killed off and she barely interacts with the latter. That said, it's also an example of Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad, as her relationships with Merlin, Arthur and Morgana make up a significant part of the show.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: She is often accused of being "just a love interest" by detractors, and though it's true that most of her screen-time does indeed centre on her relationship with Arthur, the ultimate purpose of her CharacterArc was to become Queen of Camelot -- and it's unclear how her cynics expected this to happen ''without'' a relationship with Arthur arising (as you may have guessed, a lot of DieForOurShip was at work here). Her CharacterDevelopment involved a significant boost in confidence brought about by Arthur's love for her, and many of her strongest scenes [[note]]outsmarting the Witchfinder, freeing Sir Leon, confronting Agravaine, withstanding Morgana, trapping Ruadan[[/note]] occurred when Arthur was completely absent. And by the end of the series, [[spoiler:she assumes control over Camelot after Arthur's death]] with confirmation by WordOfGod that she successfully ruled over the Golden Age [[spoiler:in his stead]]. She could be described as a case of a SatelliteLoveInterest in the sense that she's NeverASelfMadeWoman, '''but''' her character was given plenty of personal development and independent power as a ''direct result'' of her role as Arthur's LoveInterest.
* SecondLove: As Gwen realizes her feelings for Merlin are unrequited in 1x05, she finds a brief romance with Lancelot.
* SecretSecretKeeper: [[spoiler: Reveals in the finale that she knows about Merlin's magic. When she put it together is unknown, but as Merlin never found out she knew in the finale.]]
* ShrinkingViolet: Gwen started out as shy, introverted and a bout on the timid side, although she eventually grows out of it.
* SheCleansUpNicely: Gwen's new look in Season 2. Not that she needed it, though.
* SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan: What attracted Gwen to all her three love interests.
* SilkHidingSteel: Gwen was a kind, caring, and shy castle maid who takes pride in her work. If necessary, Gwen is a capable fighter and can hold her own in battle reasonably well. More importantly, she's the firm moral compass of the series and the connection to common people of Arthur (Merlin is also the other connection to common people of Arthur as well).
* StarcrossedLovers: With Lancelot. [[spoiler: Her marriage to Arthur ends tragically short too because of his early death.]]
* StayInTheKitchen: Guinevere's job as Queen is to maintain control in Camelot while Arthur is away.
* SupportingLeader: To Arthur's TheLeader when she becomes Queen. While Arthur leads most of the battles, missions and plans, Gwen will step in whenever Arthur is unavailable in any way.
* TheStrategist: At times.
* TextileWorkIsFeminine: Several time it's mentioned that she's an excellent seamstress. [[InformedAbility That said, we don't ever get to see her doing any sewing]].
* TookALevelInBadass: Definitely seems to be the case in series 5 after [[spoiler: becoming High Queen]].
* TrueBlueFemininity: Many of her dresses are blue; particularly in series 4.
* {{Tsundere}}: She is a Type B, primarily towards Arthur in the earlier seasons.
* TheUnchosenOne: Unlike Arthur, Merlin, Morgana and Mordred, who all have their destinies outlined by various prophesies and portentous words by the Dragon, Guinevere becomes Queen because Arthur loves her. Other than Morgana’s dreams, she is not mentioned in any prophesy. [[spoiler: More importantly, by the very end, ''she'' is implied to be the monarch who will repeal the oppression on magic users and brings Camelot to the golden age instead of Arthur, who merely paves the way and is ultimately killed off.]]
** Interestingly, in "The Hunter's Heart, Merlin does say that it is Arthur's "fate" to marry Gwen, but it's unclear if Merlin is referencing an actual prophecy or just voicing his own opinion.
* UnfazedEveryman: She's seen Merlin get up to some truly bizarre things over the years, but seldom reacts with anything more than a bemused smile.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: With Arthur and Lancelot. Her supposed crush on Merlin is more or less abandoned between series 1 and 2.
* WhiteStallion: In ''The Dark Tower''.
* WhoopiEpiphanySpeech: Gives one to Merlin, which encompasses the moral standing of the show, [[JustEatGilligan outlining why Uther can't just be killed]].
* WillTheyOrWontThey: Arthur and Gwen. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes. They are finally married at the end of series four.
%%* WomenAreWiser
[[/folder]]

[[folder:King Uther Pendragon]]
!!Uther Pendragon
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/uther-pendragon_7142.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/AnthonyHead

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 for his people, and acknowledging loyalty from his subjects e.g. Gaius and Merlin (occasionally).
----
* AbusiveParents: In many ways, at various points, to both Arthur and Morgana. In Series One, he had them both imprisoned in the dungeon for nothing more than calling him out on his tyrannical nature.
* AcheyScars: He has an old battle wound in his side that he sometimes complains about.
* ActionDad: Uther was always involved in whatever is happening with Arthur and within Camelot. [[spoiler:His death was caused when he was defending Arthur from an assassin, the two getting in a swordfight which resulted in both fatally wounding the other.]]
* AdaptationalConsent: While this version of Uther is not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination, there's no evidence that he pulled the BedTrick on Ygraine that he did in the original story to conceive Arthur.
* AdultsAreUseless: Played With. A lot of the time he doesn't get involved because Merlin quite literally can't seek his help because of the need to hide his own magic. However, in ''Excalibur'', and in a few other episodes, he steps up to the plate to protect Arthur.
* AggressiveCategorism: Against magical people.
* TheAlcoholic: Subtly implied, as Uther is frequently seen with a goblet in hand. Though given the calamities that often nearly spell the end of Camelot, you can understand why his reaction would be INeedAFreakingDrink.
* AntiVillain: [[SlidingScaleOfAntiVillains Type III with a bit of Type I as well.]]
* ASinisterClue: He wields sword and pen with his left hand.
* BadassCape: His cape is red, like the Knights and Arthur's, and he is undeniably a badass.
* BadassNormal: Has been waging war against sorcerers and enchanters for twenty years, and is by and large ''winning''.
* BadassLongcoat: Like his son, he sometimes wears one.
* BackFromTheDead: Temporarily, in 5x03.
* BerserkButton: The subject of magic under any circumstances. Justified as he doesn’t want to be reminded that magic cost him his wife when he used it to produced an heir.
* BlackAndGreyMorality: Uther hunts down anyone related to magic, even healers, even children. He's a ruthless dictator (by our standards - by the standards of medieval kings, he's actually rather civilised). Getting rid of him would be a good thing. However the villains trying to kill him, Morgana and Morgause, tend to be just as bad, willing to kill others without a thought and having no care for civilians caught in the crossfire. Uther, for all his many flaws, genuinely cares for his people.
* BrokenPedestal: Arthur gradually comes to realize that his father is not the infallible father/king that he initially believed him to be.
* BullyingADragon: A literal example. He had Kilgharrah locked away in his dungeons for twenty years with magical chains to serve as an example what would happen to all magic creatures. When Kilgharrah got out in Series 2, he nearly burned Camelot to the ground in revenge.
* TheConqueror: It's hinted that he was this at some point in his past, as he mentions that when he was Arthur's age he conquered Camelot to become king.
* CoolCrown: Let's just say that Uther's crown was so much better then Arthur's crown.
* CreateYourOwnVillain: Uther certainly played a large part in how Morgana turned out.
* DespairEventHorizon: [[spoiler:When he realizes the depths of his daughter's hatred for him]].
* DidNotThinkThisThrough: In 5x03 he was willing to kill Arthur for Camelot's sake, but [[AndThenWhat doesn't seem to have planned what to do next]]. If Arthur were to die, nothing would stop Morgana, Uther's other child from taking the throne. Camelot would certainly be doomed then.
** Probably justified considering that he was [[spoiler: a ghost, which generally has a warped effect on the subject's psychology.]]
* DisproportionateRetribution: He wanted an heir but his wife was barren. [[spoiler: Nimueh cured his wife's sterility but to keep the balance of life and death she died in childbirth]] and for this he has mounted a genocidal campaign against ''all'' magic users. Particularly disproportionate if [[UnreliableNarrator Nimueh]] is telling the truth that [[spoiler: she didn't know it would be Ygraine that would die.]]
* DotingParent: To Morgana, but only ''after'' she returns from her year-long absence. Before that, he could be quite distant. A more charitable view of this would be that almost losing her gave him a shock.
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Uther may be ruthless and cold, but there is no doubt that he loves his children (Arthur and Morgana). He also cares for his people, as a collective, if not as individuals, and both emphasises the responsibilities of a King to his people, and will do more or less anything to protect them (though he's more cautious than Arthur, who's got ChronicHeroSyndrome in his bones).
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He's horrified at Morgana's slaughtering of civilians just to make a point to the knights, stating that they were innocent, and tells her that if she should kill anyone, she should kill him. Unfortunately, she's got CruelMercy lined up for him.
* FantasticRacism: Uther is strongly opposed to magic and magic users. He that magic was a nothing but a source for evil and that all people who practice magic are the root of all the evil and damage within Camelot.
* FinalSpeech: He manages [[spoiler:a few last words to Arthur before slipping into a coma that he awakens from only very briefly]].
* FreudianExcuse: 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.]]
* HatedByAll: Zig-zagged. While it's lampshaded by Merlin that everybody hates him, considering the number of people who try to kill him in every episode, and in fact, of the main cast, besides Arthur (and to an extent, Gaius) no one seems to like him and not without good reasons. However, the average citizens of Camelot seem to quite like him, at least the ones who are not related or close to someone with magic powers, and when he doesn't think magic is involved, he's a surprisingly good king. Unfortunately, magic is involved a lot.
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: Going by what is stated by those who knew him, he was, once upon a time, a genuinely good man.
* HeroicBSOD: 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}}: He is a deliberate and fascinating example. After [[spoiler: enlisting the help of a sorceress in order for his barren wife to conceive]], he set about killing and terrorising everyone who practised sorcery (even those who did so for perfectly innocent reasons) even though [[NeverMyFault he had no one to blame for his wife's death except himself]]. He had the Great Dragon imprisoned with '''enchanted''' chains in his dungeon. The real kicker is when Morgana gets sick in series 3, and he actually coerces Gaius into using magic to save her. You'd think this act of blatant hypocrisy would make him decide to ease up on the sorcerers a bit from then on, but you'd be wrong...
** Later on in series 3, there was a sorcerer going around healing people miraculously who was [[spoiler: Gaius's former lover]]. Uther wanted Gaius to see if sorcery was involved in the healings and it is implied he would have executed whoever did it. The fact that he was willing to use magic to miraculously heal Morgana is made even more hypocritical because of that in retrospect.
** The reason he hates magic in the first place is because he made a deal with a sorceress to conceive a son with his barren wife. Furthermore, he describes his deceased wife as "my soul" and yet we later find out that he had an affair with his best friend's wife, and that (as he says to his son) "I know about the temptations of serving girls."
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Among other things, he's chummied up to a knight who was trying to kill his son, invited two murderous Sidhe into his castle, married a troll (though in that case, she was disguised and he was literally enchanted), flirted with a shape-shifting witch, indulged the whims of a con-artist witchfinder, hired a man who tried to kill him to avenge his parents' deaths, and (in the third series) doted on the woman who was hell-bent on destroying him and taking over his kingdom. It goes both ways, as he's also banished both Gwaine and Lancelot, two accomplished and loyal knights, and is constantly belittling, alienating or even trying to execute Merlin and Guinevere, the two people in the world who would give their lives for his son without a second thought.
* ItsAllAboutMe: He bans and allows magic use as he wants it. There's also a subtle hint that he defines loyalty to Camelot as loyalty to himself (or to Arthur), as evidenced in the Great Purge.
* {{Jerkass}}: He's a ruthless tyrant - by modern standards, at least (and even by Medieval ones where magic is concerned). His PetTheDog moments are overshadowed by his cruel actions and LackOfEmpathy.
* JerkassHasAPoint:
** When Merlin is poisoned in season 1, he is quite right to tell Arthur that people are going to end up sacrificing themselves for him when he is king and he'd better get used to the idea.
** While he takes it too far in his war against magic and he's a hypocrite since he used magic so Arthur could be born, it's worth acknowledging that magic truly is dangerous, capable of doing all kinds of harm including altering someone's mind, and that many sorcerers do use it for selfish reasons. Many of the villains in the show often don't care about the innocent people they kill or are even a SmugSuper like Morgana who believe their magic makes them superior, proving that he's not entirely wrong about the dangers of magic. Even Merlin at one point used magic to remove Arthur's will and make him more compliant, proving that even good sorcerers have the potential to do horrific things.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: That might be pushing, but underneath his hatred for magic and classist attitudes, Uther is genuinely a benevolent ruler who cares about others. He deeply loves both Arthur and Morgana, cares about his subjects and the innocent, regrets being unable to help Hunith, grows to appreciate Merlin's loyalty to Arthur even if he never respects him as an equal, and genuinely considers Gaius to be a close friend despite being a former sorcerer. Whenever he realises that he has made a mistake, such as when he believed the witchfinder Aredian when he framed Gaius for sorcery and planned to have him executed, he shows real guilt and regret.
* JudgeJuryAndExecutioner: There is apparently some sort of court system in Camelot (people speak of getting "fair trials") but when it comes down to it, Uther can demand whatever sentencing he likes on whoever he deems guilty.
* KickTheDog: Just about every episode.
* KingOnHisDeathbed: In series 4 he isn't dying, but [[spoiler:the shock from Morgana's betrayal and learning how much she hates him had completely demoralised him and left him deeply depressed, to the point that Arthur had to take over as leader while Uther stays in his room rarely talking or eating and being looked after by Gwen. However he does interact more when it concerns Arthur and immediately leaps to defend him against an assassin]].
* KnightTemplarParent: See his hatred of magic.
* [[LikeASonToMe Like A Daughter To Me]]: Morgana. [[spoiler:Quite literally.]]
* LoveMakesYouEvil: He hates magic so much, because it caused a death of his beloved wife.
* MasterSwordsman: He could defeat Arthur in a duel if he wanted.
* MysteriousPast: He apparently conquered Camelot when he was Arthur's age. Whether the crown was usurped by another king, or if Uther conquered the kingdom just because he could, is unknown.
* MythologyGag: Like in the original legend, Uther uses magic to get what he desires (to produce an heir and in the original legend, to sleep with Ygraine). However, and it comes at a price as Uther ends up losing a family member (Ygraine ends up dying in childbirth while in the original legend Merlin takes baby Arthur away as payment for Uther using Merlin’s magic to pull a BedTrick on Ygraine).
* NeverMyFault: He completely denies his responsibility in his wife's death, and taking his anger and sorrow on Nimueh and other magic users.
* NiceJobBreakingItHerod: Inverted. Uther's genocide of the dragonlords actually causes the birth of Merlin, who is destined to undo all his work.
* NobleDemon: Uther might be a genocidal tyrant but he's also a loving parent and a brave warrior who cares for his people and will put himself in harm's way to protect his kingdom. And it's worth noting that he's only a tyrant by modern standards; compared to real life medieval kings and rulers, Uther's is a rather good ruler.
* ObliviouslyEvil: He actually believes himself to be a fair king, and that he's doing the right thing for his kingdom. In fairness, where magic isn't concerned, he's usually quite a good King.
* PapaWolf: 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''.
* ParentalFavoritism: Uther seemed to show a hint of favouritism towards Morgana over Arthur.
* ParentalSubstitute: For Morgana. [[spoiler: At least, it seems this way until it is revealed that she actually ''is'' his illegitimate daughter.]]
* ThePatriarch: He's the father of Arthur and guardian of Morgana, who later turns out to be his biological father.
* PetTheDog: Semi-frequently, serving to humanise him. For instance, it's obvious that Uther loves his children, and speaks of his late wife as "my soul." He's also fond of Gaius, and unusually, he cottons very quickly to the depths of Merlin's loyalty to his son, which he openly acknowledges and respects, even thanking him a couple of times for his loyal service, and trusting him to keep secrets - though with the caveat that he'll have him executed if he doesn't. And he ''can'' be made to see reason on several issues.
* {{Pride}}: Aside from his blind hatred of magic this causes or makes worse the problems in the series. He places the word of the nobility above anyone else, cannot stand to look bad due to self-image, jumps to conclusions and hardly listens to anyone since he thinks he is always right, and only changes his mind when publicly presented with irrefutable evidence. He tries to avoid apologizing when he is wrong and can barely spit one out trying to place blame on others, all due to his pride.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure:
** Surprisingly often, if he doesn't think that magic is involved in the situation at hand. Were it not for his hatred of magic, he'd probably be a very good King. For instance, he's more than willing to grant Merlin's mother an audience to hear about how her village was being attacked way back in Season 1, and is genuinely regretful that he can't do anything because the village is (just) in the land of a rival monarch. In comparison to most real life rulers, he's a rather good king by the standards of his time. It's also worth pointing out that he lives in a world with actual magic and villains who use it to harm others, so unlike real life kings he has a pretty valid excuse for being the way he is.
** It's zigzagged when it comes to commoners however. While he does treat them with some compassion, he overall doesn't consider them to be as important or trustworthy as a noble. He hates it when Lancelot and Gwaine both break the knight's code since they are commoners, not knowing that Gwaine was in fact a noble, while also being unable to understand why his son would develop feelings for a servant like Gwen. When he returns as a spirit, he's angered and disappointed that Arthur made commoners knights and married Gwen. However it's worth pointing out that outside his hatred for magic, it's clear that he was respected by the commoners and was likely a decent ruler.
* RelatedDifferentlyInTheAdaptation: Morgana is his stepdaughter in most versions, but is eventually revealed to be his biological daughter.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The second he finds even a hint of magic, Uther becomes obsessed with destroying it and disregards everything else.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: Uther has many faults, but idleness is not one of them. He also remains quite handy with a sword years after aging out of knighthood.
* TheseHandsHaveKilled: He clearly suffers from a guilty conscience when faced with the apparitions of his deceased wife and the children he drowned.
* TokenEvilTeammate: He's just as bad as most villains, and sometimes even worse. Unlike most of them, however, he is a genuine NobleDemon, and aside from his raging hatred for magic, a ReasonableAuthorityFigure who's actually an excellent ruler by the standards of his time.
* TooDumbToLive: To the point that you start to wonder how he and Arthur managed to stay alive until Merlin arrived - though that could just be because Nimue, the first BigBad, hadn't resurfaced yet.
* TroubledSympatheticBigot: His hatred of magic stems from his grief and guilt over his wife's death (troubled), he dearly loves both his children and his kingdom (sympathetic) and yet he is utterly ruthless and hypocritical when it comes to eradicating those that practice magic (bigot).
* UnrelatedInTheAdaptation: Mordred is just a random druid instead of his grandson in this version
* UpperClassTwit: Sometimes.
* VetinariJobSecurity: Of a sort, the only real reason Merlin prevents anyone from killing him is he is needed as a placeholder until Arthur is ready to take over and prevent another worse king/threat from taking over.
* VillainProtagonist
* VillainousBSOD: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she truly hates him in 3x13.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: He is convinced that magic is evil and threatens Camelot. And, to be fair, mages do try to bring Camelot around his ears on a regular basis - if only to get revenge on him.
* WhatTheHellHero: Uther does a lot of awful things, but only sometimes has this treatment to his face.
* WouldHurtAChild: Has ordered the deaths of children in the past (via drowning) as well as the attempted execution of Mordred.
* WouldHitAGirl: Has no problem with this. He's attacked both Morgana and Guinevere.
* YouAreGrounded: To his children, several times. He's not adverse to shutting them in the dungeons either.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Gaius]]
!!Gaius
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gaius_8619.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/RichardWilson

[-"I'd give my life for you, Merlin."-]

