A Character Analysis of Sir LancelotSir Lancelot, from the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, became by far the most popular and best known knight . Through Malory's interpretation of traditional materials, we inherited a character who became the image of the quintessential knight. How is it that "the stranger, the stranger, the 'upstart' who wins the heart of Arthur and the body and soul of Guinevere" (Walters XIV) has taken the place which, before Malory, was reserved for Sir Gawain? Malory made this character larger than life. Of Lancelot's greatness, Derek Brewer says: "In the portrait of Lancelot we generally recognize a vein of extravagance. He is the most obsessive of lovers, just as he is the most beloved of women and the greatest of fighters” (8). . To achieve this feat, Malory shaped Lancelot to fit the idea of ​​the perfect knight and the perfect lover. The perfect knight is defined by the Chivalric Code stated in Le Morte D'Arthur as "only to fight for just causes, at all." always to be merciful and at all times to put the service of the ladies first” (Malory 69). In this code, Lancelot is exemplary. To prove himself worthy of a knight of the Round Table, Lancelot must embark on a quest, and it is during this quest that "A seemingly endless series of victories earns him the title of 'best knight in the world' dedicated to defending the rights of the weak and oppressed” (Walters XXI) is a little easier to understand for the modern reader, because it is much the same as it is today. To prove that he is the perfect lover, Lancelot defends above all the honor of his Lady, denies himself the pleasure of all other ladies, and accepts everything that could...... middle of paper... ... of all Christian knights: none could equal you You were the most formidable in battle and the most courteous in your manners in the company of the bravest warriors, and in the company of ladies the gentlest men, and in a just cause implacable. And among the great lovers, you were surely the most faithful. This is how you will be remembered” (Malory 507). Works Cited App, August J.. Lancelot in English Literature, His Role and Character. New York: Haskell House, 1965 Brewer, Derek. The presentation of the character of Lancelot. Lancelot and Guinevere, A Casebook Ed. Lori J. Walters New York: Garland, 1996. 3-27Malory, Thomas Trans Keith Malory. and Guinevere, A Casebook Ed. Lori J. Walters New York: Garland, 1996. xiii-lxxx.