"And now! At Last! Another film completely different from some of the other films which aren't quite the same as this one is."
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
King Arthur
Graham Chapman
Motivation
Driven by a divine mandate to find the Holy Grail and unite Britain, though his authority is challenged by everyone from peasants to guards.
Character Arc
Arthur remains largely static, stubbornly adhering to his vision of being a noble king despite being constantly ignored, insulted, or arrested. His journey is a regression from legend to reality.
Sir Bedevere the Wise
Terry Jones
Motivation
To apply scientific principles and logic to the quest, even when the premises are entirely nonsensical.
Character Arc
He acts as Arthur's intellectual guide, though his "wisdom" is consistently flawed. He moves from one failed logical experiment to another, such as the witch trial and the Trojan Rabbit.
Sir Lancelot the Brave
John Cleese
Motivation
To find excitement and perform acts of heroism, regardless of whether they are appropriate or necessary.
Character Arc
Lancelot's path is one of misdirected aggression. His attempt at a heroic rescue results in the accidental massacre of a wedding party, highlighting the danger of knightly "bravery."
Sir Galahad the Pure
Michael Palin
Motivation
To remain chaste and holy while pursuing the Grail, a goal he almost abandons for the "peril" of Castle Anthrax.
Character Arc
Galahad's "purity" is tested at Castle Anthrax. His arc is a humorous subversion of the saintly knight, as he is disappointed when Lancelot "rescues" him from a group of lonely women.