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.
----
* AnachronismStew: Gaius' medical knowledge is far too advanced for the time period of the series.
%% * AppliedPhlebotinum
* AsYouKnow: Gaius is the KING of this trope. How many hundreds of time have we heard him say some variation of: "you/he/she can't use magic or you'll be killed" or "we can't tell anyone about Morgana/Agravaine/any other obvious villain because they'd never believe us". Though considering how often Merlin needs reminding, this might be justified.
* TheAtoner: It's impiled taking Merlin under his wing is his way to make up for his inaction during the Great Purge.
* BigDamnHeroes: Saves Merlin from Morgause in 3x13.
* BrickJoke: Gaius constantly telling Arthur that Merlin is in the tavern when he disappears to do his magical thing.
* BrokenMasquerade: In series 3, Uther indirectly admits he knows Gaius was a sorcerer in the past, when he asks him to do anything, even magical to save Morgana.
* CategoryTraitor: A lot of magic users like the Dragon and Nimueh hold Gaius to be one, since he became Uther's court physician, and turned a blind eye to the deaths of magic users.
* CanonForeigner: You won't find any Gaius in [[Myth/ArthurianLegend Arthurian legends]] (minus Romanisations of Kay) as he was created specifically for the show.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: In the first handful of episodes, he was a typical AbsentMindedProfessor who couldn't keep track of what day it was, accidentally set his bench on fire, and whose (egregious) EstablishingCharacterMoment was falling off a ladder. Later he became a much more astute mentor with FeetOfClay.
* CompositeCharacter: He takes a few aspects from the traditional Merlin, being an older man who acts as a friend and advisor to Uther.
* TheConfidant: To Merlin and Uther, and occasionally to Guinevere and Morgana (in the early years) as well.
* TheConsigliere: He is Uther's most trusted adviser and maybe the closest thing he has to a friend and tries to be the voice of reason to Uther's arrogance and prejudices. Unfortunately, Uther rarely bothers to listen, let alone heed his advice.
* CoolOldGuy: Snarky, generally kind, and a CoolUncle to Merlin. [[spoiler:Gaius takes on a Dorocha without even flinching in order to save Gwen]].
* CourtMage: Several episodes imply that Gaius was the CourtMage before sorcery was outlawed in Camelot. One can infer that he was spared during the purge due to his loyalty to Uther, his skill as a physician and because his knowledge of sorcery meant he was invaluable at identifying any magical threats to the kingdom.
* CourtPhysician: Uther's court physician, who occasionally shows knowledge of medicine beyond what would be expected for the medieval setting. He's also implied to have been the Court Mage before Uther turned against magic.
* DeadpanSnarker: Gives as good as he gets in SnarkToSnarkCombat.
* DefectorFromDecadence: One possible interpretation for turning his back on the Old Religion. In the first episode he claimed that people were using magic for the wrong reasons and it was throwing the natural order of things into chaos. When confronted by Edwin Muirden over the fact he did nothing to stop his parents execution, Gaius claims they were practicing dark magic.
* DemotedToExtra: In series four and five, he is given virtually nothing to do except [[MrExposition provide exposition]] and exist as a [[TheConfidant sounding board]] to Merlin. True, that was always his role, but he was also given several character-centric episodes in the past. This was not necessarily a bad thing, as the introduction of the knights of the Round Table at the end of series three meant that the show was juggling numerous characters, and he was getting too old to do as much as he used to.
* DirtyCoward: Not in the present, but it's heavily implied during the Great Purge, that although he helped certain people like Balinor, Morgause, and Alice escape Uther's prosecution, for the most part he sided with Uther in order to save his own skin (and might have given names as well, Uther mentions he's asked Gaius to do things he found difficult) as he watched countless witches and wizards be burned at the stake and did nothing. The Dragon cynically mentions that "turning a blind eye" is Gaius' talent in Series One.
* {{Expy}}: Of [[Series/{{Smallville}} Jonathan Kent]].
* FascinatingEyebrow: To a memetic level. It's ''perpetually'' raised.
* IgnoredExpert: He had perhaps a 50% success rate in convincing Uther of dangerous magical circumstances.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: With Arthur and particularly Guinevere (Merlin falls into the LikeASonToMe category).
* LikeASonToMe: Merlin is like a son to him and he constantly lives in fear that Merlin'll get himself killed one way or another. He also witnesses Merlin becoming increasingly world-weary and ruthless.
* LivingEmotionalCrutch: To Merlin. Except for the Great Dragon, he's the only one Merlin can confide in about what is going on and occasionally rants to. It's probable that he's never killed off for real because the chance that Merlin would completely [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope go to the dark side like Morgana]] is too great.
* TheMasquerade: He's a retired magician.
** Becomes a BrokenMasquerade in 2x07, as it's revealed that Uther always knew.
* TheMedic: Chief one of Camelot, who helps whenever anyone is hurt or ill.
* TheMentor: To Merlin. Gauis not only serves as a parental figure to Merlin but he is also mentors and guides Merlin on how to use his magic usefully and wisely.
* MentorOccupationalHazard: Almost dies [[RuleOfThree three]] times.
* MoralityPet: He at least tries to be this for Uther, advising the king on the dangers of letting his hatred of magic consume him and offering alternative explanations to protect Merlin and others when their carelessness risks exposing their abilities. While Uther doesn't always listen to Gaius, the fact that he tolerates Gaius contradicting him shows that Uther acknowledges the value of his insight on some level.
* MrExposition: Explains the MonsterOfTheWeek to Merlin and the audience.
* OccultDetective: Often alongside Merlin.
* OhCrap: In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E10QueenOfHearts}} Queen Of Hearts]]'' he is asked to identify a poultice as magical. After confirming it, he asks where it was found and is told: "Arthur's bedroom." He looks over at [[spoiler:a smirking Morgana]] and realizes that he's just [[spoiler:condemned Guinevere]].
%%* OldRetainer
%%* OnlyOneName
* PapaWolf: Endanger Merlin in any way, Gaius will make you pay one way or the other. He is very protective of Merlin and is very much a parental figure to him.
** Also rather protective of Gwen but not to the same extent of Merlin of course.
* ParentalSubstitute: For Merlin.
** To a lesser extent, Gwen as well.
* RetiredBadass: Gaius may have given up practicing magic, but he still has it in him.
* SecretKeeper: the only character in the core cast knows about Merlin's magic.
* ShipperOnDeck: From the looks of 2x13, he approves of Arthur/Gwen.
* TeamDad: To Merlin and Gwen especially, but also Arthur and Morgana (though he [[spoiler:messed up spectacularly in that case]]).
* YouJustToldMe: A variation in which he forces Merlin to reveal his powers by tipping a bucket of water over. Merlin automatically freezes it.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Arthur Pendragon]]

!![[Myth/KingArthur Prince (later King) Arthur Pendragon]]
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/arthur-01_5657.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:280:"I want to say... something I've never said to you before... Thank you."]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/BradleyJames

->''"He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure."''
-->-- '''Gaius'''

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

* AbortedDeclarationOfLove: Arthur seems to be on the verge of telling Guinevere that he loves her in the series three finale. However, she interrupts him after he makes the mistake of saying "if I never see you again..." which only compels her to insist that they will meet again.
* ActionHero: Combat is his main way of solving problem. Too bad he's in a series where the most dangerous enemies are manipulative and subtle.
* AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: Arthur has serious DaddyIssues and issues with everyone lying to him and betraying him, including his own best friend, Merlin.
* AdaptationalBackstoryChange: Most versions of the Arthurian Legend have Arthur be conceived through a BedTrick arranged by Merlin, who takes him away shortly after his birth and gives him to be raised by Sir Ector. Arthur is HappilyAdopted and unaware that he's Uther's son until he pulls the sword from the stone as a boy. This version of Arthur was raised by Uther as a prince, with his parents having been married.
* AdaptationalBadass: Arthur in the show series comes off as more badass, strong and tough than his Arthurian legend counterpart.
* AdaptationalDumbass: Even when he's king, Arthur is incapable of dressing himself without Merlin's help.
* AdaptationalHeroism: As with most adaptions, the show makes him far more heroic and selfless if a little spoilt at the start.
* AdaptationalNiceGuy: He might be classist and prejudice at times, but he's far better than his Arthurian Legend counterpart.
* AdaptationalPersonalityChange: Two major changes in his personality are caused by his AdaptationalBackstoryChange in this version. Arthur has grown up as the prince of a magic hating king, and therefore Arthur is pretty spoiled, especially at the start of the series, and has a strong distrust of sorcerers.

** Traditionally Arthur was HappilyAdopted and never knew Uther, while in this version he was raised in Camelot by Uther.
** Guinevere is a servant in this version instead of the daughter of a lord, meaning that there are issues that prevent their romance from happening at first.
** Because he was adopted, he never knew Morgana until they met after he became king. Here they grew up together with neither being aware they were actually siblings until they were adults.
* AdiposeRex: At the end of Series 4, Arthur seems to be getting fat and heading down this path. Thankfully - [[spoiler: or not, due to him dying?]] - it is stopped before it becomes too bad... though it does require an extra hole in his belt for "extra comfort and ease of use".
* AggressiveCategorism: In the beginning Arthur was rather prejudiced, bigoted and judgmental. [[CharacterDevelopment He changed as the series progressed, mostly thanks to Merlin and Gwen]]. However while he becomes more determined to create a more fair and equal society, he never comes to fully accept magic even though he doesn't hate it as much as Uther.
* AerithAndBob: Arthur and Merlin. While Arthur's name sounds rather normal and is considered to be quite common, the name Merlin is somewhat exotic and unique sounding by comparison.
* AlwaysSecondBest: Feels this way about Lancelot. Arthur believes that Lancelot is "the better man" in everything from their skills in combat to how Guinevere feels about them.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Compares himself to Lancelot and believes that he's the better man. And for good reason.
* ARealManIsAKiller: Arthur describes himself as "the ultimate killing machine" and this is in no way an InformedAbility. In fact, it's almost disconcerting to see him kill another man (albeit one who was trying to kill him) without a moment's hesitation in the very second episode of the show.
* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: With Merlin and Morgana, sort of. Arthur may tease and make fun of Merlin constantly and he frequently calls Merlin many different insulting names, but it is very clear that despite all of that, Arthur deeply cares for Merlin and is strongly protective of him. Although, Arthur simply cannot admit how much he values Merlin and his friendship at first. It could be argued that Merlin is a LivingEmotionalCrutch for Arthur as without Merlin, Arthur would not only be dead a thousand times over but would eventually crack emotionally and psychologically without Merlin and his influence and presence. Series 5 really showed how dependent Arthur really is on Merlin for many things.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: When Arthur is crowned King in 4x03.
* BadassNormal: Arthur has no superhuman abilities and is completely human, yet he can still kick major ass and is a very skilled fighter and warrior.
* BadLiar: When he contemplates using [[spoiler: the horn that can resurrect dead people]], it is obvious that he is hiding something. However, he can pull rank on Merlin to end all questions.
* BecauseDestinySaysSo: Arthur is destined to be the greatest king Albion has ever known. He's also destined to unite the five kingdoms back into the great land of Albion, rule as High King with the most powerful warlock ever (Merlin) and free the magical people. He accepts this prophecy and does everything to realize it. [[spoiler:In a ProphecyTwist, he dies before he could achieve ''any'' of those. It's his Queen Guinevere who brings about a golden age]].
* TheBerserker: Arthur seems to be always willing to throw himself into a battle, regardless of the consequences and dangers. Thankfully, he has Merlin watching his back and saving him constantly.
* BigGood: Except for his prejudice against magic and in spite of his Violence, Arthur stands for honour, chivalry, and compassion. His dreams and idealism are what reign Merlin in when the latter is on the verge of [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope jumping off the slippery slope]]. Arthur's also the one Morgana considers her main rival and seeks to destroy, and the prophesied great king that Merlin bets everything on. He is the opposite of [[EvilSorcerer Morgana]], who is the BigBad.
* BloodKnight: Arthur loves fighting and defending his kingdom. He believes that it is a part of his duty to do so.
* BoisterousBruiser: Arthur goes hunting or travels for quests with gusto, especially in the beginning of the series.
* BrainsAndBrawn: Arthur is the Brawn to Merlin's Brains. While Arthur is more of a fighter and a warrior, Merlin relies more on strategy, his brains, his intelligence and manipulation tactics in order to fight the enemy.
* BrokenPedestal: Arthur is a huge WellDoneSonGuy who's basically spent his entire life having it hammered into him that whatever he does, his father Uther does it better. After about three years of ruling as king, he gets a chance to contact Uther from the otheworld, who immediately [[{{Jerkass}} reams him out on all the]] [[SarcasmMode "stupid"]] [[{{Jerkass}} decisions he's made to bring equality to the land]]. Arthur's heartbroken, and accidentally lets Uther's spirit free, who proceeds to wreck the Round Table, attack Percival with an axe, and attempt to set Guinevere on fire. Arthur's in denial for a lot of this in the show, even when he tries to banish and later execute Guinevere for her relationship with Arthur, but it's only when dealing with Uther's ghost that he finally breaks and realizes just how terrible a man his father was.
* BrokenTears: When his father dies, and when confronted with the ghost of a boy who died in a raid led by him.
* BrotherSisterIncest: With Morgana. The show started out heavily hinting at a Arthur/Morgana pairing in series 1. In the pilot episode, Gwen tells Merlin that Morgana was born to be a queen, and it's assumed she'll marry Arthur. Then as series 2 started, all of the build-up was dropped and the pairing was completely ignored. Then in series 3, Arthur and Morgana were revealed to be half-brother and -sister.
* BrutalHonesty: Sometimes Arthur can be too blunt and harsh, especially towards Merlin. Luckily, Merlin is just as sarcastic and blunt as well, so it equates to constant SnarkToSnarkCombat between Arthur and Merlin.
* CainAndAbel: With his half-sister Morgana. In terms of roles, Arthur is the Abel (the BigGood) to Morgana's Cain (the BigBad). It doesn't help that Morgana spent much of her time plotting against Arthur and trying to kill him. See SiblingYinYang.
* CantLiveWithThemCantLiveWithoutThem: His relationship with Merlin. Though it may seem that Arthur constantly picks on Merlin and teases him, it has been proven and shown that without Merlin, Arthur really doesn't function all that well, if not, ''at all''. Hell, Arthur can't even ''get dressed'' without Merlin.
* CannotSpitItOut:
** He can't bring himself to express his feelings for Gwen.
** He's infamous for frequently giving backhanded compliments to Merlin instead of acknowledging the guy's wisdom.
* CannotTalkToWomen: After asking [[RomanticFalseLead Princess Mithian]] out for a picnic lunch, he mutters to himself: "I've never been much good at this." Something of an InformedFlaw, as he never ''really'' seems that uneasy around the likes of Morgana, Guinevere, or any other visiting princess.
* CatchPhrase: "Shut up, Merlin."
* TheChainsOfCommanding: He is willing to try his best to be a better ruler, but is haunted by his inability to make good judgements about people. He has also complained about the burden of expectations placed on him.
* TheChosenOne: ''The'' Chosen One of the series, destined to be The Once and Future King destined to unite the lands of Albion and return magic to the land. He has Merlin and Guinevere, who are chosen ones by their own rights one way or another, to protect and guide him.
* ChronicHeroSyndrome: Arthur has the constant need to save people as much as possible.
* CommonalityConnection: With Merlin. Originally, when Arthur first met Merlin, Arthur thinks of Merlin as a silly, incompetent, foolish and stupid peasant. But eventually Arthur comes to realize just how important Merlin is to him as the series progresses. On the outside, Arthur and Merlin don't share anything in common in terms of backgrounds, personalities, upbringings and outlooks, but what they do share in common is the same destiny.
* CompetitionFreak: Arthur is really competitive by nature.

