An Analysis of the Character of Sir Lancelot Sir Lancelot, from the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, became by far the most popular and remembered knight. Through Malory's rendering of traditional materials, we have inherited a character that has become the image of the quintessential knight. How is it possible that "the outsider, the foreigner, the 'parvenu' who conquers the heart of Arthur and the body and soul of Guinevere" (Walters xiv) has taken the place that, before Malory, was reserved for Sir Gawain? Malory made this character larger than life. Of Lancelot's greatness, Derek Brewer says: "In Lancelot's portrait we generally recognize a streak of extravagance. He is the most obsessive of lovers, for he is the most beloved of women, and the greatest of fighters" (8) . To accomplish this feat, Malory molded Lancelot to fit the idea of ​​the perfect knight and the perfect lover. The perfect knight is defined by the Code of Chivalry set out in Le Morte D'Arthur as "only to fight for just causes, at all costs". to be merciful, and at all times to put the service of women first" (Malory 69). In this code Lancelot is exemplary. To prove himself worthy as a knight of the Round Table, Lancelot must undertake a mission, and it is during this mission that "A seemingly endless series of victories wins him the title of 'best knight in the world' dedicated to the defense of the rights of the weak and oppressed" (Walters xxi). The Perfect Lover is a little easier to understand for the modern reader, as it is much the same as today. To prove himself the perfect lover, Lancelot defends his Lady's honor above all, denies himself the pleasure of all other ladies, and accepts anything... middle of paper... of all Christian knights: none he could match you! You were the most formidable in battle and the most courteous in manners; in the company of warriors the bravest, and in the company of ladies the kindest men, and in a just cause implacable. And among great lovers you were certainly the most sincere. Thus you will be remembered" (Malory 507). Works CitedApp, August J.. Lancelot in English Literature, His Role and Character. New York: Haskell House, 1965 Brewer, Derek. The Presentation of Lancelot's Character. Lancelot and Guinevere, a Book of cases. Ed. Lori J. Walters New York: Garland, 1996. 3-27 Malory, Thomas Le Morte D'Arthur. Keith Malory: Mentor, 1962Walters, Lori J.. Introduction