Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Gawain on Lady Bercilak entering his room
"An Gawain, embarrassed, dropped his head and pretended to close his eyes...wondering why she had come...but said to himself, 'Better to ask, and know, than hide in sleep.' " (95)
Gawain
"And I am the slightest, the dullest of them all; my life the least, my death no loss." (66)
Lord Bercilak
"And more: we two can make a bargain: whatever I earn in the woods will be yours, whatever you win will be mine in exchange." (89)
Gawain
"He found himself facing enemies so foul and wild that they forced him to fight for his life." (79)
Lady Bercilak
"I've come alone, tame for study of love's high game: come, while we're still alone; teach me till my husband comes home." (104)
Gawain
"If He would let me, I'd be happier to see that green man...than gold or silver or jewels. Which is why I can't stay in your castle: I've three days' time to keep my word; I'd rather be dead than fail." (88)
Arthur
"No one's afraid of your nonsense: for God's sake, give me your axe, I'll grant your request!" (66)
Gawain to Lord Bercilak
"No...we said nothing of that. You've had what I owe you; there's nothing more to claim." (100)
Gawain
"Oh Lord, Oh Mary...I beg you to send me some lodging, to let me hear mass before morning." (80)
Arthur
"Step down from your horse and stay, let me pray you, and whatever you've come for can be talked of afterward." (64)
Green Knight
"These benches are filled with beardless infants. Wearing my armor, riding to war, there's no muscle in this hall to match me." (64)
Green Knight
"Where have your conquests gone to, and your pride, where is your anger, and those awesome boasts?"
Green Knight
"You can surely tell by this branch here in my hand that I've come in peace, not seeking, not giving offense." (64)
Green Knight
"You've spoken our bargain beautifully, and spoken it fail, and omitted nothing." (67)
Lady Bercilak
"Your sleep is so innocent that anyone can catch you -- and now you're caught!" (95)
Nobleman greeting Gawain as he enters Hautdesert
"[Servants] dropped the drawbridge, came courteously out and knelt in the snow, welcoming on their knees that noble knight, honoring his rank." (82)
The guide
Guides Gawain towards the green Chapel. Warns Gawain not to go in there because GK kills everyone. Tells Gawain he will tell people he died nobley if he decides to run.
Queen Guinevere
The wife of King Arthur, fairest lady in the land. She got beef with Morgana. Most respected and beautiful woman.
Morgana Le Fay
Broad in the buttocks, old ugly witch. Put spell on Lord Bercilak to turn him to Green Knight in order to test the knights and scare Queen Guinevere. Actually Gawain's aunt?
King Arthur
King of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. Is challenged by Green Knight on christmas in his own castle. Gawain takes the challenge for him because he is loyal.
Green Knight
Lord Bercilak in disguise. Makes bargain with Gawain to test how noble the knights of the round table truly were. Supposed to cut off Gawain's head but does not because Gawain was honest and truthful.
Lord Bercilak
Lord of Hautdesert, host of Gawain. Really the Green Knight. Very humble and generous. Goes on a three day hunt bargain with Gawain.
Lady Bercilak
Makes many sexual advances on Gawain as part of plot. Very beautiful. Wife of Lord Bercilak. Gives Gawain the green girdle
Sir Gawain
One of Arthur's knights. Takes deal with Green Knight, a swing for a swing. Travels to Green Knight's chapel but stops at Bercilak's castle first and takes up another bet. Eventually goes to see Green Knight and is spared but is angry because he sinned.