** With Gwaine, as elements of ''Literature/SirGawainAndTheGreenKnight'' are given to him by being the knight who makes a deal with a mysterious warrior and then being asks to put his head on a chopping block as a SecretTestOfCharacter.
** Also with Percival and Galahad to a lesser extent. Both are known as the knights to find the Holy Grail, while Arthur is the knight given the task of finding the [[LawyerFriendlyCameo Cup of Life]] in Series 3. Related to this is that he's the one to go on the quest to the Fisher King, which is unrelated to the Holy Grail in this version but was also a role given to Percival and Galahad.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Arthur has moments where he butts heads with Uther, usually when the latter is being too harsh, accusing an obviously innocent person of witchcraft, or not taking good enough care of the people of Camelot.
* CoolCrown: He's probably meant to have this but ends up getting the short end of the stick. Whilst Uther wore a simple but respectable looking circlet, Prince Arthur had something that looked like a shiny metal head-band. In a FlashForward, Arthur was seen wearing Uther's crown, but when he finally became King himself, he switched to a giant gold crown with fleur-de-lis spikes on it, which most people thought looked a little bit like the Burger King crown.
* TheCorruptible: Arthur is probably the most corruptible character in the entire series. It's mostly because Arthur is too easily trusting and naive in regards to others and their intentions.
* CorruptTheCutie: Arthur has been corrupted or deceived by almost every single person who was close to him. He is often the victim of much corruption from various characters (such as Agravaine and Morgana, for example).
* CostumePorn: Arthur wears highly impressive armour.
* CrazyJealousGuy: Arthur doesn't appreciate Guinevere having close friendships with any other males (except Merlin) and becomes [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] every time she seems particularly fond of any one other than him. When he catches her and Lancelot in an embrace, he attacks Lancelot and would have killed him had Guinevere not thrown herself between them.
* TheCynic: Subverted. Arthur was cynical in the beginning, the opposite of Merlin, who was TheIdealist. Later on, Arthur became [[CharacterDevelopment much more idealistic and hopeful]] while Merlin became [[JadeColoredGlasses more pragmatic, realistic and cynical in his thinking.]]
* CulturedBadass: Arthur is from royalty and enjoys all of the finer things in life that come along with it. For the badass side, he's a skilled knight who likes to fight.
* DefrostingIceQueen: Defrosting Ice Prince/Defrosting Ice King. Due to the influence of Merlin and Gwen, Arthur goes from an arrogant, entitled, impulsive young noble to a much kinder, humble, and understanding leader.
* DarkSecret: [[spoiler:"A Herald of the New Age" reveals that as a young and inexperienced man with a desire to prove himself he led the Knights of Camelot on a raid on a Druid camp. Despite telling the Knights to spare the women and children, he knew some disobeyed and froze instead of telling them to stop.]]
* DeliberateValuesDissonance: Arthur can be sexist and elitist at times.
* DesignatedVictim: In almost every single episode, Merlin always has to save Arthur from many enemies and dangers. It's a RunningGag in the series.
* TheDeterminator: Most of the time, Arthur is rather determined and doesn't quit when he really wants something.
* DistressedDude: In almost every single episode. He's the target of dozens of assassination attempts, and is regularly poisoned, shot, knocked out, hypnotized, held prisoner, and put under enchantments.
* DoesNotKnowHowToSayThanks: Arthur is never that good with expressing gratitude and appreciation towards others, notably Merlin. [[spoiler: This is up until the series finale when Arthur's final words to Merlin before he dies are, "thank you."]]
* DontYouDarePityMe: Arthur hates it when others feel sorry for him.
* DoomedByCanon: It was pretty much expected that Arthur would end up dying at the end of the series. [[spoiler: And he does.]]
* DramaticallyMissingThePoint: He seeks to make a kingdom that is fair and just. However, he fails to notice that the people who need fairness and justice the most are the magic-users, and continues to persecute them.
* DumbMuscle: Unfortunately, for someone expected to be a wise ruler, perceptiveness isn't his strong point.
* EmotionalBruiser: He's a knight and king and very much a tough guy, but thanks to Merlin and Gwen, Arthur becomes more comfortable with opening up and expressing his feelings and vulnerability.
* EmotionallyTongueTied: Especially in the beginning. Arthur always had issues with expressing his feelings. This changes later on though, thanks to both Merlin and Gwen.
* EvenTheGuysWantHim: King Alined admits to being a bit attracted to him.
* ExtremeDoormat: Sometimes Arthur seemed this way in regards to Uther, much to Arthur's detriment. He had a tendency to follow his father and his orders blindly due to Arthur's strong desire to please his father.
* FamedInStory: Not just because he's the ruler of Camelot, but because his destiny is already known to the likes of the dragons, the druids, and other magical beings.
* FatalFlaw: He just can't help trusting the wrong people. It's endearing, but also immensely frustrating.
* FlawExploitation:
** 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.
** Agravaine exploits his insecurities and desires to please his father to manipulate him into potentially disastrous decisions.
* FlirtyStepSiblings: Arthur and Morgana are like this during series 1 since Arthur's father 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's relationship to that of step-siblings. There is some attraction and flirting going on between them. [[spoiler:And it turns out, they're half-siblings.]]
* {{Foil}}:
** To Lancelot. Lancelot's presence highlighted both Arthur's faults and his virtues. On the one hand, when Arthur realizes that there may be something between Lance/Gwen he pulls a massive sulk and makes an off-handed comment that he's only there because Morgana begged him; whilst Lancelot graciously admits defeat and bows out of the Love Triangle before there's any more trouble. On the other hand, the fact that Lancelot leaves in the middle of the night without even saying goodbye highlights Arthur's honesty with Gwen when he tells her that nothing can ever happen between them.
** To Merlin. Their backgrounds, upbringings, outlooks and personalities are entirely different. Arthur is rich, a noble and comes from RoyalBlood, while Merlin is a commoner who is poor and comes from humble beginnings. Personality wise, Arthur and Merlin could not be more different; Arthur starts off as more arrogant, entitled and spoiled while Merlin starts off as humble, selfless and idealistic. Arthur was also TheCynic while Merlin was TheIdealist (however, Arthur and Merlin start to switch roles in the later series as Arthur becomes more optimistic and hopeful while Merlin becomes more cynical and pragmatic). Arthur is a regular human, a BadassNormal who possesses no supernatural abilities whatsoever (he uses swords and combat to fight and defeat the enemy) while Merlin is TheArchmage who is a powerful warlock or sorcerer who possesses very strong magic (he uses his magic to help fight or defeat the enemy). Their contrasting personalities and their opposing backgrounds could have been the major reason why Arthur and Merlin had clashed so much in the beginning, but could also be the reason why Arthur and Merlin also complement each other in beneficial ways.
* ForGreatJustice: Basically Arthur's motto regarding his duty to Camelot and Albion -- he wants to rule with justice in his kingdom.
* FreudianExcuse: It's clear that many of Arthur's emotional and psychological issues and insecurities stem from the fact that he was raised by an emotionally distant and abusive father (Uther). It didn't help that Arthur was completely motherless growing up (thanks to Uther, of course - though unwittingly on Uther's part).
* FriendshipDenial: With Merlin in the beginning. Merlin would often acknowledge Arthur as his friend, but Arthur would often deny this and say that he is just his servant. Subverted now that Arthur has frequently addressed Merlin as his friend later on in the series.
* GoodIsNotDumb: Best demonstrated in these two lines from ''The Coming of Arthur''. Justified in that most of his smarter moments stem from being a tactician, which makes sense since he leads an elite army.
-->'''Arthur''': The best place for this cup is the [[CardboardPrison vaults of Camelot]]
-->'''Arthur''': *stops and looks around worriedly* ItsQuietTooQuiet.
* TheGoodKing: What he is expected to be and what he eventually becomes [[spoiler: in series 4]], despite him making some mistakes along the way. Arthur is destined to become the greatest king Albion has ever known. He is meant to unite the land of Albion during a Golden Age and free the magical people. Character and personality wise, Arthur has shown that he is noble, brave, honourable, virtuous, chivalrous, empathetic, and compassionate and stands for all that is right and good. He has shown that despite being a royal, he has compassion and understanding for those who are of lower status than him and he has shown to care immensely about the well being of the inhabitants of Camelot. HonorBeforeReason is basically Arthur's motto in everything that he does and stands for. He has shown to be a fair and just leader and he always respects the input from the people that surround him, people such as Merlin, Gwen, Gaius and the Knights of Camelot, etc).
* GreenEyedMonster: He gets very jealous a couple of times, when Lancelot or Gwaine look particularly friendly with Gwen.
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: Arthur is chivalrous, noble, brave and honourable and he is pure of heart. Despite originally starting off as selfish, spoiled and entitled, even from the start he shows a streak of nobility (in the very first episode when his and Merlin's second mock duel ends with Merlin being dumped on his arse, he tells the guards to let Merlin go, because "He's a fool, but a brave fool"). He eventually shows his real personality once he goes through CharacterDevelopment and learns to discard his {{Pride}}. His mother Ygraine, to whom he bears a StrongFamilyResemblance to, was the embodiment of this trope as she was seen to be kind, good hearted, caring, and nurturing. Therefore, it seems as though Arthur inherited his good and pure heart from his mother. Arthur has InnocentBlueEyes to match his HairOfGold.
* HairTriggerTemper: In the beginning of the series he gets angry very easily over minor things. An indication of his maturity throughout the series is the frequency of his temper tantrum, especially towards Merlin.
* HardHead: Arthur getting knocked out is both RunningGag and a convenient way to keep Merlin's magic from him.
* HeroAntagonist: Arthur occasionally lapses into this. While he's undoubtedly a good guy, he has been raised from birth to be distrustful of magic and will not hesitate to arrest anyone caught using it, even though the penalty is death. What separates him from Uther is that he does this not out of maliciousness, but because [[MyMasterRightOrWrong it is his Father's law]] and he's honour bound to obey it.
* HeroesPreferSwords: Arthur always uses his sword, even though he's shown to be quite handy with a mace.
* HeroicBSOD:
** When his uncle betrays him, he breaks down very badly in 4x13 that he feels he must AbdicateTheThrone because he was such a horrible leader. If it weren't for Merlin, Arthur wouldn't just be dead a thousand times over, he'd be insane.
** Has a HUGE one in the series finale, when he discovers that the one person he trusts the most, his best friend (Merlin), is in fact a sorcerer and that Merlin had been lying to him for the whole time.
* HeroicSacrifice:
** Drinks the (supposedly) poison for Merlin in "The Labyrinth of Gedref".
** He intends to sacrifice himself to close the veil between the living and undead worlds in "The Darkest Hour"
** He [[TakeMeInstead offers his life for Mordred's]] in "The Disir".
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Merlin. Arthur and Merlin originally don't like each other. Although, eventually, the two become very close and start to bond with each other, mostly because of the fact that their destinies and their paths are intertwined. Arthur repeatedly teases Merlin and makes fun of him, but regardless of Arthur's constant teasing of Merlin, he has shown to be very protective of him and has repeatedly shown that he does care for and love Merlin. It is also apparent that there are plenty of deep HoYay moments between the two, especially when they have deep and meaningful conversations with each other (where they end up sharing deep and meaningful glances with each other). But this is mostly due to Bradley James and Colin Morgan's intense and palpable onscreen chemistry with each other.
* HiddenDepths: He first appears as a spoilt royal JerkJock but as Merlin gets to know him better, his insecurities about his own worth as a leader and his genuine strong sense of honour surface.
* HomoeroticSubtext: With Merlin. Although Merlin and Arthur are HeterosexualLifePartners and even more accurately, VitriolicBestBuds, there is no doubt about it that Arthur and Merlin share the most HoYay moments of any duo in the series. Part of it has to do with the strong and undeniable onscreen (and off screen) chemistry between Bradley James and Colin Morgan. The other part of the reason for the strong homoerotic subtext and implications between the two is the fact that they frequently tease each other, seemingly having a love/hate relationship with each other. Therefore, their interactions with each other could be taken as BelligerentSexualTension. Also, there have been some sexual comments and innuendo that have been included in the dialogue between the two, although this is often PlayedForLaughs.
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Honour? Chivalry? Bravery? Arthur has those qualities honed to perfection! Being capable of noticing if someone is ObviouslyEvil? He might need to work on that some more.
* HotBlooded: Arthur is hot headed, brash, impulsive and passionate by nature. He has a tendency to act before he thinks sometimes, especially when it comes to battle or fighting for Camelot. Both Merlin and Gwen often had to tame Arthur's impulsiveness and his brashness from time to time in order to prevent him from making impulsive decisions that could prove to be costly or detrimental. There is also the fact that Arthur has a bit of a temper, especially when he is angered, frustrated or irritated. His tendency towards throwing a tantrum, especially in the earlier seasons and before he became more pragmatic and went through CharacterDevelopment, showcased his trait of having a temper. Seems that Arthur inherited his hot headiness and his temper from his father, Uther.
* {{Hunk}}: Arthur is very physically appealing to the female fans or audience. Although, Arthur's good looks lean more on the masculine side and he is not a PrettyBoy like Merlin, who is shown to be very delicate and fragile looking physically. Arthur also has plenty of ShirtlessScenes, solidifying his status as MrFanservice.
* IconicOutfit: [[TwentyFourHourArmor Mail shirt]] with the Pendragon red cape.
* IncestSubtext:
** [[spoiler:Now that Morgana has been revealed to be his half-sister, their [[{{UST}} relationship]] in series 1 seems like this.]]
** In the episode [[{{Recap/MerlinS02E08SinsOfTheFather}} "Sins of the Father"]], Arthur meets the (young and beautiful) ghost of his mother, whose words inspire him to gallop straight home and nearly commit {{patricide}}.
* InferioritySuperiorityComplex: His {{Jerkass}} behaviour near the start of the series is quickly put down to his FreudianExcuse of having a very demanding and emotionally distant father, and it's clear in his insecurity with Guinevere, Merlin, Morgana, and Lancelot that he doesn't consider himself worthy of their affection or friendship, even as he takes them all for granted. Merlin and Gwen have to give him many pep talks about believing in himself instead of following his father's examples during his HeroicBSOD moments.
* IHaveNoIdeaWhatImDoing:
** Arthur wasn't entirely sure that his plan to smear himself in Gaia berries to confuse the Wilderen would be successful. Merlin is not hugely pleased when he finds out.
** Arthur gets a moment of this when his father starts dying and he's about to be the new ruler.
** Arthur in 4x11 when faced with marriage to a lovely princess or seeking out the woman that (he thinks) betrayed him, tells Merlin that he has no idea what to do.
* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou: Arthur begins to fall for Guinevere after she calls him out on his rude behaviour and he realizes that she's the only one who doesn't just tell him what he wants to hear.
** Also the reason why Arthur and Merlin get along so well. Arthur acknowledges more than once in the series that he ''likes'' Merlin's impertinence, and actually gets worried when Merlin gets too quiet and deferential.
* InnocentBlueEyes: Has blue eyes that are appropriate to his heroic character. Matching his HairOfGoldHeartOfGold, fitting [[KnightInShiningArmor the honourable, chivalrous Once and Future King]].
* InnocentlyInsensitive: He doesn't realize that it is rude to refuse Hunith's breakfast in "The Moment of Truth" and his stay inconveniences Gwen in "The Once and Future Queen". Gwen calls him out on both cases.
* InSeriesNickname: Merlin calls Arthur "Clotpole" or "Dollophead". Arthur is never amused by this.

** He's a Prince, and later King, while Merlin is his servant. While they are genuine friends with Arthur proving that he's ready to sacrifice himself for Merlin, this difference in social class does create a serious power imbalance as Arthur doesn't treat Merlin as an equal.
** Prior to their relationship becoming romantic this applied to Guinevere, and with Lancelot until he knighted him. However, while he got along with Elyan they seemingly didn't become friends until after he was knighted and while Arthur never found out Gwaine was in fact the son of a knight.
* InterspeciesFriendship: With Merlin. Merlin is a warlock and a Dragon Lord with magical abilities and Arthur is a human.
* IOweYouMyLife: Arthur infuriates his father early in Season 1 by going to insane lengths to save the life of a "servant boy" (Merlin) he hasn't even known for particularly long. Arthur points out repeatedly that Merlin was dying of a poisoning attempt intended for Arthur, and that Merlin's actions had saved Arthur's life.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Originally, Arthur was very entitled and self-centered even if he genuinely cares for the people of Camelot. He started to display humility as the series progressed.
* ItsAllMyFault: It says something about Arthur that when he is betrayed by his loved ones, the first question he asks is "Where did I go wrong?"
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: He complains about his life being planned out for him and the resulting expectations several times. Also, being the chosen one for him means he suffers from countless betrayals from people he loves.
* IWorkAlone: Due to his father's influence, he believes that as a leader, he cannot afford to rely on anyone, especially emotionally. Merlin, Gwen and the knights prove him wrong.
* JerkJock: In his first appearance, he's an athletic knight who bullies the scrawny Merlin.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Arrogant and self-centered, but with a genuine sense of justice and near unshakeable loyalty to his friends, his people and his king. Nobody could really see the noble and good side of Arthur in the beginning because he had put up walls to prevent himself from appearing vulnerable to others. Hence why Arthur had such a hard time expressing himself and showing emotion and vulnerability. A lot of this had to do with having to be TheStoic because Uther had basically instilled upon him to be tough, firm and strong at all times and therefore, this made Arthur feel as if he was not able to show weakness when it was necessary.
* KickTheDog: In one episode, Arthur went to go get a flower to cure Merlin against his father's orders. As soon as he came back, his own father imprisoned him for disobeying orders. Arthur didn't care if he stayed in prison for days or weeks, as long as the flower got to Merlin. He even begged his father to at least deliver the flower. Uther simply crushed the flower in front of Arthur, told him to get another servant and dropped the flower just out of Arthur's reach, to underline the lesson that people will die for him and he'd better get used to it.
* LastGirlWins: Gender-Flipped Arthur may have known Gwen [[FirstGirlWins longer]] than her other two love interests, but he was the last to be introduced as a potential love interest for Gwen in 1x10 (though the ship was teased upon in 1x01 and 1x05).
* LastRequest: [[spoiler: Not to be left alone. And Merlin doesn't, living up to the present day waiting for him to return.]]
* LivingEmotionalCrutch: PlayedWith between him and Merlin. Not that he wants to admit it, but Arthur becomes increasingly physically and emotionally reliant on Merlin, often devolving into panic or helplessness when he can't find Merlin or thinks he's in danger. This intensifies when he becomes King, to the point that Merlin becomes his constant companion and advisor and even foreigners (such as Mithian and Annis) pick up on Merlin's importance to him. While Uther, Agravaine, and others continually push Arthur to become more brutal, Merlin pushes him to stick to his ideals, which earns the respect of his rivals and helps usher in a golden era of peace.
** At the same time, Arthur provides Merlin with a sense of purpose from the very beginning, then becomes a comfort and close friend to Merlin, until by Series 5 they nearly switch positions, with Arthur preventing an increasingly ruthless Merlin from JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope.
* LongLostSibling: Revealed to be a long lost paternal half-brother to Morgana. But she does not appear out of nowhere, she is present in his life as his father's ward.
* MagneticHero: His biggest asset as a leader is his ability to inspire respect and loyalty in other people.
* MalignedMixedMarriage: Arthur and Gwen are essentially this trope because [[UptownGirl Arthur is royalty while Gwen is a servant girl]] and King Uther won't hear of a romance between them. Though Arthur is white and Gwen is mixed-race, race is not a factor in Uther's disapproval.
* ManlyMenCanHunt: At least six episodes and one deleted scene involve him out hunting in the forest with Merlin or his knights, in fact it's a crucial part of "[[{{Recap/MerlinS01E11TheLabyrinthOfGedref}} The Labyrinth of Gedref]]" and "[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E11TheHuntersHeart}} The Hunter's Heart]]". And occasionally played for laughs:
--->'''Arthur:''' After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off things. So, I went for a hunt.
--->'''Morgana:''' And killing things mends a broken heart?
--->'''Arthur:''' No, but it's good fun.
* MasterOfDelusion: He was completely stunned when Merlin finally confessed his magical abilities to Arthur in the series finale. Despite the fact that by the final season, Merlin was straight-up doing magic right in front of him on multiple occasions. [[RuleOfFunny And once announced to Arthur and a roomful of people that he was a sorcerer.]] [[note]] Some fans theorize that he ''must'' have been aware on some level, but couldn't reconcile it with his preconceptions that magic is evil, thus repressed the knowledge.[[/note]]
* MasterSwordsman: Arthur is the best swordsman in Camelot, with only Lancelot consistently being his better.
* MarryForLove: He's determined to do this, and even manages to make it sound like a politically sensible idea: "I'll be a much better king for the strength and support of a woman I love."
* MartyrWithoutACause: Arthur is willing to die or sacrifice his life even when it isn't a wise thing.
* TheMcCoy (FreudianTrio): In the trio between himself, Merlin and Gwen, Arthur is TheMcCoy (arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, HotBlooded) to Merlin's TheSpock (calm, logical, intelligent, TheChessmaster) and Gwen's TheKirk (motherly, nurturing, sensitive, TheHeart). See FreudianTrio.
* MeaningfulName: The name ''Arthur'' means ''noble''. However, it also means ''bear''. His last name ''Pendragon'' means ''Head Dragon'' or ''Chief Dragon''.
* TheMenFirst: He is unwilling to risk his knights' lives, and can go to great lengths for them.
* TheMillstone: Aside from the problems he has caused himself, how many times has Arthur's general refusal to listen to Merlin, follow common sense, or even consider that someone ObviouslyEvil is...well..[[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment evil]]... made the problem worse? He gets better throughout the show, but still refuses to believe he is wrong.
* MissingMom: She's long dead... and it's Uther's fault (though, to be fair, not his choice).
* ModestRoyalty: Even though Arthur can appear arrogant, he doesn't always believe that he is worthy of his position as leader and King of Camelot. Merlin and Guinevere have to constantly remind Arthur that he is worthy of his position.
* MoralityChain: To Merlin. As a contrast to Morgana, who doesn't use her power for anyone else, Merlin's loyalty to Arthur designates the warlock as the "good" guy.
* MoralityPet: Was this to his father for most of the show, as most of Uther's more likable/redeeming moments involve Arthur [[spoiler:until season 5, at least, when Uther's spirit returns in one episode.]]
* MrFanservice: With his endless shirtless scenes, he's a treat for anyone who appreciates male beauty.
* MuggleBestFriend: To Merlin.
* MurderTheHypotenuse: Arthur's first reaction when he sees [[spoiler:Lancelot kissing Guinevere]].
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: Can tell there's something about Merlin, looks worried after realizing the boy he liberated is Mordred, and guessing from the musical cue, can sense the importance of Excalibur. However, he always thinks ItsProbablyNothing, so this is pretty much useless.
** Interestingly, on occasions where Merlin is upset about something he can't share with Arthur, Arthur is often able to guess at the issue and land on an incorrect, but related, supposition that makes sense to him. For example, when Merlin is depressed about Freya, Arthur guesses he's upset that Arthur had dumped water on him earlier. When Merlin is worried about meeting Balinor, his father, Arthur guesses that Merlin misses Gaius, his foster-father.
* NamedWeapons: The infamous ''Excalibur'', the sword that is basically created especially for him. However, the name only appears as title for an episode and is never mentioned by the characters.
* NiceToTheWaiter: Arthur flip-flops with this in regard to Merlin. While he clearly assumes he's the superior and constantly insults and berates Merlin while Merlin's trying to do his job, he has shown that he cares about the common people and occasionally shows Merlin some measure of affection and respect.
** He's also willing to risk his life to protect or save Merlin without a second thought.
* NoGuyWantsAnAmazon: It's subtle, but it's there, with Arthur getting rather stand-offish at the sight of any ActionGirl (or at least surprised by the activities of [[TomboyPrincess Tom Boys]]). He instead prefers the feminine and nurturing Guinevere, whose appeal lies in her forthrightness and/or supportiveness. He ''has'' congratulated Gwen on her bravery in combat, but it's clear that he prefers her to stay well out of such situations.
* NobleMaleRoguishMale: Arthur is the Noble Male to Merlin's Roguish Male. While Arthur is very noble and chivalrous, Merlin is more careless and is willing to use underhanded means from time to time to accomplish his goals or mission.
* NobleBigot: While Arthur was raised to hate magic, it's seems he actually merely distrusts it. Several episodes imply that he only hunts down sorcerers because it's the law and personally, he doesn't ''care'' about magic as long as it stays out of Camelot.
* NobodyCallsMeChicken: Never explicitly, but the best way to get Arthur to do something is to insult his bravery.
* TheNotLoveInterest: To Merlin, who will go to extreme lengths for him not only because he is prophecized to be the Once and Future King who will bring back magic but also because he has become a friend.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Arthur often seems to be deliberately ignoring things or making excuses to disguise anything strange. For instance, in an early episode he tries to suggest that Tom had some other illness rather than the currently deadly plague ravaging Camelot, knowing that otherwise he'll be accused of sorcery.
* OfficialCouple: With Gwen. [[spoiler: At the end of season four, they get married and become the RulingCouple of Camelot.]]
* OnlyMostlyDead: In several episodes, he's on the verge of dying. [[spoiler: And it's true to the legend about coming back when the world needs him the most.]]
* OppositesAttract: In regards to his romance with Gwen. While Gwen was a poor servant, Arthur is a wealthy royal.
* OverlordJr: Arthur qualifies completely. A bit of a WellDoneSonGuy, extremely loyal to his father, although he increasingly questions his most hardline policies, particularly on magic (which is logical, because Uther's stance on that particular matter is heavily irrational).
* PetTheDog: Arthur is particularly brutal to Merlin in the early part of the series before he [[CharacterDevelopment starts maturing]], but [[OnceAnEpisode once or twice in any given episode]] shows genuine friendship or concern towards him as well, including taking serious risks for Merlin or going against his father for him.
* PinballProtagonist: Happens a lot to Arthur, particularly in the later seasons.
** In one notable example is in ''The Eye of the Phoenix'', Arthur has a vision that instructs him to seek out the Trident in the lands of the Fisher King. He wanders all the way to the Perilous Lands where he's promptly knocked unconscious by a spirit-destroying bracelet given to him by Morgana. Merlin follows in his wake, meets the FisherKing, retrieves the true MacGuffin (the trident is useless) and is told that the entire journey was for ''his'' benefit. Arthur was just the catalyst for getting him there, and one can't help but wonder why the vision wasn't just sent to Merlin in the first place.
* ThePowerOfTrust: ArbitrarySkepticism to Merlin's claims aside, he's the most trusting person in the whole cast and that makes him sympathetic and earns him incredibly loyal knights. On the flip side, unfortunately for him, just about every loved one in his life betrays him one way or another.
* PrinceCharming: Especially to visiting ladies.
* ThePromise: "When I am King, I promise you; things will be different. We can be together."
* TheProudElite: In the beginning. He becomes less arrogant as the series progressed.
* PuppetKing: 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 ExcaliburInTheStone, is in some way organised and controlled by Merlin.
* RageBreakingPoint: When Arthur confronts Gwen about kissing Lancelot on the night before their wedding. He starts out speaking quietly and calmly, listing reasons for her behavior. When she doesn't agree with any of them he completely loses it, starts yelling, and grabs her by the shoulders. Almost immediately, though, the rage subsides and he apologizes.
* RankScalesWithAsskicking: Uther's education philosophy. Arthur has to prove his worth as Crown Prince through tournaments and military leadership.
* RealMenGetShot: In ''The Fires Of Idirsholas'', Arthur is almost delighted by the fact that Merlin has sustained his "first battle wound!"
* RealMenHateAffection: He prefers to show fondness for Merlin and Morgana through backhanded compliments and snarking contests.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Arthur is a fair and just king, significantly more fair and just than his father, Uther.
* RedBaron: The King Of Camelot, Courage, The Once And Future King.
* RedIsHeroic: Arthur is a swordfighting knight with red as his wardrobe's most dominant color. His long cloak with the pendragon crest is especially noteworthy.
* RedOniBlueOni: Arthur is the Red to Merlin's Blue. Arthur is more hot-blooded, impulsive and passionate, while Merlin is more practical, logical and intelligent.
%%* ResurrectiveImmortality: When Albion needs him.
* RichInDollarsPoorInSense: Arthur in the episode "The Once and Future Queen", when he's staying with Gwen. He says he'd like to take a bath, she tells him that might be hard as she doesn't own a bathtub, and he just stares at her, speechless.
* RichSuitorPoorSuitor: In regards to the love triangle between himself, Gwen and Lancelot. While Arthur is a wealthy royal (Rich Suitor), Lancelot is a poor commoner (Poor Suitor).
* RiskingTheKing: He usually jumps head first into dangers, to Merlin and Gwen's distress.
* RoyalBlood: Arthur comes from a family of royalty in which is father (Uther) is the King of Camelot. [[spoiler: Once Uther died, Arthur became King.]]
* RoyalBrat: Basically Arthur's middle name. One of Merlin's nicknames for him is "Royal Prat".
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The series shows him to be not only the Camelot's heir apparent, but also the day-to-day commander of the kingdom's armed forces. He not only leads them in battle, but also recruits the knights and oversees their training. He also seems to be the closest thing that the kingdom has to a sheriff or chief of police. If any "crime" occurs, it's usually Arthur that's sent to investigate.
* RulingCouple: With Queen Guinevere since season four. [[spoiler: Subverted since Arthur dies at the end of the series.]]
* SayMyName: Says Merlin's name really quite frequently, including screaming it whenever Merlin isn't nearby, whispering or shouting it whenever he thinks Merlin's in danger, and also sometimes emphasizes the first syllable as "MUR-lin" when he's mocking him. He's even mumbled Merlin's name in his sleep on [[HoYay multiple occasions]], to the point that when he wakes up saying Merlin's name in 5x12, Gwen barely seems surprised.
** Always addresses and refers to Gwen by her proper name, "Guinevere", even after they marry.
* SelectiveObliviousness: Not counting not knowing Merlin has magic, Arthur seems to have rewired his brain to ignore everything that Merlin does competently to the point where it seems like he's consciously unaware he's doing it. This actually gets pointed out to him in ''With All My Heart'', and he's ''still unable to grasp the idea''.
--> '''Merlin''': Without Merlin, your queen would still be lost.
--> '''Arthur''': Not sure that's true.[[note]]Let's see, what did Merlin do to free Gwen again? Oh, yeah, he figured out she was brainwashed and found a way to cure her![[/note]]
* TheSpock/'''Superego''' (FreudianTrio): In the team of three consisting of himself (''Courage''), Merlin (''Magic'') and Gwaine (''Strength''), Arthur is TheSpock/Superego (serious, noble, honourable, TheStoic, TheStrategist, KnightInShiningArmor) to Merlin's TheKirk/Ego (balanced, neutral, peacemaker between the opposing personalities of Arthur and Gwaine, friends with both Arthur and Gwaine, TakeAThirdOption, TheHeart, TheConscience) and Gwaine's TheMcCoy/Id (fun loving, roguish, rebellious, LoveableRogue, KnightInSourArmor, PluckyComicRelief).
* SpoiledBrat: So much. Especially in the beginning.
* StayWithMeUntilIDie: [[spoiler: Arthur tells Merlin in the series finale before he knows he's about to die for Merlin to stay with him and hold him.]]
* TheStoic: Arthur didn't show all that much emotion early on in the series. Merlin and Gwen's influence manages to change that quite dramatically.
* TheStrategist
* SugarAndIcePersonality: 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.
* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: How he acknowledges Merlin's wisdom without having to actually admit Merlin's right. Examples include?
--> It's turns out Merlin's not always entirely stupid.
--> It appears on this single solitary occasion you might have been right.
--> I should have listened to you, Merlin. For once, you were right.
* SwordAndSorcerer: Arthur is the Sword to Merlin's Sorcerer.
* TheseHandsHaveKilled: ''The Herald of a New Age'' reveals that he has done pretty horrible things in the past before Merlin arrives in Camelot.
* ThrowingYourSwordAlwaysWorks: Chucks one at a cockatrice.
* TragicBromance: With Merlin. [[spoiler: Arthur dies at the end of the series while Merlin stays with him.]]
* TragicHero: Arthur grew up trying to please an emotionally distant father. Most of the people he trusts betray him one way or another for different reasons. All his efforts to be a good king turn out to be not enough and Camelot is repeatedly threatened because of his tendency to blindly trust the wrong person.
* TraumaCongaLine: The end of series 3 and series 4 are not kind to him. Morgana usurps the throne of Camelot, leaving his father a broken shell. His father later dies under circumstances that he blames himself for. Guinevere apparently cheats on him with Lancelot. To top it all, it turns out his uncle Agravaine has been betraying him all along. He's in such a bad HeroicBSOD that Merlin has to find a MagicFeather for him to regain faith in himself.
%%* {{Tsundere}}: Arthur is '''Type A''', primarily towards Merlin.
* TwentyFourHourArmour: It's not very consistent, but sometimes he can wear his armour at the oddest times, including to banquets and other casual celebrations.
%%* UndyingLoyalty: To Camelot and Albion.
* TheUnfavorite: It seemed as though Uther favoured Morgana over him. Uther was more tough on Arthur than he was towards Morgana.
* UnfitForGreatness: Sometimes Arthur believes that he is not a worthy king or leader. He needs many pep talks from others, primarily Merlin and Gwen, in order to believe that he is a worthy king and leader of Camelot. In the season four finale, Arthur loses all hope in himself that he is worthy of being the King of Camelot, even agreeing with Tristan that there is nothing special about him that grants him worthy of his power and position. It takes [[HopeBringer Merlin]] getting Arthur to pull [[CoolSword Excalibur]] out of a stone for Arthur to believe and have faith in himself again.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: With Gwen. It's resolved by the end of series four when [[spoiler: they get married]].
* UnwittingMuggleFriend: For the whole series, Arthur was completely unaware and in the dark about Merlin being a powerful warlock who possessed magic. Merlin kept his secret from Arthur out of fear that Arthur would banish him or execute him. This is now subverted [[spoiler: in the series finale, when Merlin FINALLY reveals the truth to Arthur that he is a powerful sorcerer. Much to Merlin's surprise, Arthur comes to accept Merlin and his magic, despite being extremely shocked and disgusted at first.]]
%%* UptownGirl: A GenderFlipped case for Gwen.
* VagueAge: Out of all the young cast, it's generally accepted that he was twenty-one in the first series, thus making him twenty-nine by the fifth.
* VitriolicBestBuds: With Merlin, usually accompanied with throwing things on his side.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Arthur has plenty of them throughout the series, that it's too many to count.
* WarriorPrince: Arthur may be the Prince of Camelot but he is also a the best and strongest warrior in Camelot. His strength in combat and fighting is one of Arthur's defining characteristics and he is often known or regarded by others as the best warrior and fighter in the land.
* WasItAllALie: [[spoiler: After Merlin comes clean to him about having magic, he questions everything he knows about Merlin.]]
---> [[spoiler: '''Arthur''': So you're not an idiot, that was another lie]]
* WeUsedToBeFriends: In regards to Morgana, after she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* WeaponTwirling: Often does this with his sword, especially when he has the time to do so before he goes in for the kill. Arthur twirling his sword seems to be one of his trademarks or his signatures as a warrior and a fighter, since it is not seen amongst other characters, such as the Knights of Camelot.
* WellDoneSonGuy: Growing out of his desire to please his father is a big part of his characterisation.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: His relationship or romance with Guinevere. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes. Arthur and Gwen eventually become an OfficialCouple in series 4 once Uther, who had strongly disapproved of Arthur and Gwen's relationship because of their differing social statues, passes away and Arthur becomes King of Camelot. Arthur then asks Gwen to marry him and become his Queen. Arthur and Gwen are HappilyMarried at the end of series 4 and they become the RulingCouple as King and Queen of Camelot.
** The magic reveal subplot with Merlin has shades of this too. For 5 series, Merlin's secret of being a sorcerer is kept secret from Arthur and from pretty much all of the major characters in the series (including Uther, Morgana, Gwen, Gwaine, etc) with the exception Gaius and Lancelot. However, in the series 5 finale, Arthur discovers Merlin's true identity as a very powerful sorcerer, when Merlin reveals his secret to Arthur as he is dying.
%%* WithFriendsLikeThese: Merlin.
* WouldntHitAGirl: Unlike [[CombatPragmatist Merlin]] or Uther. Arthur has shown that he has a very strong respect for the opposite sex and he would never resort to the use of violence or combat against women. He has shown this trait in his confrontations with Morgana. Even though Morgana is his ultimate enemy, Arthur still cannot find it in himself to physically attack Morgana in any way and would rather defeat Morgana by using more diplomatic approaches.
* YoungAndInCharge: Arthur becomes King of Camelot during his 20's. But this occurs, because his father ends up tragically dying at the beginning of season 4. Basically, Uther's death had forced the position of being the ruler of Camelot onto Arthur at a much earlier time then expected or prepared.
* YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre: It's hinted that Arthur, despite his arrogance, suffers from low self-esteem thanks to the high expectations of his father. It's usually Merlin and Guinevere who provide the moral support needed for him to really embrace his role as a leader and future king.

[[folder:Morgana]]
!!Lady Morgana Pendragon
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/morgana-01_6920.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:280:"I am a High Priestess. No mortal blade can kill me."]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/KatieMcGrath

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

Morgana is the beautiful ward of Uther who suffers from premonitions in her dreams, unaware that she is in fact, a seer. She is close to her maidservant Gwen. Her strong sense of justice often clashes with Uther's rules and judgement. In series 2, Morgana discovers that she is a seer, but fears what Uther may do if he finds out she has magic. She also briefly befriends the sorceress Morgause, unaware that Morgause is her half-sister. However, Morgana's growing resentment towards Uther and his treatment of those who use magic inevitably leads to her FaceHeelTurn. When she is used as a catalyst for a spell under Camelot, Merlin is forced to poison her. Morgause rescues Morgana, and it is implied that she can save her life. In series 3, Morgana has been recovered and returned to Camelot, but she is firmly set on the DarkSide, pretending to be the "loving ward" while she secretly plots with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot.

* AccompliceByInaction: Believes all of Camelot is this.
* ActionGirl: In season 1/2 and season 3 respectively. As well as the last episode of season 4.
* ActionFashionista: Morgana loves fashion plus she's an ActionGirl to boot.
* AdaptationalNameChange: There is no mention of her traditional surname of le Fay, and instead once she finds out that Uther is her father she is referred to as Morgana Pendragon.
* AdaptationalSympathy: Compared to older versions of Morgan le Fay. Morgana actually starts out as a heroic character before SlowlySlippingIntoEvil. She was [[TheGift born with magic]] but tries to keep it suppressed because her guardian King Uther despises magic and persecutes anyone who practices it, so she lives in fear for years. Her half-sister [[ManipulativeBitch Morgause]] manipulates her into turning against her friends; their own actions [[NiceJobBreakingItHero don't help]] as Merlin poisons Morgana to force Morgause into calling off an attack and Morgause subsequently whisks her away from Camelot for months, not allowing Merlin to explain. And then Morgana discovers Uther is actually [[spoiler:her biological father via an affair with her mother but never told her this, and then killed the man who raised her in an [[UriahGambit UriahGambit ]]]], so she's understandably upset and hacked off. She then decides she'd make a much better ruler than either Uther or Arthur, spurred on by Morgause.
* AGodAmI: Well, not god as far as we know, but she certainly doesn't consider herself on the level of {{Muggles}}, and even treats her own kind with contempt if she has no use for them.
--> '''Morgana''': I am more powerful than you could ever imagine.
* AllGirlsWantBadBoys: She seemed particularly interested in both Valiant in season one and Alvarr in season two.
* AlwaysSecondBest: The mere mention of "[[TheDreaded Emrys]]" is enough to reduce to her a nervous wreck. It's repeatedly shown that compared to Merlin, she's basically an ant. According to Merlin however, the day she grew more powerful than him was not far away but nothing ever came of it. The writers have confirmed that by the time of the second to last episode, she had grown as powerful as him so she didn't actually even need to take away Merlin's powers. When he emerges from the crystal cave, he's more powerful than ever before.
* AmbitionIsEvil: Morgana's thirst for power and to become Queen of Camelot and gain entitlement to the throne at any cost, including trying to kill her own half brother (Arthur) and turning against her own former best friend (Gwen), is nothing but pure evil. Morgana's hunger for power turned out to be her ultimate downfall.
* AntagonisticOffspring: To Uther.
* AntiHero: Pre-MoralEventHorizon. Morgana could be classified as PragmaticHero and UnscrupulousHero.
* AntiVillain: [[SlidingScaleOfAntiVillains TypeII and III]]. Afterwards, she goes from a qualmless and often emotionless WellIntentionedExtremist traumatized by her experiences and mostly seeing things in their light to a more thoughtful and calculating but also more human and confused antagonist, with a slight episode of SanitySlippage (thus being technically a type III for anyone who sees her as a villain and doesn't choose the popular AlternativeCharacterInterpretation).
* ArchEnemy:
** To Merlin, though she doesn't fully understand to what extent until the very end. After her FaceHeelTurn, she hates Merlin for trying to poison her but largely sees him as an annoyance while Uther and Arthur are her true enemies. Then she learns that the man named Emrys, who she sees in a vision, is destined to be her doom, not knowing that Emrys is actually Merlin aged into an old man using an aging potion. It's only in the GrandFinale that she finally learns the truth.
** Once Arthur learns the truth about her and becomes King, she firmly becomes his main enemy.
* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: With Arthur, although the specifics of this trope don't apply due to their mostly [[LikeBrotherandSister siblingly]] relationship.
* AxeCrazy: Definitely becomes this season four onwards albeit in a rather cold and manipulative way.
* BadassBoast: Morgana has zero problem with using her powers to try to intimidate others.
* BadassNormal: Before she discovered that she was a witch who possessed magical abilities.
* BadBoss: Consistently treats Agravaine poorly and is very quick to insult and blame him when things go wrong, even though he has [[HypercompetentSidekick been of enormous help]] to her at great personal risk.
* BastardBastard: After her FaceHeelTurn, before which she was a compassionate, good-hearted young woman. It is revealed Morgana is the illegitimate daughter of King Uther and a woman named Vivienne.
* BatmanGambit: Towards every character in the series, primarily to Arthur, Merlin and Gwen. Morgana often used manipulation (primarily with the use of magic) in order to cause harm to others.
* TheBeautifulElite: Especially in season's one and two. Not to mention that Morgana does come from RoyalBlood, although that was unknown in the first few seasons.
* BeautyEqualsGoodness: Eventually {{subverted}}.
* BeautyIsBad: From season three onwards after Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn.
* BecameTheirOwnAntithesis: She went through many personality changes after series 2. You can find almost no similarities between her former self and her new self. Morgana was at first a confident, brave, and always compassionate young woman, who didn't judge any differences between magicians and non-magicians. After she discovers she has magical powers and would thus be hunted by Uther and shunned in Camelot, she becomes insecure and paranoid. Her feelings of isolation and lack of self-worth make her more self-focused. She slowly begins seeing everyone in Camelot as an enemy and reinterprets her relationships with them. After a betrayal, she begins to feel justified in her fear and considers all non-magic users in Camelot as worthless and cruel enemies who deserve to die. She then uses her insight into their inner lives to trap them, manipulate their minds, and ruin their romantic plot lines.
* BigBad: In series four and onwards. She is the opposite of [[TheGoodKing Arthur]], the BigGood.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: In the first episode of series 3 alone, Morgana's killed a knight, plotted with Morgause for the downfall of Uther and Camelot, while making numerous Psychotic Smirks to pretty much let us know she's way into TheDarkSide.
* BigNo: In 3x13, after [[spoiler:Morgause is gravely injured]]; she literally brings the roof down.
* BirdsOfAFeather: With Merlin, Mordred and Morgause. All have the gift of magic, although Morgana is originally unaware of that Merlin has magic.
* BlackCloak: In series 4, complete with [[InTheHood hood]].
* BlingOfWar: Morgana's "action gear" involves a shiny metal corset of some kind. Unless she were shot directly in the stomach, it's utterly impractical.
* [[RingOfPower Bracelet Of Power]]: Morgana wears a special bracelet which was given to her by her half sister Morgause. The bracelet has magical power.
* BraidsOfAction: Whenever she has time to prepare for a fight, her hair is put back in a braid.
* BrainyBrunette: Of the ManipulativeBitch type.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: 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 "homicidal".
* BreakTheCutie: Although she has become evil, everything had gone wrong for Morgana. It is probably the biggest reason why Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn to begin with.
* BrokenBird: Morgana's resentment towards Uther's hatred for magic and those who use magic led to her FaceHeelTurn, so much that Merlin sympathizes with her in 3x02 and even tries to pull a [[IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight "I Know You're In There Somewhere" Fight]].
* BrotherSisterIncest: With Arthur. In the first season, there were hints of a Arthur/Morgana pairing, but in the third season, it was discovered that Arthur is her half-brother due to the fact that she and Arthur share the same father, Uther. Which is interesting, considering that in the original Arthurian legend, it's Arthur and Morgause, not Morgana, who have an incestuous relationship as the parents of Mordred (although adaptations often fold Morgause into Morgana and give her these relationships).
* ButtMonkey: Even before her HeelFaceTurn, the writers did not seem to like her.
* CainAndAbel: With Arthur. In terms of roles, Morgana is the Cain (the BigBad) to Arthur's Abel (the BigGood). She spends most of her time plotting to bring Arthur down and has made many attempts to kill him and make him suffer. And it seems as though she doesn't even care even after learning that he's her half brother. It's a far fall from when she actively ''defended'' him in 1x07. See SiblingYinYang.
* TheCaligula: Her short stints as Queen of Camelot didn't seem to involve anything except demanding that the people accept her as their ruler, killing them when they refused, and burning their crops just to drive the point home. Indeed, it often appears that Morgana seems to be under the delusion that by taking the throne of Camelot, everyone will automatically bow down and worship her as their new Queen. Thus her plans always spectacularly fail to take into account exactly ''why'' everyone has such UndyingLoyalty towards Arthur.
* CatapultNightmare: Plenty. They get worse as the series goes on.
* TheChessmaster: Morgana has no problem using and manipulating people to get what she wants.
* TheChosenOne: According to the Dochraid, she's destined to bring back the Old Religion. [[spoiler:Given that she's the BigBad of the series and is killed by Merlin in the GrandFinale, it's doubtful that this is true.]]
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: After losing Morgause, Morgana is never fully loyal again, even to the magic users who serve under her. This eventually becomes her biggest downfall.
* ChronicVillainy: Morgana cannot stop committing evil acts.
* ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive: A couple of times in series three.
* CleavageWindow: Most of her outfits.
* ColorCodedEyes: Morgana's eye colour, which is one of her most noticeable and defining physical features. Interestingly enough, her green eye colour reflects on her personality and her temperament as a person, especially considering that she did a FaceHeelTurn after series 2. Morgana has always been somewhat of a jealous and envious personality, even before she became evil and consumed with darkness and hatred, but her jealous nature and her thirst for revenge became even more amplified and obvious after she became evil and turned to the dark side. Morgana particularly aimed her jealousy towards Arthur and Guinevere, so much that she spent all of her time plotting against the both of them.
* ComplexityAddiction: Hoo boy. Nearly every single one of Morgana's plans falls under this trope.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Ended by Series 3.
* ConsummateLiar: Morgana is always lying.
* CostumePorn: Morgana's entire wardrobe, including dresses that wouldn't look too out of place at a cocktail party.
* ConvenientComa: She ends up in at least three of these over the course of the series.
* CoolBigSis: 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 half-sister]], she's already tried to kill him several times.
* CoolCrown: [[spoiler: At the end of season three, when she is briefly crowned Queen of Camelot.]]
* CorruptTheCutie: She became evil after her half sister Morgause started to manipulate her over to the dark side.
* TheCorrupter: Could be to every character on the show. But mostly to Gwen in season five. Also, to Merlin, when she tried to [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwash]] him into killing Arthur at any cost in season four.
* TheCorruptible: It could be argued that Morgana was easily swayed over to the dark side because of how broken, fragile and vulnerable she was emotionally, psychologically and mentally. Darkness had already existed inside of her but it could be that a combination of psychological and mental issues, a dysfunctional family (being a Pendragon), the people she surrounded herself with (bad influences such as Morgause, Agravaine and even Uther) and the people who had somewhat of an influence on her turning evil (such as Merlin's betrayal, finding out that Uther arranged an [[UriahGambit Uriah Gambit]] on her father, and finding out he was her father, ect) is most likely what caused her to be so corruptible and what was able to let the darkness fully consume her to the point where she was filled with nothing but anger, hatred, jealousy and vengefulness on the inside.
* CuteAndPsycho: She was getting there in series 4, but seems to have fully crossed into this in series 5.
* DaddysLittleVillain: To Uther of course.
* DarkIsEvil: Morgana started dressing like Bellatrix Lestrange in season four. In season five, she strays from the Bellatrix look, but continues to wear black from head to toe.
* DarkMessiah: The Dochraid prophesies that Morgana will bring back the Old Religion to the land. A contrast to Merlin, who is the prophecised [[MessianicArchetype sorcerer who will guide Albion into a Golden Age]].
* TheDarkSide: Morgana becomes evil and does a FaceHeelTurn in season three. She becomes darker and darker as the series progresses, so much that she is no longer recognizable to the character she was in season's one and two.
* TheDarkSideWillMakeYouForget: 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.
* DeadpanSnarker: Before she had her FaceHeelTurn, she had her witty and humorous moments.
* DefrostingIceQueen: Only to revert back into an IceQueen in series 3.
* TheDeterminator: Morgana will do anything, '''anything''', to gain access to the throne of Camelot, including killing people, causing destruction, and betraying and backstabbing others (like Arthur). Hell, she has started wars due to her determination to get what she wants. Morgana is probably one of the most determined characters in the entire series, probably up there with Merlin.
* DiminishingVillainThreat: The more Morgana tries to kill Arthur, the less threatening she becomes. It quickly becomes clear that without Morgause around to make the plans, she's out of her depth.
* DoesNotLikeMen: An unusual case. In the first two series she was portrayed as friendly and flirty toward men, but as she falls further into evil she becomes less and less interested, to the point where she appears practically asexual in her complete lack of awareness of them.
* DreamingOfThingsToCome: Morgana has the ability to see the future.
* DrivenByEnvy: This seems to be the source of her new-found hatred toward Guinevere, considering that her former serving maid is destined to be Queen of Camelot - a position that Morgana believes is ''hers''. Then again, it could be because Gwen chose Arthur over her after she invaded Camelot.
* DrivenToMadness: Morgana being betrayed by Merlin at the end of season two and watching Uther, her father, endlessly execute her kind (magic users) as well as deny being her father to the public caused her (who already has a host of psychological and mental issues to start with) to become obsessive, sociopathic and insane.
* DrivenToVillainy: Many factors contributed to Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn.
* DrunkWithPower: After Morgana discovered that she had magic and became very powerful, she used her powerful magical abilities to destroy Camelot and bring down Arthur.
* DysfunctionJunction: Morgana is a highly dysfunctional individual. Her upbringing and her family (the Pendragons) are the most dysfunctional royal family ever.
* EeriePaleSkinnedBrunette: Morgana has very dark hair with extremely pale complexion. It is very noticeable, especially when she wears black clothing.
* EmpoweredBadassNormal: After Morgana gained her magical abilities. Not only did Morgana become a powerful witch and High Priestess, but she is also a master swordswoman and highly skilled in combat, skills which she possessed before she gained any of her magic.
* ErmineCapeEffect: Well, Morgana is royalty after all.
* EtTuBrute: She ''did not'' take Merlin's betrayal or Uther [[spoiler:not publicly recognizing her as his biological daughter]] well...
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Although Morgana is evil with bad intentions, it is clear that she cared for a few select group of people such as Morgause, Mordred, and Aithusa.
* EvilCostumeSwitch: As of series four, Morgana wears a gothic black dress and green eye-shadow with [[ExcessiveEvilEyeshadow dark eyeliner]], as well as having wild hair.
* EvilCounterpart: To Merlin. See {{Foil}}.
* EvilFeelsGood: Justified. After becoming a sorceress, the only time she doesn't feel terrified and alone is when she's associating with the bad guys. Although she subverts it with [[spoiler: Uther's death. Agravaine expects her to rejoice, but she's in a TroubledFetalPosition and wondering why she feels so empty.]]
* EvilFormerFriend: To Gwen, Arthur and Merlin.
* EvilGloating: There was never a time when Morgana didn't gloat about how powerful she was and how she would defeat Emrys and become Queen of Camelot one day.
* EvilIsPetty: Sure, her animosity toward Uther and Merlin is justified, but her treatment of Gwen is just catty and mean. Though Gwen did betray her for Arthur after she invaded Camelot.
* EvilMentor: To Mordred and Aithusa, sort of.
* EvilPlan: To destroy Uther, bring down both Arthur and Gwen, defeat Emrys (Merlin) and [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen rule Camelot as Queen]]. [[spoiler: She fails.]]
* EvilSorcerer: Gender-inverted. Morgana is a very powerful witch and a High Priestess. However, she uses her magic for evil purposes and she also practices BlackMagic. She uses her magic to bring down Arthur and the rest of Camelot. Morgana is the opposite of Merlin, who is a good or benevolent magic user who practices WhiteMagic.
* EvilWearsBlack: After Morgana does a FaceHeelTurn, she starts to wear much more black or darker colours, indicating her status as someone who has turned to the dark side. In the earlier series, Morgana wore brighter colours such as purple, blue and green for example, which had reflected not only her royal status but her good natured personality.
* ExcessiveEvilEyeshadow: After Morgana became evil, she started to wear heavier eye makeup, such as heavier eyeliner and heavier eyeshadow (the colour of her eyeshadow was green). Before Morgana became evil, she wore much lighter makeup.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange: Morgana's hair style change is vert noticeable after she does a FaceHeelTurn.
* FaceHeelTurn: In season three onwards.
* FallenHero: Morgana was originally a kind and nice person who had shown herself to be compassionate and understanding. However, she does a FaceHeelTurn in series 3 and becomes evil, succumbing to TheDarkSide. There are many factors that contributed to Morgana becoming the way that she did, such as her dysfunctional upbringing, feeling like an outsider within Camelot as somebody who possesses magic, watching those like her constantly being ostracized and killed because of who they are, being corrupted by immoral people (Agravaine, Morgause, even Uther) and being betrayed by those she considered to be her friends.
* FalseFriend: Towards Merlin, and later towards Arthur, Gwen, and (in a daughterly manner) Uther.
* FauxAffablyEvil: Morgana appeared this way to everyone, including to Merlin, Arthur, Uther, and Gwen, during the beginning of season three. She appeared to be polite and nice to everyone's faces, primarily Uther and Gwen. However, Morgana had already slipped over to the dark side. She became full-on evil in the later part of season three onwards.
* FlirtyStepSiblings: Arthur and Morgana are kind of like this during series 1 since Uther is the guardian of Morgana, and she is like a daughter to him. It is almost as if Uther adopted Morgana, which would make Arthur and Morgana like step-siblings.
** As of 3x05, Arthur and Morgana fall into [[spoiler:BrotherSisterIncest]], given that [[spoiler:they share the same father.]]
* {{Foil}}: To Merlin. She's consistently referred to as "witch" in parallel to Merlin's "warlock". They both have great power and live in loneliness because of it, and are both prophesied to bring magic back. However, she's more unforgiving of non-magical people's fears and mistrusts than Merlin, and are more inclined to take out her resentment on them. As the Great Dragon puts it, she's the darkness to his light, the hatred to his love. She is also the DarkMessiah to Merlin's MessianicArchetype. She's also a noble as opposed to Merlin's commoner background.
* ForegoneConclusion: Morgana becoming evil (or at least becoming an enemy of Camelot and its people).
* FreudianExcuse: There are various and understandable reasons as to why Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn. Some of them include her dysfunctional upbringing, watching Uther (her own father) consistently persecute and execute those of her kind (magic users), having to hide her identity as a witch within Camelot out of fear of being executed, suffering from psychological, emotional and mental issues, and also being betrayed by both Uther and Merlin.
* FromNobodyToNightmare: Averted. It's not that Morgana was nobody, it's that Morgana goes from being a "normal" King's Ward into one of the most powerful and most dangerous characters in the entire series. Most of this has to do with the fact that Morgana became completely [[TheCorruptible corruptible]] and let power, jealousy, anger and greed take over her and her motivations.
* TheGift: When Morgana finally accepts her magical powers, sometime between seasons three and four, she becomes a High Priestess after one year of training. She eventually becomes a serious threat to Merlin, who is the most powerful warlock in history. She is a skilled swordswoman and is always able to get her hands on an army.
* GirlyBruiser: Morgana is very feminine but she's a rather capable fighter and is pretty handy with a sword.
* GirlWithPsychoWeapon: Inverted. More like Psycho Girl With Weapon. It's not that the weapon Morgana often has on her (mostly a sword or a knife) is psycho, it's that Morgana is psycho.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Morgana was [[spoiler: crowned Queen of Camelot in one of the final two episodes of season three. Also, she was momentarily Queen in season four.]]
* GoodColorsEvilColors: When Morgana was still good in the first two seasons, she wore lighter colours such as blue, purple and green. However, after Morgana did a FaceHeelTurn, she started to wear much darker colours, specifically black.
* GoodGirlGoneBad: Morgana went from being a kind, caring, compassionate and understanding person to someone selfish, hateful, manipulative, vengeful, and jealous. There are many factors that contributed to Morgana doing a FaceHeelTurn such as growing up in a dysfunctional family and environment, being rejected or not being acknowledged by her real father (Uther), feeling like an outsider within Camelot as someone who possesses magic, seeing people of her kind (magic users) constantly being persecuted and killed by the hand of her own father, and being betrayed by people she saw or referred to as her friends (i.e. Merlin).
* GoodHairEvilHair: Morgana's hair changed rather dramatically between the time she was "good" and when she became bad. Morgana's FaceHeelTurn takes her from shiny, flowing tresses to a bird's nest of messy hair that seems to include dreadlocks.
* GoMadFromTheIsolation: For two years in between series 4 and 5, Morgana and Aithusa were locked at the bottom of a well away from the sun. It seems to have shattered nearly every remnant of sanity she had left.
* GracefulLadiesLikePurple: She gets no less than four purple dresses over the course of the first three series, two of silk and two of velvet: [[http://oi47.tinypic.com/hv79xi.jpg one]], [[http://oi46.tinypic.com/riywya.jpg two]], [[http://oi46.tinypic.com/1114bk9.jpg three]], [[http://oi48.tinypic.com/10f3vx1.jpg four]] which denote her status as the king's ward, as well as the fact that she is also of RoyalBlood ([[spoiler: considering that she is King Uther's illegitimate daughter after all.]])
* GreenEyedMonster: Morgana is strongly driven by envy, jealousy and revenge. It became more evident after she became evil. Even before Morgana turned to darkness, she still possessed somewhat of a jealous and envious personality and temperament.
* HardHead: 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 [[Series/{{Smallville}} Lex Luthor]].
* HeelFaceDoorSlam: At the end of the second season, Morgana is unknowingly the source of an enchantment that has put everyone in Camelot to sleep. The only way to break the enchantment is to kill the source (the source being Morgana) - so Merlin poisons her. Throughout that season, Morgana had been teetering between good and evil but this act of betrayal (Merlin's betrayal against her) acts as a catalyst. So when she returns a year later, her half sister Morgause has corrupted her completely. Then in a season three episode, Morgana discovers that she is King Uther's birth daughter. When he refuses to acknowledge her, it's a pretty definitive door slam for Morgana.
* HeroicBSOD: Kate [=McGrath=] said that Morgana sort of "shuts down" in 2x12 as she realizes her role in Morgause's plot.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[spoiler:By the time that she trapped Merlin in the Crystal Cave, her powers had finally managed to become strong enough to be equal to his. Too bad that it was the Crystal Cavern where Merlin managed to reach the full potential of his abilities, becoming more powerful than ever and, more importantly, more powerful than she could ever hope to become, returning her to her usual AlwaysSecondBest]]. Had she not [[spoiler:trapped Merlin in the cave and (apparently) stripped him of his powers]], she might have had a chance to defeat him, but instead what she did was ensure that would never happen.
* HourglassPlot: With Guinevere. The two essentially switch positions over the course of the show.
* HumiliationConga: Is unnervingly prone to being on the receiving end of these.
* IceQueen: Morgana is cold, icy, selfish and sociopathic.
* InTheHood: Is often wearing one when she's up to no good.
* InternalizedCategorism: 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 SelfFulfillingProphecy: having taken in Uther's teaching that magic was evil, she subconsciously believes that having embraced her magical side, she ''has'' to act evil.
* IrrationalHatred: The sheer, inexplicable vehemence with which she plots Guinevere's death is difficult to grasp. Granted, she feels as though Gwen is usurping her position as Queen of Camelot, but that she so quickly leaps to the betrayal and attempted murder of her once-closest friend with no remorse whatsoever is rather jarring. Of course, she also plots Arthur's death, but for whatever reason, she takes Guinevere's existence that much more ''personally''. Probably due to the fact that Gwen, like everyone else, thought that magic was evil, and thus would likely have feared her had she known about her powers. See Gwen's entry in FantasticRacism.
* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Has shades of this through the first two series, attempting to kill Uther at least twice because of her hatred towards him. By the third series, she's long since become a BitchInSheepsClothing and crossed the MoralEventHorizon. By the fourth, the Morgana who'd rather die than see a child hurt in series 1 (Mordred), callously reacts to the news of innocents death with an expression of "So?".
* KickingAssInAllHerFinery: She does come from royalty after all.
* KillTheCutie: She is killed [[spoiler: by Merlin in the series finale after he stabs her with a sword in dragons breath.]]
* LackOfEmpathy: This was actually telegraphed fairly early on. Though she's sympathetic when Gwen's father dies, the end of the episode suggests that she was channelling her own grief for [[ItsAllAboutMe her father's death all along]]. Likewise, whilst she was still in her "good phase", she refused to return to Camelot when she heard that hostages would be killed if the druids did not release her (Uther having mistakenly believed she was kidnapped). By the third series, she responds to Merlin's plea that women and children are dying with the word: "Good!"
* LadyOfBlackMagic: Beautiful, intelligent, poised, and a powerful sorceress who can use highly destructive magic. Her magical powers only become more powerful throughout the story.
* LadyOfWar: A graceful sorceress who is also a masterful swordsman.
* LastOfHisKind: She is the last High Priestess of the Old Religion.
* LightFeminineAndDarkFeminine: Dark obviously, though with less emphasis on sexuality (in the later series) than the trope usually implies.
* LittleDeadRidingHood: Morgana narrowly avoids this fate in ''The Nightmare Begins'' after escaping to the forest in a bright red hooded cloak.
* LongLostRelative: She is revealed to be Morgause's [[spoiler:''and'' Arthur's]] half-sister.
* MagicIsEvil: At least when Morgana uses magic. Morgana often practiced dark magic, as opposed to Merlin, who practiced [[WhiteMagic good magic]].
* MakingASplash: Whereas Merlin's powers seem to be based on [[BlowYouAway air]] and [[PlayingWithFire fire]], Morgana is often connected with water, most obviously in ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E01TheTearsOfUtherPendragonPartI}} The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'' in which the damp mandrake root conjures up visions of drowned murder victims.
* MamaBear: 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.
* ManipulativeBitch: Even when she was good, she was ''very'' adept at getting people to do what she wanted them to. See her manipulation of Arthur throughout ''The Beginning of the End'' and Uther in ''To Kill The King''.
* MasterSwordsman: Morgana has been shown to very capable and effective in sword fighting.
* MistreatmentInducedBetrayal: [[spoiler: She began turning against Camelot when she discovered that she has magic and feared for her life. Merlin's poisoning her clinches it.]]
* MoralityPet: Is more or less one for Uther, and is definitely one for Morgause. [[spoiler:Aithusa and Mordred become this for her in series 5.]]
* MotiveDecay: At some point her goals shift from ridding Camelot of a tyrannical king (justifiable) to killing [[spoiler:her half-brother]] and becoming queen herself (not so much).
* MsFanservice: Some of Morgana's outfits have been somewhat revealing.
* MurderIsTheBestSolution: Though she keeps changing her mind on this. Usually she goes straight for the kill when she ''shouldn't'' and relies on [[ComplexityAddiction overly complicated plans]] when she should just be killing.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: NamesToRunAwayFrom/{{Mor}}gana.
* NiceGirl: Was this before her FaceHeelTurn.
* NiceToTheWaiter: In the first two seasons she treats her maidservant Gwen very nicely, and the two are close friends. This obviously changes after Morgana's FaceHeelTurn.
* NoSympathyBetweenMooks: Morgana even treated her own allies and people who were on her side badly, most notably Agravaine.
* NotAsYouKnowThem: Her return in series 3.
* NotQuiteDead: Many times in the series, but most notably after Merlin poisoned her in season two.
* NotSoDifferentRemark: Annis calls her on her similarities to Uther, despite her hatred of him. Also, in "The Sword in the Stone: Part 2", when Morgana calls Arthur out for being not so different from Uther, [[InsultBackfire only for him to counter back]].
--> '''Morgana:''' Maybe you're not so different from Uther as you like to think.\\
'''Arthur''': [[LampshadeHanging Nor are you]].
* OfCorsetsSexy: In series 4 her black outfit is fitted with a laced-up corset.
* OffingTheOffspring: She's terrified of [[spoiler:Uther]] for exactly this reason.
* OffscreenTeleportation: She's a master of this after going evil. If the camera drifts away from her for more than a few seconds, she's gone.
* OhCrap: Morgana in ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E06AServantOfTwoMasters}} A Servant Of Two Masters]]'' upon seeing the 80-year-old disguised Merlin, having had visions of him as "Emrys" and foreseeing that [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou he will stand over her]] on a corpse-littered battlefield, [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech admonishing her for her misdeeds.]] Occurs again for "The Sword in The Stone, Part II".
** In "Diamond of the Day Part 2", the [[SmugSnake smug expression]] on her face turning to rapid horror after Merlin reveals [[spoiler: that the sword he ran her through with was actually ''[[InfinityPlusOneSword Excalibur]]'', a weapon forged in Dragon's breath. In other words, a weapon that ''can'' actually kill her.]]
* OrcusOnHisThrone: In series 4 Morgana spends a lot of time sitting in her hovel, waiting for other characters to bring her news of what she's ordered them to do.
* ParentalAbandonment: Her father died ten years ago, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown. [[spoiler:But as it turns out, Uther is her biological father and kept it secret all along.]]
* ParentalSubstitute: Of sorts, towards Mordred.
* PetTheDog: Has a genuine bond with Aithusa.
* PluckyGirl: Before her FaceHeelTurn.
* PoliticallyActivePrincess: Both before and after her FaceHeelTurn. Prior to it, would often stick up for the rights of magic-users, afterwards she tries to topple the Pendragon dynasty.
* ThePowerOfHate: In season three she is driven entirely by hate, some of it understandable (toward Uther and Merlin) and some of it inexplicable (the writers never give us a reason why she suddenly loathes Arthur and Guinevere).
* ProperLady: Primarily in the earlier seasons when she was King Uther's ward before she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* ProudBeauty: At times, especially in the earliest episodes.
* PsychoticSmirk: Morgana gives these all of the time.
* PsychopathicWomanchild: Morgana displays traits of entitlement, selfishness and brattiness. At times, she displays immaturity, especially when it comes to feeling that she is entitled to the throne of Camelot. Morgana can come off rather bratty and immature and she throws temper tantrums whenever she doesn't get her way.
* PurpleIsPowerful: Morgana wears a lot of purple, which strongly reflects her coming from RoyalBlood as well as being a powerful witch and high priestess.
* PutThemAllOutOfMyMisery: At this point, she seemingly just wants to make everyone suffer.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: The contrast of Morgana's very dark hair and pale skin is even more noticeable in the later seasons.
* RelatedDifferentlyInTheAdaptation:
** She is revealed to be Arthur's paternal half-sister. In the Arthurian legends they're usually maternal half-siblings. Interestingly, the series does still feature Gorlois, Morgana's legendary father - Morgana believed he was her father for much of her life, not knowing Uther secretly had an affair with her mother. This partly explains why Uther took on Morgana as his ward after her parents died, though it also results in Morgana resenting Uther more than ever for never acknowledging her as his child. It also drives her ambition to become Queen of Camelot eventually, because the way she sees it she has just as much right to rule as Arthur.
** As a consequence of this, Morgana and Morgause are presented as maternal half-sisters rather than full sisters, though it doesn't diminish their closeness (especially as they both hate Uther).
* TheResenter: Of Arthur and Guinevere for their positions in Camelot and their adherence to Uther's anti-magic policy.
** She also has a strong resentment against Merlin for poisoning her in season two. In fact, it could be argued that Merlin's betrayal is what cause Morgana to do a full on FaceHeelTurn.
* RichBitch: She comes from royalty after all.
* RivalTurnedEvil: Morgana became this towards Merlin, Arthur and Gwen in season three onwards.
* RoaringRampageOfRevenge: What she's been doing for the past two series.
* RoyalBastard: She's revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of King Uther Pendragon.
* RoyalBlood: Morgana is the daughter of Uther, who was the former King of Camelot.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: Morgana could be the Trope Codifier. She is the illegitimate daughter of King Uther. Morgana hates Uther but ironically, [[LikeFatherLikeSon shares many traits in common with him]]. Morgana also has [[TheMentallyDisturbed many psychological, emotional and mental issues]].
* SameCharacterButDifferent: The abrupt switch in her personality between series 2 and 3.
* SanitySlippage: By series 5, her desire to rule Camelot seems to be the only thing keeping her even remotely grounded. She's so lost in her hatred that the mere mention of failure to kill Arthur sets her off.
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveSupernaturalPowers: Morgana possesses magic. Therefore, she believes that she is able to do whatever she wants because she is a powerful witch. Morgana often tries to use her strength and power of magic to intimidate others.
* SecretlySelfish: Morgana certainly cares about her friends and feels sympathy for those persecuted because they use magic, but most of her actions are actually motivated by her own desires. After Gwen's father is killed, she becomes willing to betray Uther not because of how this hurts Gwen but because of her own issues with him, and after discovering that she has magic becomes far more willing to betray him and aide those who are willing to kill anyone working for him. She also refuses to return to Camelot after Merlin warns her that people will be killed since Uther suspects them of having kidnapped her, showing that at the end of the day she only cares about herself. And it's notable that after her FaceHeelTurn, she seemingly swears revenge on all of Camelot despite Uther and Merlin being the only ones deserving of her anger, not caring how this would result in the death of people like Gwen and Arthur who have always treated her fairly and even helped her in going against Uther's commands such as when they saved Mordred.
* SelfFulfillingProphecy: Which leads to her FaceHeelTurn.
* SelfMadeOrphan: Her mother and the man she looked to as a father and believed for a long time was her father were already dead, but she gave Agravaine the amulet to kill the wounded Uther--her birth father.
* ShipperOnDeck: Morgana became a bit of a shipper of Merlin/Gwen in 1x03 and 1x04.
* ShowSomeLeg: Morgana devises this plan in order for Gwen and her to escape from bandits in 2x04.
* SmugSmiler: One of her defining traits after her FaceHeelTurn, to the point that it's a source of {{Narm}} and MemeticMutation among the fans of the show.
* SmugSuper: When she doesn't have to hide her magic, she's not shy about lording it over non-magic users.
* TheSnarkKnight: Morgana won't hesitate to use sarcasm.
* TheStarscream: Morgana beginning in Series 3 becomes this to Uther.
** In Series 4, this ends up repeatedly being [[FatalFlaw her downfall]], seeking allies to take control of Camelot, but whom end up abandoning her after realising her ChronicBackstabbingDisorder.
* StartOfDarkness: It could be argued that Morgana started to become evil after Merlin poisoned her in season two. [[spoiler: In the series finale, Merlin even admitted that he blames himself for Morgana turning evil and into a villain]]. However her actions prior to this imply she would have turned evil anyway, but poisoning her is just what finally caused her to become the villain.
* StayInTheKitchen: In Series 1-3, while she's a high-ranking noble, her role in Camelot as the King's Ward is basically to show up at functions and look glamourous, and she doesn't have much actual power (compared to [[spoiler: Guinevere later on who actively takes part in ruling]]). Arthur has made some disparaging comments that she should just comb her hair or whatever a girl of her station does all day.
* SugaryMalice: She's good at this one.
* SupernaturalGoldEyes: Like Merlin, when she uses magic.
* TokenEvilTeammate: In season 3, when she returns to Camelot, after her FaceHeelTurn. In season 4 and 5 she's not even a "teammate" anymore.
* TookALevelInBadass: After she discovered that she had magic and found Morgause, she stopped being afraid and began to use her power purposefully.
* TookALevelInJerkass: She always was rebellious and butting heads with Uther, but it was because she didn't like his treatment of magic users and was upset with the rumors of him offing the man she thought was her father. But, after she found out Uther was really her father and had lied she went full on evil. Even when Arthur became king (after she had Uther killed), she didn't stop because she views Arthur as being just like Uther and believes only she can bring back magic.
* TraitorShot: Gets dozens and dozens. And dozens.
* TroubledAbuser: All her interactions with Guinevere post series 3.
* TrueCompanions: Was this with Merlin, Gwen and Arthur before her FaceHeelTurn.
* TheUnfettered: Morgana is extremely ruthless in her actions. She doesn't have any guilt or remorse for her actions or hurting others.
* UnkemptBeauty: In season's four and five. Morgana went from wearing fancy dresses and looking like royalty in the earlier seasons to wearing black gothic clothing with wild, untameable hair in the later seasons.
* UnlimitedWardrobe: Before season four. When Morgana was the King's ward in season's one to three, she had a variation of different outfits and dresses. After she turned bad in season three, her wardrobe became less vibrant and became more limited.
* UnstoppableRage: Morgana has it towards Uther, Gwen and Arthur. She has anger towards Merlin to a lesser extent.
* UsedToBeASweetKid: Arthur invokes this explicitly in 5x02 when he reminds her that she used to be so kind and compassionate as a child. Her response? "I grew up."
* VainSorceress: {{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 she's not really trying to impress anyone.
* VillainCorner: Towards the end of season two, Morgana was already started to do a Face by joining forces with [[LongLostSibling Morgause]]. Morgana became increasingly darker and more evil after Merlin poisoned her. It could be argued that Merlin poisoning Morgana and betraying her caused Morgana to do a complete FaceHeelTurn.
* VillainousBreakdown: At the end of season three, when she finds Morgause gravely injured. She [[BigNo screams so loud in devastation]] that she literally brings the walls down with her magic.
* WaterIsWomanly: A cold, aloof LadyOfBlackMagic whose magical powers are often associated with water to contrast with Merlin's fire-based powers.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: Along with Morgause. Given Uther's treatment of those with magic, her shift in alignment is understandable and [[AlternateCharacterInterpretation her side may even have the moral high-ground over Uther]], but like Uther, she uses some ruthless tactics to achieve her end.
* WeUsedToBeFriends: To Merlin, Arthur and Gwen. In fact, she says these exact words to Gwen in ''The Hunter's Heart''.
* WhiteStallion: When she was still on Camelot's side.
* WickedCultured: Morgana comes from royalty, therefore, she was raised cultured and was surrounded by all of the finer things in life.
* WildCard: In series 2.
* WildHair: In series 4 and onward.
* WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds: Morgana wants nothing but to bring Camelot, Uther and Arthur down. She is willing to do so at any cost. Although, if you look at Morgana's story, you can understand why she became evil or turned against Uther and Camelot. Morgana has always yearned to be accepted in Camelot as a magic user. However, watching her father, Uther, endless persecute and execute people of her kind has made her disdain and hatred for Uther and Camelot grow as time goes on. So, while Morgana doing evil things against Arthur, Uther and Camelot may be wrong on all levels, it is understandable why Morgana did turn against all of them at the same time.
* WoundedGazelleGambit: Occasionally. She gets really good at almost fooling everyone.
* YouAreWhatYouHate: As several characters point out to her in series four, Morgana has become just like Uther.
* YouCouldHaveUsedYourPowersForGood: What Merlin tells Morgana in season three after she did a FaceHeelTurn.
* YouKilledMyFather: Morgana accuses Uther of indirectly killing Gorlois by not sending troops to his aid.
* YoureNotMyFather: Morgana indirectly says this of Uther, telling a neighbouring Queen that it was Gorlois that raised her, and who she thus considers her true father.

[[folder:Gwen]]
!![[spoiler:Queen]] Guinevere [[spoiler:Pendragon]]
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/guinevere-pendragon_2115.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/AngelCoulby

[-'''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. [[spoiler: As of the finale, she is queen regnant of Camelot.]]

* ActionGirl: Gwen is highly capable of defending herself and can use a sword quite effectively.
%% * ActionFashionista: Gwen becomes one [[spoiler: after she becomes Queen of Camelot in season four.]]
* ActionSurvivor: She has ''survived'' a lot, including being being dragged before Uther for crimes she didn't commit twice, being kidnapped by Cenred, being exiled by the love of her life, Arthur, after Morgana enchanted her to kiss Lancelot, and being kidnapped, dragged by a horse, and psychologically tortured by Morgana, until the had her will taken from her. Gwen endured so much, but was still as kind as ever.
* AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: Gwen is given a RagsToRiches storyline by becoming the wife of King Arthur later on in the series.
%% * AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: With both Lancelot and Arthur.
* AllLoveIsUnrequited: Gwen had feelings for Merlin in season one which were unreciprocated.
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: Gwen is crowned Queen of Camelot in the season four finale.
* BadassNormal: Gwen is completely human and therefore, she has no abilities whatsoever, yet she is highly capable of defending herself and others when the time calls for it.
* BatmanGambit: Pulls one off in 5.02 by gambling on Ruadan's PapaWolf instincts.
* BattleCouple: With Arthur, especially before she becomes Queen, but also after as well.
* BettyAndVeronica: Gwen is the Archie to Lancelot's Betty and Arthur's Veronica. Technically, Lancelot is considered to be Gwen's FirstLove and she fell in LoveAtFirstSight with him (and vice versa). Gwen starts to display romantic feelings for Arthur in series 2, but even in the beginning of series 2, she still had very strong feelings for Lancelot; this was evident in 2x04 when Lancelot and Gwen were reunited when Gwen was kidnapped. Lancelot rescued Gwen and Arthur was also on a mission to rescue Gwen. Both Arthur and Lancelot realize that Gwen has feelings for the both of them, but Lancelot decides to step aside and not come between Arthur and Gwen. As Lancelot ids gone, Gwen starts to fall deeper in love with Arthur to the point where she ends up choosing Arthur over Lancelot. In series 4, Lancelot dies after [[HeroicSacrifice he sacrifices himself to close the veil between worlds of the living and the dead]]. Gwen had made Lancelot promise to protect Arthur at all costs and Lancelot, being the noble and selfless person that he is, adhered to Gwen's wishes and promise.
** However, it seems that the triangle had come back in 4x09, when Lancelot made a return in the episode after Morgana had used magic to bring Lancelot back from the dead. Although, it was not the real Lancelot and was in fact, a shade version of Lancelot. Morgana had raised Lancelot from the dead in attempts to destroy Arthur and Gwen's relationship so that she would not get married to Arthur and become Queen of Camelot. Morgana used methods to manipulate a situation where Gwen would resist the love and the feelings that she had for Lancelot so that Arthur and Gwen would break up. Sadly, it ended up working as Arthur and Gwen break up in the episode. Fortunately, Arthur and Gwen do end up rekindling their relationship and the two get married at the end of series 4, becoming the RulingCouple of Camelot.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Gwen is normally a very nice and caring person who will go out of her way to help others without hesitation but she does not always extend that compassion, kindness and empathy to those she is suspicious of or those whom she considers to be her enemies. Gwen also will not hesitate to call out other people on their bad behaviour and she won't hesitate to kill those whom are posing as a serious threat to either her or those she loves and cares about. This is the same person who has stood up to both Uther and Arthur, calling them out on their behaviour. Gwen becomes even more stern when she becomes Queen in season five. She has shown that although she does have Camelot's bets interests at heart and wants to do right by her kingdom as Queen, she will resort to some rather ruthless methods when it comes time for her to do so. An example of this is in 5.01, [[spoiler: when she sentences her servant Sefa to ''death''.]]
* BigSisterInstinct: Towards Merlin and Elyan. She is highly protective of both of them. Merlin is even one of her weak spots -- threatening him is not a good idea. Gwen sees Merlin as someone who is very dear to her and there is nothing that she would not do for him. She has risked her life to look out for Merlin whenever he finds himself in trouble. Although Gwen was rather distant and estranged from Elyan and did not seem to have too much of a close relationship with him, she is still very protective towards him considering that is the only family that she has left.
* BirdsOfAFeather: With Merlin. Both come from poor or commoner backgrounds. They both originally couldn't stand Arthur and thought that he was a bully, although both of their opinions of Arthur gradually change over the course of the series (Merlin develops a strong and intense friendship with Arthur; Gwen falls in love with Arthur). Both are servants to someone of status, nobility and wealth. Merlin is the personal man-servant of Arthur, the Prince of Camelot; Gwen is the maid-servant of Lady Morgana, the King's Ward). Also, Merlin and Gwen both share TheHeart role on the show. Merlin represents the male emotional aspect of the series, while Gwen is the female centrepiece of the series. Both Gwen and Merlin are advisors to Arthur and guide him to do the right thing as much as possible. Both Merlin and Gwen are compassionate, humble, kind, friendly and understanding in personality. It is no wonder that Merlin and Gwen "clicked" from the very beginning since they share so many traits in common.
* {{Brainwashed}}: [[spoiler: Post the events of 5.06. And all the resultant tropes:]]
** FaceHeelTurn: An involuntary variant.
** StockholmSyndrome: Morgana invokes this by torturing her into thinking all her loved ones hate her, and then offering comfort and help, thus allowing a...
** SymbioticPossession: It is explained that her behavior is due to Morgana taking over her will and replacing her will with her own, which causes the following behaviors...
*** DecoyDamsel: Puts on quite the show of helplessness to manipulate her enemies.
*** FemmeFatale: She definitely acts more coquettish than usual when under Morgana's power. Arthur and the knights are completely wrapped around her little finger.
*** ObviouslyEvil: [[SubvertedTrope But only to the audience]].
*** PsychoticSmirk: Again, only the audience sees it.
** ThePowerOfLove: [[spoiler: What helps to break the enchantment, with the help of Merlin [[DisguisedInDrag disguised as a woman]], Dolma]].
* BrainyBrunette: Gwen is quite smart, pragmatic and logical.
* BreakTheCutie: In ''Lancelot du Lac'', in which she is enchanted into betraying Arthur by Morgana, is banished from Camelot and none of her friends are there to see her off except Merlin. Not even her own brother wants to see her. The cherry on top? Only the audience and the villains know she was enchanted, so she believes everything is her fault. This isn't so much Break the Cutie as smash her to bits, stomp on the pieces, and grind them to dust. As if that isn't enough, she gets enchanted AGAIN by Morgana to kill Arthur and was probably tormented a bit while she was held captive.
* BrokenBird: At various points in the series. Most notably in season one, when Uther has Gwen's father, Tom, executed even though he was innocent; in season four, when Arthur banishes Gwen from Camelot; and also in season five when her brother Elyan unexpectedly dies. Gwen has lost all of her family and after her brother died, she was corrupted by Morgana.
* CassandraTruth: Guinevere spends a lot of time in series 5 warning Arthur about the dangers inherent in him constantly riding out on missions. He never listens.
* {{Chickification}}: In Season 2, Gwen's role is pretty much just TheHeart and Arthur's LoveInterest.
** Rectified in Season 3.
* CharacterDevelopment: From shy, stuttering maid to regal, confident queen.
* CleavageWindow: Sometimes, from Season 2 onward.
* CloserToEarth: She is one of the few minority characters on the show.
* TheConscience: She's the moral compass of the show. With Arthur being morally compromised early on due to his allegiance to Uther and Morgana and Merlin going the slippery slope, she embodies honesty, principles and goodness.
* CoolBigSis: To Elyan.
* CoolCrown: Gets one at the end of the season four finale. Guinevere is lucky enough to wear a very elaborate, but still elegant-looking silver crown adorned with jewels.
* CorruptTheCutie: In season five, by Morgana.
* TheCutie: Primarily in season's 1 and 2.
* CrypticConversation: In [[spoiler: "Diamond of the Day Part 2"]], she has this type of conversation with Gaius, [[spoiler: confirming her suspicion that Merlin was indeed the Sorcerer that [[CurbStompBattle turned the tide]] at the Battle of Camlann in Camelot's favour.]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gwen]]''': [[spoiler: The Sorcerer in the battle, you knew who he was?]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gaius]]''': [[spoiler: *''{{Beat}}''* [[CrypticallyUnhelpfulAnswer Yes]].]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gwen]]''': [[spoiler: Do ''I'' know him? [[IKnowYouKnowIKnow Please Gaius, answer me honestly?]]]]
--> '''[[spoiler: Gaius]]''': [[spoiler: ''[[MathematiciansAnswer Yes]]''.]]
%%* DiggingYourselfDeeper
* DamselInDistress: A couple of times, but [[MemeticMutation not nearly as often as you'd think]]. It's probably because the (very few) Gwen-centric episodes ''do'' [[NeverLiveItDown involve her in considerable distress]].
* DoggedNiceGirl[=/=]UnrequitedLove: Towards Merlin in Season 1.
* DudeMagnet: In this version, [[ForegoneConclusion Arthur and Lancelot]] have fallen in love with her, and Gwaine and Helios have shown brief interest.
* ErmineCapeEffect: Gwen's wardrobe changed drastically after she became Queen. She was seen wearing royal clothing.
* {{Expy}}: Of [[Series/{{Smallville}} Chloe Sullivan]].
* TheFace: Gwen is more diplomatic in her approaches socially. See TheHeart.
* FantasticRacism: Subverted and PlayedWith. She doesn't hate magicians, unlike Uther, but like him, she is afraid of magic and tries to punish people who use it. It leads to several inconspicuous KickTheDog moments.
** She tells Gaius what happened with Morgana after she used magic in front of her, [[LesCollaborateurs an act that could have gotten her mistress imprisoned]], even if she was declared the King's ward [[spoiler:and had all along actually been his daughter]]. In her defense, what Morgana did was a curse and before that Morgana went off with someone who was not what they seemed.
** In 4x03, she told Arthur in a deleted scene that she was mistrustful of magic and blames it for a tragedy which befell on her father, hoping that he won't use magic to heal his father (which is the equivalent of [[ToBeLawfulOrGood choosing lawful over good]]).
** In 5x01, she sounded very angry (and had a frightening look on her face), just a short moment after learning that Sefa (her maid)'s father was a sorcerer, before [[spoiler: pretending to sentence her to death while actually working to save her and getting her father, TheManBehindTheMan, imprisoned in her place]], an uncharacteristically harsh gambit [[WhatMeasureIsANonHuman which she doesn't seem to regret]].
* FanServicePack: [[http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lwm890.jpg See for yourself]]. She starts out as a commoner, with the associated plain clothes and modest appearance but becomes ProgressivelyPrettier as the show goes on.
* TheFettered: Gwen strongly believes in laws and following the rules. She is all about doing the right thing as much as possible.
* ForcefulKiss: To Arthur in 2x10 in order to break him out of an enchantment.
* FreudianTrio: In the trio of herself, Merlin and Arthur, Gwen is TheKirk or Ego (TheHeart, motherly, nurturing, loved by both Arthur and Merlin as a LoveInterest/[[LikeBrotherAndSister Sister Figure]] to Merlin's TheSpock or Superego (Calm, secretive, logical, intelligent, has made at least one SadisticChoice in which he sacrificed a dear friend in order to save a greater number of people) and Arthur's TheMcCoy or Id (Arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, is driven by his emotions, usually puts the individual before the bigger picture to Arthur's). See TheKirk.
* GirlFriday: Can be this at times to Merlin, especially when they're teaming up to solve mysteries.
* GirlNextDoor: When Gwen was still a maid servant. This changed [[spoiler: after Gwen became Queen.]]
* GoodIsNotDumb: She's easily the most observant character in the show and knows how to talk people into action.
* GoodIsNotSoft: [[spoiler: After discovering her maid leaked information to her father, tipping off Morgana's forces about Arthur's plan of rescue, cue Gwen swiftly sentencing the maid to death for committing treason. Even Sir Elyan appears shocked at the ease of which she declares this. However, it turned out to be a ruse to invoke a PapaWolf response from her father, who Gwen considered the actual threat. She just needed it to be convincing. It was a gamble, but it worked.]]
* GracefulLadiesLikePurple: Gwen wears a lot of purple dresses, especially when she becomes Queen. Gwen was seen wearing purple colours while she was a servant as well.
* GuileHero: She simply talks to people, using a blend of logic and guile to convince them to act according to her wishes.
* HairTropes:
** ExpositoryHairstyleChange: Her hair goes from practical buns to long, loose curls as she rises in status.
** LongHairIsFeminine: Her hair is long and curly.
** QuirkyCurls: In series 1 and 2.
** RegalRinglets: In series 5.
** MessyHair: In series 1.
* HappilyMarried: To Arthur in series 5.
* TheHeart: Gwen shares this role with Merlin.
* HeartbrokenBadass: Gwen has gone through a lot of hardships and pain in the name of love and romance and she hasn't had the best of luck in the love department. Especially in regards to her male suitors, Arthur and Lancelot.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Morgana. [[spoiler:This starts to deteriorate in series three.]]
* TheHighQueen: As of the end of series four. [[spoiler: This is even more true in the series finale considering that Gwen became the sole ruler of Camelot after King Arthur dies. In fact, the very last words of the entire series are '''"Long Live The Queen!"''', as cried by everyone present in the throne room.]]
* HonestAdvisor: Together with Merlin to Arthur.
* HotConsort: For King Arthur.
* HourglassPlot: With Morgana, essentially taking her place as the most powerful woman in Camelot.
* HugeGuyTinyGirl: With Arthur.
* ImpossiblyCoolClothes: After Gwen becomes Queen.
* InSeriesNickname: Her full name is Guinevere but almost everyone calls her Gwen, except Arthur. Arthur always calls Gwen by her full name "Guinevere".
* InterClassRomance: With Arthur. Gwen was a poor servant/maid and Arthur is a rich noble. This is now subverted after Gwen married Arthur and became Queen.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: With Gaius.
* InterspeciesFriendship: With Merlin. Merlin is a warlock and a Dragon Lord; Gwen is a human.
* IWillWaitForYou: At the conclusion of ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E10QueenOfHearts}} Queen Of Hearts]]'', she promises to wait for Arthur to become King, at which point they can marry.
* KickingAssInAllHerFinery: Especially when she becomes Queen.
* TheKirk/'''Ego''' (FreudianTrio): In the trio between herself, Arthur and Merlin, Gwen is TheKirk/Ego (motherly, nurturing, sensitive, TheHeart) to Arthur's TheMcCoy/Id (arrogant, aggressive, impulsive, HotBlooded) and Merlin's TheSpock/Superego (calm, logical, intelligent, TheChessmaster). See FreudianTrio.
* LadyAndKnight: Played remarkably straight with Lancelot and Guinevere, even though they aren't a lady or a knight when the show begins. However, Lancelot always makes a point of referring to Gwen as "my lady" and by the end of the third series he's been permanently knighted and by the end of the fourth season, she is "my lady" as she's Queen!
** There's a little of this with Gwen and Gwaine as well.
* LadyOfWar: The feminine, graceful young woman who is more than capable of using a sword.
* LadyInRed: A Queen, Gwen wore a lot of red dresses.
* LetsGetDangerous: 1x10, 2x04 and 5x01.
* LikeBrotherAndSister[=/=]PlatonicLifePartners: Gwen eventually becomes this with Merlin in series 2.
* LightFeminineAndDarkFeminine: Light to Morgana's dark.
** In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS04E11TheHuntersHeart}} The Hunter's Heart]]'' she is the dark to Mithian's light.
* LimitedWardrobe: In the first series she (understandably) only had two outfits.
* LivingMacGuffin: There is nobody that wouldn't risk their life for Gwen if she is kidnapped, gone missing or is in trouble of some sort. Merlin, Arthur, Lancelot and the rest of the Knights would all come searching for her and risk their lives in order to find her without even a second thought.
* TheLoad: DependingOnTheWriter. On one hand, her quick mind has proven useful on several occasions, on the other, she's still a relatively small and untrained peasant girl who often winds up being a DamselInDistress.
* LoveHurts: The poor girl never catches a break -- her feelings for Merlin are unrequited, her brief romance with Lancelot abruptly ends when he leaves Camelot, only to return and their romance is rekindled until Lancelot leaves again after noticing Arthur's and Gwen's feelings for each other, leaving Gwen upset, and her budding relationship with Arthur constantly becomes strained because of their social classes. Once she and Arthur become stable, she is enchanted into cheating on him with [[BackFromTheDead Lancelot]] - the kicker being only the audience and the bad guys know - and banished from Camelot forever. [[spoiler: To top it all, Gwen has to assume power at the cost of Arthur's death.]]
* LoveTriangle: At the centre of the most famous one of all (between herself, Arthur and Lancelot). [[spoiler: Gwen chooses Arthur.]]
* MalignedMixedMarriage: Arthur and Gwen are essentially this trope because [[UptownGirl Arthur is royalty while Gwen is a servant girl]] and King Uther won't hear of a romance between them. Though Arthur is white and Gwen is mixed-race, race is not a factor in Uther's disapproval.
* MartialPacifist: Guinevere dislikes violence and could under no circumstances be described as an ActionGirl (though she wields a sword on a couple of occasions, she's clearly not that good at it, and she remains the only main character to have never taken a life). However, she embodies the SilkHidingSteel trope, and at the beginning of series four, she witnesses the city gates being closed on refugees flocking to Camelot to escape the evil spirits invading the kingdom. She, a female servant, confronts the council of noble-born men, and using nothing but common sense and her own understanding of human nature, convinces all of them that their wisest choice of action is to re-open the gates and allow people to seek refuge in the city. They comply.
* MissingMom: The whereabouts of Gwen's mother are unknown. It is possible that she is deceased.
* ModestRoyalty: Though she gets a significant upgrade in clothing, she only ever wears minimal jewellery (just earrings and her wedding band). This is in stark contrast to Morgana of the first two seasons, who was often decked out in necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.
* MoralityChain[=/=]MoralityPet: Serves as this for Arthur.
* MsFanservice: Especially in the later seasons.
* MuggleBestFriend: To Merlin. While Merlin is a powerful sorcerer with magical abilities, Gwen i s a regular human.
* MythologyGag: She gets Arthur's conventional characterization in Arthurian legend: commoner to [[spoiler: ruler of the realm]], marriage to a royal, [[spoiler: leader of the kingdom to a Golden Age of justice and chivalry.]]
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: After Arthur witnesses her and Lancelot kissing the night before her and Arthur's wedding. Made all the worse because only the audience knows that she was under a spell the entire time and she actually believes that she willingly betrayed Arthur even if she doesn't understand why.
* NamingConventions: At the start of the show, she was invariably referred to as Gwen as a reflection of her status as a {{maid}}. This changed as the series went on (in particular, her [[LoveInterest Love Interests]] usually called her by her full name), and by series 5, she's consistently called Guinevere to reflect her higher status.
* TheNeedsOfTheMany: She often gives wise advice to Arthur and/or the Council on this principle.
* NeverASelfMadeWoman: The kingdom'd never benefit from Gwen's wise rule had Arthur not fallen in love with her.
* NiceGirl: Very much so. She becomes more struct after she becomes Queen, yet she still remains generally good and kind hearted.
* NinjaMaid: In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS01E10TheMomentOfTruth}} The Moment of Truth]]'' at least.
* NonActionSnarker: She might not be able to sword-fight an opponent into submission, but she's sassed quite a few bigger, stronger, more powerful people in her time.
--> ''"I don't expect someone like YOU to understand that."''
* OccultDetective: Occasionally, with Merlin before she became Queen.
* OfficialCouple: With Arthur. [[spoiler: At the end of season four, Gwen marries Arthur and she and Arthur become the RulingCouple of Camelot.]]
* OnlyOneName: Subverted. Before she married Arthur, Gwen's last name was unknown. Given the time period and having a last name would have been anachronistic even for nobility, it's likely that she doesn't have one.
* OppositesAttract: Gwen is a poor servant and Arthur is a wealthy royal. They come from completely different backgrounds and social statuses.
* OfCorsetsSexy: Wears them as outerwear in series 2 and 3. She seems to be wearing them as underwear in series 4.
* TheOneThatGotAway: She is this to Lancelot.
* ParentalAbandonment: Her father was executed at Uther's hand, and her mother's whereabouts are unknown.
* PimpedOutDress: Gwen gets a rather dramatic clothes upgrade after she becomes Queen at the end of season four. She starts to wear much fancier dresses in comparison to the plain dresses she wore when she was a maid and a servant.
* PluckyGirl: Gwen is very positive, optimistic, spirited and upbeat. She tries to believe the best in everyone and in everything, much like Merlin.
* [[PoliticallyActivePrincess Politically Active Queen]]
* ThePollyanna: Although she's also remarkably pragmatic.
* [[PragmaticHero Pragmatic Heroine]]: Gwen is incredibly pragmatic and logical in her thinking, especially when [[spoiler: she became Queen in season four]].
* ProgressivelyPrettier: It's not that Gwen wasn't pretty before, but after Gwen became Queen in season four, her physical appearance and her wardrobe took a turn for the better.
* PromotionToParent: Elyan says of her: "she raised me."
* ProperLady: Especially as Queen. Even as a maid, she was very polite and courteous.
* RaceLift: In the Arthurian legends, Guinevere is Caucasian. But on the show, Guinevere is not.
* RagsToRiches: Gwen went from being Morgana's maid to being the Queen of Camelot.
* RagsToRoyalty: See RagsToRiches.
* TheReliableOne: Gwen is highly dependable and trustworthy. She is always there for her friends at a time of need. Even Merlin can be seen depending on Gwen from time to time.
* RequisiteRoyalRegalia: After Gwen became Queen of Camelot.
* RichSuitorPoorSuitor: Their social classes aren't played into the LoveTriangle, but Arthur (rich suitor) and Lancelot (poor suitor) for Gwen.
* RingOnANecklace: After Gwen is banished from Camelot by Arthur for betraying him (albeit unwillingly, as she'd been under an enchantment), Gwen wears the engagement ring he gave to her around her neck as a reminder of their love. She loses it when Morgana rips the necklace off, although this results in Arthur finding the ring and being reminded that he still loves Gwen, prompting him to forgive her.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The first episode that showcases her as Queen makes a point of demonstrating how active she is: she gives advice at a council meeting, she rules the kingdom in her husband's absence, and she ferrets out a traitor that was leaking information to her enemies.
* RulingCouple: With King Arthur in season four and five.
* SatelliteCharacter: Gwen really has no real CharacterArc of her own, at least not one that isn't connected to her relationships with Morgana, Arthur or Merlin. She does have a father and a brother, but the former was killed off and she barely interacts with the latter. That said, it's also an example of Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad, as her relationships with Merlin, Arthur and Morgana make up a significant part of the show.
* SatelliteLoveInterest: She is often accused of being "just a love interest" by detractors, and though it's true that most of her screen-time does indeed centre on her relationship with Arthur, the ultimate purpose of her CharacterArc was to become Queen of Camelot -- and it's unclear how her cynics expected this to happen ''without'' a relationship with Arthur arising (as you may have guessed, a lot of DieForOurShip was at work here). Her CharacterDevelopment involved a significant boost in confidence brought about by Arthur's love for her, and many of her strongest scenes [[note]]outsmarting the Witchfinder, freeing Sir Leon, confronting Agravaine, withstanding Morgana, trapping Ruadan[[/note]] occurred when Arthur was completely absent. And by the end of the series, [[spoiler:she assumes control over Camelot after Arthur's death]] with confirmation by WordOfGod that she successfully ruled over the Golden Age [[spoiler:in his stead]]. She could be described as a case of a SatelliteLoveInterest in the sense that she's NeverASelfMadeWoman, '''but''' her character was given plenty of personal development and independent power as a ''direct result'' of her role as Arthur's LoveInterest.
* SecondLove: As Gwen realizes her feelings for Merlin are unrequited in 1x05, she finds a brief romance with Lancelot.
* SecretSecretKeeper: [[spoiler: Reveals in the finale that she knows about Merlin's magic. When she put it together is unknown, but as Merlin never found out she knew in the finale.]]
* ShrinkingViolet: Gwen started out as shy, introverted and a bout on the timid side, although she eventually grows out of it.
* SheCleansUpNicely: Gwen's new look in Season 2. Not that she needed it, though.
* SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan: What attracted Gwen to all her three love interests.
* SilkHidingSteel: Gwen was a kind, caring, and shy castle maid who takes pride in her work. If necessary, Gwen is a capable fighter and can hold her own in battle reasonably well. More importantly, she's the firm moral compass of the series and the connection to common people of Arthur (Merlin is also the other connection to common people of Arthur as well).
* StarcrossedLovers: With Lancelot. [[spoiler: Her marriage to Arthur ends tragically short too because of his early death.]]
* StayInTheKitchen: Guinevere's job as Queen is to maintain control in Camelot while Arthur is away.
* SupportingLeader: To Arthur's TheLeader when she becomes Queen. While Arthur leads most of the battles, missions and plans, Gwen will step in whenever Arthur is unavailable in any way.
* TheStrategist: At times.
* TextileWorkIsFeminine: Several time it's mentioned that she's an excellent seamstress. [[InformedAbility That said, we don't ever get to see her doing any sewing]].
* TookALevelInBadass: Definitely seems to be the case in series 5 after [[spoiler: becoming High Queen]].
* TrueBlueFemininity: Many of her dresses are blue; particularly in series 4.
* {{Tsundere}}: She is a Type B, primarily towards Arthur in the earlier seasons.
* TheUnchosenOne: Unlike Arthur, Merlin, Morgana and Mordred, who all have their destinies outlined by various prophesies and portentous words by the Dragon, Guinevere becomes Queen because Arthur loves her. Other than Morgana’s dreams, she is not mentioned in any prophesy. [[spoiler: More importantly, by the very end, ''she'' is implied to be the monarch who will repeal the oppression on magic users and brings Camelot to the golden age instead of Arthur, who merely paves the way and is ultimately killed off.]]
** Interestingly, in "The Hunter's Heart, Merlin does say that it is Arthur's "fate" to marry Gwen, but it's unclear if Merlin is referencing an actual prophecy or just voicing his own opinion.
* UnfazedEveryman: She's seen Merlin get up to some truly bizarre things over the years, but seldom reacts with anything more than a bemused smile.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: With Arthur and Lancelot. Her supposed crush on Merlin is more or less abandoned between series 1 and 2.
* WhiteStallion: In ''The Dark Tower''.
* WhoopiEpiphanySpeech: Gives one to Merlin, which encompasses the moral standing of the show, [[JustEatGilligan outlining why Uther can't just be killed]].
* WillTheyOrWontThey: Arthur and Gwen. Their budding relationship constantly grows strained because of their different social classes. They are finally married at the end of series four.
%%* WomenAreWiser

[[folder:King Uther Pendragon]]
!!Uther Pendragon
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/uther-pendragon_7142.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/AnthonyHead

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 for his people, and acknowledging loyalty from his subjects e.g. Gaius and Merlin (occasionally).

* AbusiveParents: In many ways, at various points, to both Arthur and Morgana. In Series One, he had them both imprisoned in the dungeon for nothing more than calling him out on his tyrannical nature.
* AcheyScars: He has an old battle wound in his side that he sometimes complains about.
* ActionDad: Uther was always involved in whatever is happening with Arthur and within Camelot. [[spoiler:His death was caused when he was defending Arthur from an assassin, the two getting in a swordfight which resulted in both fatally wounding the other.]]
* AdaptationalConsent: While this version of Uther is not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination, there's no evidence that he pulled the BedTrick on Ygraine that he did in the original story to conceive Arthur.
* AdultsAreUseless: Played With. A lot of the time he doesn't get involved because Merlin quite literally can't seek his help because of the need to hide his own magic. However, in ''Excalibur'', and in a few other episodes, he steps up to the plate to protect Arthur.
* AggressiveCategorism: Against magical people.
* TheAlcoholic: Subtly implied, as Uther is frequently seen with a goblet in hand. Though given the calamities that often nearly spell the end of Camelot, you can understand why his reaction would be INeedAFreakingDrink.
* AntiVillain: [[SlidingScaleOfAntiVillains Type III with a bit of Type I as well.]]
* ASinisterClue: He wields sword and pen with his left hand.
* BadassCape: His cape is red, like the Knights and Arthur's, and he is undeniably a badass.
* BadassNormal: Has been waging war against sorcerers and enchanters for twenty years, and is by and large ''winning''.
* BadassLongcoat: Like his son, he sometimes wears one.
* BackFromTheDead: Temporarily, in 5x03.
* BerserkButton: The subject of magic under any circumstances. Justified as he doesn’t want to be reminded that magic cost him his wife when he used it to produced an heir.
* BlackAndGreyMorality: Uther hunts down anyone related to magic, even healers, even children. He's a ruthless dictator (by our standards - by the standards of medieval kings, he's actually rather civilised). Getting rid of him would be a good thing. However the villains trying to kill him, Morgana and Morgause, tend to be just as bad, willing to kill others without a thought and having no care for civilians caught in the crossfire. Uther, for all his many flaws, genuinely cares for his people.
* BrokenPedestal: Arthur gradually comes to realize that his father is not the infallible father/king that he initially believed him to be.
* BullyingADragon: A literal example. He had Kilgharrah locked away in his dungeons for twenty years with magical chains to serve as an example what would happen to all magic creatures. When Kilgharrah got out in Series 2, he nearly burned Camelot to the ground in revenge.
* TheConqueror: It's hinted that he was this at some point in his past, as he mentions that when he was Arthur's age he conquered Camelot to become king.
* CoolCrown: Let's just say that Uther's crown was so much better then Arthur's crown.
* CreateYourOwnVillain: Uther certainly played a large part in how Morgana turned out.
* DespairEventHorizon: [[spoiler:When he realizes the depths of his daughter's hatred for him]].
* DidNotThinkThisThrough: In 5x03 he was willing to kill Arthur for Camelot's sake, but [[AndThenWhat doesn't seem to have planned what to do next]]. If Arthur were to die, nothing would stop Morgana, Uther's other child from taking the throne. Camelot would certainly be doomed then.
** Probably justified considering that he was [[spoiler: a ghost, which generally has a warped effect on the subject's psychology.]]
* DisproportionateRetribution: He wanted an heir but his wife was barren. [[spoiler: Nimueh cured his wife's sterility but to keep the balance of life and death she died in childbirth]] and for this he has mounted a genocidal campaign against ''all'' magic users. Particularly disproportionate if [[UnreliableNarrator Nimueh]] is telling the truth that [[spoiler: she didn't know it would be Ygraine that would die.]]
* DotingParent: To Morgana, but only ''after'' she returns from her year-long absence. Before that, he could be quite distant. A more charitable view of this would be that almost losing her gave him a shock.
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Uther may be ruthless and cold, but there is no doubt that he loves his children (Arthur and Morgana). He also cares for his people, as a collective, if not as individuals, and both emphasises the responsibilities of a King to his people, and will do more or less anything to protect them (though he's more cautious than Arthur, who's got ChronicHeroSyndrome in his bones).
* EvenEvilHasStandards: He's horrified at Morgana's slaughtering of civilians just to make a point to the knights, stating that they were innocent, and tells her that if she should kill anyone, she should kill him. Unfortunately, she's got CruelMercy lined up for him.
* FantasticRacism: Uther is strongly opposed to magic and magic users. He that magic was a nothing but a source for evil and that all people who practice magic are the root of all the evil and damage within Camelot.
* FinalSpeech: He manages [[spoiler:a few last words to Arthur before slipping into a coma that he awakens from only very briefly]].
* FreudianExcuse: 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.]]
* HatedByAll: Zig-zagged. While it's lampshaded by Merlin that everybody hates him, considering the number of people who try to kill him in every episode, and in fact, of the main cast, besides Arthur (and to an extent, Gaius) no one seems to like him and not without good reasons. However, the average citizens of Camelot seem to quite like him, at least the ones who are not related or close to someone with magic powers, and when he doesn't think magic is involved, he's a surprisingly good king. Unfortunately, magic is involved a lot.
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: Going by what is stated by those who knew him, he was, once upon a time, a genuinely good man.
* HeroicBSOD: 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}}: He is a deliberate and fascinating example. After [[spoiler: enlisting the help of a sorceress in order for his barren wife to conceive]], he set about killing and terrorising everyone who practised sorcery (even those who did so for perfectly innocent reasons) even though [[NeverMyFault he had no one to blame for his wife's death except himself]]. He had the Great Dragon imprisoned with '''enchanted''' chains in his dungeon. The real kicker is when Morgana gets sick in series 3, and he actually coerces Gaius into using magic to save her. You'd think this act of blatant hypocrisy would make him decide to ease up on the sorcerers a bit from then on, but you'd be wrong...
** Later on in series 3, there was a sorcerer going around healing people miraculously who was [[spoiler: Gaius's former lover]]. Uther wanted Gaius to see if sorcery was involved in the healings and it is implied he would have executed whoever did it. The fact that he was willing to use magic to miraculously heal Morgana is made even more hypocritical because of that in retrospect.
** The reason he hates magic in the first place is because he made a deal with a sorceress to conceive a son with his barren wife. Furthermore, he describes his deceased wife as "my soul" and yet we later find out that he had an affair with his best friend's wife, and that (as he says to his son) "I know about the temptations of serving girls."
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Among other things, he's chummied up to a knight who was trying to kill his son, invited two murderous Sidhe into his castle, married a troll (though in that case, she was disguised and he was literally enchanted), flirted with a shape-shifting witch, indulged the whims of a con-artist witchfinder, hired a man who tried to kill him to avenge his parents' deaths, and (in the third series) doted on the woman who was hell-bent on destroying him and taking over his kingdom. It goes both ways, as he's also banished both Gwaine and Lancelot, two accomplished and loyal knights, and is constantly belittling, alienating or even trying to execute Merlin and Guinevere, the two people in the world who would give their lives for his son without a second thought.
* ItsAllAboutMe: He bans and allows magic use as he wants it. There's also a subtle hint that he defines loyalty to Camelot as loyalty to himself (or to Arthur), as evidenced in the Great Purge.
* {{Jerkass}}: He's a ruthless tyrant - by modern standards, at least (and even by Medieval ones where magic is concerned). His PetTheDog moments are overshadowed by his cruel actions and LackOfEmpathy.
* JerkassHasAPoint:
** When Merlin is poisoned in season 1, he is quite right to tell Arthur that people are going to end up sacrificing themselves for him when he is king and he'd better get used to the idea.
** While he takes it too far in his war against magic and he's a hypocrite since he used magic so Arthur could be born, it's worth acknowledging that magic truly is dangerous, capable of doing all kinds of harm including altering someone's mind, and that many sorcerers do use it for selfish reasons. Many of the villains in the show often don't care about the innocent people they kill or are even a SmugSuper like Morgana who believe their magic makes them superior, proving that he's not entirely wrong about the dangers of magic. Even Merlin at one point used magic to remove Arthur's will and make him more compliant, proving that even good sorcerers have the potential to do horrific things.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: That might be pushing, but underneath his hatred for magic and classist attitudes, Uther is genuinely a benevolent ruler who cares about others. He deeply loves both Arthur and Morgana, cares about his subjects and the innocent, regrets being unable to help Hunith, grows to appreciate Merlin's loyalty to Arthur even if he never respects him as an equal, and genuinely considers Gaius to be a close friend despite being a former sorcerer. Whenever he realises that he has made a mistake, such as when he believed the witchfinder Aredian when he framed Gaius for sorcery and planned to have him executed, he shows real guilt and regret.
* JudgeJuryAndExecutioner: There is apparently some sort of court system in Camelot (people speak of getting "fair trials") but when it comes down to it, Uther can demand whatever sentencing he likes on whoever he deems guilty.
* KickTheDog: Just about every episode.
* KingOnHisDeathbed: In series 4 he isn't dying, but [[spoiler:the shock from Morgana's betrayal and learning how much she hates him had completely demoralised him and left him deeply depressed, to the point that Arthur had to take over as leader while Uther stays in his room rarely talking or eating and being looked after by Gwen. However he does interact more when it concerns Arthur and immediately leaps to defend him against an assassin]].
* KnightTemplarParent: See his hatred of magic.
* [[LikeASonToMe Like A Daughter To Me]]: Morgana. [[spoiler:Quite literally.]]
* LoveMakesYouEvil: He hates magic so much, because it caused a death of his beloved wife.
* MasterSwordsman: He could defeat Arthur in a duel if he wanted.
* MysteriousPast: He apparently conquered Camelot when he was Arthur's age. Whether the crown was usurped by another king, or if Uther conquered the kingdom just because he could, is unknown.
* MythologyGag: Like in the original legend, Uther uses magic to get what he desires (to produce an heir and in the original legend, to sleep with Ygraine). However, and it comes at a price as Uther ends up losing a family member (Ygraine ends up dying in childbirth while in the original legend Merlin takes baby Arthur away as payment for Uther using Merlin’s magic to pull a BedTrick on Ygraine).
* NeverMyFault: He completely denies his responsibility in his wife's death, and taking his anger and sorrow on Nimueh and other magic users.
* NiceJobBreakingItHerod: Inverted. Uther's genocide of the dragonlords actually causes the birth of Merlin, who is destined to undo all his work.
* NobleDemon: Uther might be a genocidal tyrant but he's also a loving parent and a brave warrior who cares for his people and will put himself in harm's way to protect his kingdom. And it's worth noting that he's only a tyrant by modern standards; compared to real life medieval kings and rulers, Uther's is a rather good ruler.
* ObliviouslyEvil: He actually believes himself to be a fair king, and that he's doing the right thing for his kingdom. In fairness, where magic isn't concerned, he's usually quite a good King.
* PapaWolf: 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''.
* ParentalFavoritism: Uther seemed to show a hint of favouritism towards Morgana over Arthur.
* ParentalSubstitute: For Morgana. [[spoiler: At least, it seems this way until it is revealed that she actually ''is'' his illegitimate daughter.]]
* ThePatriarch: He's the father of Arthur and guardian of Morgana, who later turns out to be his biological father.
* PetTheDog: Semi-frequently, serving to humanise him. For instance, it's obvious that Uther loves his children, and speaks of his late wife as "my soul." He's also fond of Gaius, and unusually, he cottons very quickly to the depths of Merlin's loyalty to his son, which he openly acknowledges and respects, even thanking him a couple of times for his loyal service, and trusting him to keep secrets - though with the caveat that he'll have him executed if he doesn't. And he ''can'' be made to see reason on several issues.
* {{Pride}}: Aside from his blind hatred of magic this causes or makes worse the problems in the series. He places the word of the nobility above anyone else, cannot stand to look bad due to self-image, jumps to conclusions and hardly listens to anyone since he thinks he is always right, and only changes his mind when publicly presented with irrefutable evidence. He tries to avoid apologizing when he is wrong and can barely spit one out trying to place blame on others, all due to his pride.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure:
** Surprisingly often, if he doesn't think that magic is involved in the situation at hand. Were it not for his hatred of magic, he'd probably be a very good King. For instance, he's more than willing to grant Merlin's mother an audience to hear about how her village was being attacked way back in Season 1, and is genuinely regretful that he can't do anything because the village is (just) in the land of a rival monarch. In comparison to most real life rulers, he's a rather good king by the standards of his time. It's also worth pointing out that he lives in a world with actual magic and villains who use it to harm others, so unlike real life kings he has a pretty valid excuse for being the way he is.
** It's zigzagged when it comes to commoners however. While he does treat them with some compassion, he overall doesn't consider them to be as important or trustworthy as a noble. He hates it when Lancelot and Gwaine both break the knight's code since they are commoners, not knowing that Gwaine was in fact a noble, while also being unable to understand why his son would develop feelings for a servant like Gwen. When he returns as a spirit, he's angered and disappointed that Arthur made commoners knights and married Gwen. However it's worth pointing out that outside his hatred for magic, it's clear that he was respected by the commoners and was likely a decent ruler.
* RelatedDifferentlyInTheAdaptation: Morgana is his stepdaughter in most versions, but is eventually revealed to be his biological daughter.
* RoyallyScrewedUp: The second he finds even a hint of magic, Uther becomes obsessed with destroying it and disregards everything else.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: Uther has many faults, but idleness is not one of them. He also remains quite handy with a sword years after aging out of knighthood.
* TheseHandsHaveKilled: He clearly suffers from a guilty conscience when faced with the apparitions of his deceased wife and the children he drowned.
* TokenEvilTeammate: He's just as bad as most villains, and sometimes even worse. Unlike most of them, however, he is a genuine NobleDemon, and aside from his raging hatred for magic, a ReasonableAuthorityFigure who's actually an excellent ruler by the standards of his time.
* TooDumbToLive: To the point that you start to wonder how he and Arthur managed to stay alive until Merlin arrived - though that could just be because Nimue, the first BigBad, hadn't resurfaced yet.
* TroubledSympatheticBigot: His hatred of magic stems from his grief and guilt over his wife's death (troubled), he dearly loves both his children and his kingdom (sympathetic) and yet he is utterly ruthless and hypocritical when it comes to eradicating those that practice magic (bigot).
* UnrelatedInTheAdaptation: Mordred is just a random druid instead of his grandson in this version
* UpperClassTwit: Sometimes.
* VetinariJobSecurity: Of a sort, the only real reason Merlin prevents anyone from killing him is he is needed as a placeholder until Arthur is ready to take over and prevent another worse king/threat from taking over.
* VillainProtagonist
* VillainousBSOD: Suffers a nasty one once Morgana brings to light how much she truly hates him in 3x13.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: He is convinced that magic is evil and threatens Camelot. And, to be fair, mages do try to bring Camelot around his ears on a regular basis - if only to get revenge on him.
* WhatTheHellHero: Uther does a lot of awful things, but only sometimes has this treatment to his face.
* WouldHurtAChild: Has ordered the deaths of children in the past (via drowning) as well as the attempted execution of Mordred.
* WouldHitAGirl: Has no problem with this. He's attacked both Morgana and Guinevere.
* YouAreGrounded: To his children, several times. He's not adverse to shutting them in the dungeons either.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Gaius]]
!!Gaius
[[quoteright:280:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gaius_8619.jpg]]
!!!'''Portrayed By:''' Creator/RichardWilson

[-"I'd give my life for you, Merlin."-]

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.

* AnachronismStew: Gaius' medical knowledge is far too advanced for the time period of the series.
%% * AppliedPhlebotinum
* AsYouKnow: Gaius is the KING of this trope. How many hundreds of time have we heard him say some variation of: "you/he/she can't use magic or you'll be killed" or "we can't tell anyone about Morgana/Agravaine/any other obvious villain because they'd never believe us". Though considering how often Merlin needs reminding, this might be justified.
* TheAtoner: It's impiled taking Merlin under his wing is his way to make up for his inaction during the Great Purge.
* BigDamnHeroes: Saves Merlin from Morgause in 3x13.
* BrickJoke: Gaius constantly telling Arthur that Merlin is in the tavern when he disappears to do his magical thing.
* BrokenMasquerade: In series 3, Uther indirectly admits he knows Gaius was a sorcerer in the past, when he asks him to do anything, even magical to save Morgana.
* CategoryTraitor: A lot of magic users like the Dragon and Nimueh hold Gaius to be one, since he became Uther's court physician, and turned a blind eye to the deaths of magic users.
* CanonForeigner: You won't find any Gaius in [[Myth/ArthurianLegend Arthurian legends]] (minus Romanisations of Kay) as he was created specifically for the show.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: In the first handful of episodes, he was a typical AbsentMindedProfessor who couldn't keep track of what day it was, accidentally set his bench on fire, and whose (egregious) EstablishingCharacterMoment was falling off a ladder. Later he became a much more astute mentor with FeetOfClay.
* CompositeCharacter: He takes a few aspects from the traditional Merlin, being an older man who acts as a friend and advisor to Uther.
* TheConfidant: To Merlin and Uther, and occasionally to Guinevere and Morgana (in the early years) as well.
* TheConsigliere: He is Uther's most trusted adviser and maybe the closest thing he has to a friend and tries to be the voice of reason to Uther's arrogance and prejudices. Unfortunately, Uther rarely bothers to listen, let alone heed his advice.
* CoolOldGuy: Snarky, generally kind, and a CoolUncle to Merlin. [[spoiler:Gaius takes on a Dorocha without even flinching in order to save Gwen]].
* CourtMage: Several episodes imply that Gaius was the CourtMage before sorcery was outlawed in Camelot. One can infer that he was spared during the purge due to his loyalty to Uther, his skill as a physician and because his knowledge of sorcery meant he was invaluable at identifying any magical threats to the kingdom.
* CourtPhysician: Uther's court physician, who occasionally shows knowledge of medicine beyond what would be expected for the medieval setting. He's also implied to have been the Court Mage before Uther turned against magic.
* DeadpanSnarker: Gives as good as he gets in SnarkToSnarkCombat.
* DefectorFromDecadence: One possible interpretation for turning his back on the Old Religion. In the first episode he claimed that people were using magic for the wrong reasons and it was throwing the natural order of things into chaos. When confronted by Edwin Muirden over the fact he did nothing to stop his parents execution, Gaius claims they were practicing dark magic.
* DemotedToExtra: In series four and five, he is given virtually nothing to do except [[MrExposition provide exposition]] and exist as a [[TheConfidant sounding board]] to Merlin. True, that was always his role, but he was also given several character-centric episodes in the past. This was not necessarily a bad thing, as the introduction of the knights of the Round Table at the end of series three meant that the show was juggling numerous characters, and he was getting too old to do as much as he used to.
* DirtyCoward: Not in the present, but it's heavily implied during the Great Purge, that although he helped certain people like Balinor, Morgause, and Alice escape Uther's prosecution, for the most part he sided with Uther in order to save his own skin (and might have given names as well, Uther mentions he's asked Gaius to do things he found difficult) as he watched countless witches and wizards be burned at the stake and did nothing. The Dragon cynically mentions that "turning a blind eye" is Gaius' talent in Series One.
* {{Expy}}: Of [[Series/{{Smallville}} Jonathan Kent]].
* FascinatingEyebrow: To a memetic level. It's ''perpetually'' raised.
* IgnoredExpert: He had perhaps a 50% success rate in convincing Uther of dangerous magical circumstances.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: With Arthur and particularly Guinevere (Merlin falls into the LikeASonToMe category).
* LikeASonToMe: Merlin is like a son to him and he constantly lives in fear that Merlin'll get himself killed one way or another. He also witnesses Merlin becoming increasingly world-weary and ruthless.
* LivingEmotionalCrutch: To Merlin. Except for the Great Dragon, he's the only one Merlin can confide in about what is going on and occasionally rants to. It's probable that he's never killed off for real because the chance that Merlin would completely [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope go to the dark side like Morgana]] is too great.
* TheMasquerade: He's a retired magician.
** Becomes a BrokenMasquerade in 2x07, as it's revealed that Uther always knew.
* TheMedic: Chief one of Camelot, who helps whenever anyone is hurt or ill.
* TheMentor: To Merlin. Gauis not only serves as a parental figure to Merlin but he is also mentors and guides Merlin on how to use his magic usefully and wisely.
* MentorOccupationalHazard: Almost dies [[RuleOfThree three]] times.
* MoralityPet: He at least tries to be this for Uther, advising the king on the dangers of letting his hatred of magic consume him and offering alternative explanations to protect Merlin and others when their carelessness risks exposing their abilities. While Uther doesn't always listen to Gaius, the fact that he tolerates Gaius contradicting him shows that Uther acknowledges the value of his insight on some level.
* MrExposition: Explains the MonsterOfTheWeek to Merlin and the audience.
* OccultDetective: Often alongside Merlin.
* OhCrap: In ''[[{{Recap/MerlinS03E10QueenOfHearts}} Queen Of Hearts]]'' he is asked to identify a poultice as magical. After confirming it, he asks where it was found and is told: "Arthur's bedroom." He looks over at [[spoiler:a smirking Morgana]] and realizes that he's just [[spoiler:condemned Guinevere]].
%%* OldRetainer
%%* OnlyOneName
* PapaWolf: Endanger Merlin in any way, Gaius will make you pay one way or the other. He is very protective of Merlin and is very much a parental figure to him.
** Also rather protective of Gwen but not to the same extent of Merlin of course.
* ParentalSubstitute: For Merlin.
** To a lesser extent, Gwen as well.
* RetiredBadass: Gaius may have given up practicing magic, but he still has it in him.
* SecretKeeper: the only character in the core cast knows about Merlin's magic.
* ShipperOnDeck: From the looks of 2x13, he approves of Arthur/Gwen.
* TeamDad: To Merlin and Gwen especially, but also Arthur and Morgana (though he [[spoiler:messed up spectacularly in that case]]).
* YouJustToldMe: A variation in which he forces Merlin to reveal his powers by tipping a bucket of water over. Merlin automatically freezes it.