From Good to Evil: character progression in the best way. MERLIN EDITION

From reading and watching a lot of Tv and books I have got quite a collection of opinions on characters. In previous posts I have listed my favourite characters including all time favourite characters from books, favourite characters from TV/film and favourite characters from Harry Potter, however, in this post I am going to be discussing the character progressions in BBC's Merlin, these are the character's that I just love to hate. *All these opinions are based from the characters in Merlin, the BBC show, not the actual Arthurian legend*

First up we have Morgana Pendragon. In the first two series Morgana is as nice as a button, sure she's slightly spoilt but that just comes with the territory of being a King's ward. She cares about her friends would do anything to protect them. A great example of this is when she, along with Gwen and Arthur helped Merlin save his home village from bad guys steeling their harvest; she didn't have to do it but she did out of the goodness of her heart and because of the love she had for her friends. They cared greatly for her and in return she did the same for them, no matter what class you came under.

Until Morgana realised that she had magic, she was completely golden-hearted, but I believe that it was the fear of her magic that turned her evil. She was scared and because of Uther's harsh ruling and complete out-law of magic she felt she was completely alone, little did she know that Merlin had also felt the same feelings as she had but it was forbidden to ever be spoken of. So in haste of her being completely terrified and so confused she turned to the only person who was prepared to tell her that she wasn't a freak and that magic was nothing to be scared of and that was of course, Morgause. Sadly Morgause trained Morgana into thinking that if you had magic then everyone around you should be afraid of you and should be at your mercy, she showed her the evil of the magic world, but of course, Morgana had never been able to see the beauty of using magic for good and so I believe she never really thought any different about using magic for anything other than to get her own way. I think she also thought that who was she to doubt the only person who treated her no differently but in fact with greater love than before despite her magic.

However, I believe that the true culprit that pushed Morgana further away and further into the evil witch that she became is Uther. Uther was also mad with fear over magic and would not accept that it wasn't just used for evil, therefore he corrupted Morgana's mind right from the start before she even realised she had magic, so when she woke up one night with her curtains on fire, of course she would be led to believe that she was the one in the wrong. Morgana's greatest weakness was loneliness and that is what pushed her to becoming evil, once she was evil, her thirst for power over rode any kind of emotion that she possessed other than anger. It does truly break my heart because her character progression is one probably greater than Merlin's himself, she literally flipped the side of the coin throughout the show and in the end she died alone instead of being surrounded by her friends and family, even Morgause, who trained her and loved her was not there to see her into the other world. Morgana Pendragon's character is probably the most saddening in the entire series and her end is horrific, because at least Arthur died in Merlin's arm, in the arms of someone who protected him and loved him, but Morgana, as I said died completely alone, in the presence of a self-made enemy.

Next up is Mordred. The first time we see Mordred, he is a child, and a hurt child at that. He is the one who tells Merlin of his Druid name and talks to him telepathically. However, Merlin finds out from the Dragon that Mordred is Arthur's doom and that Merlin should try his best not to help him get out of the citadel, however, obviously this is Merlin we are talking about and he cannot let an innocent person suffer, he ignores the Dragons warnings. Despite helping Mordred, Merlin remains in suspicion of him when he returns, especially in series 5.

Mordred, in series five, now an adult gets knighted as a Knight of Camelot. Despite Merlin always being wary of him, Mordred seems nothing but devoted to being the truest knight he could be, he risks his life several times for Arthur and the other Knights. He keeps Merlin's secret which also happens to be a shared secret, something that they both have, away from being noticed or found. He is literally the model of a perfect knight. So what went wrong?

Arthur is partly to blame for Mordred's fate because he didn't take into account how much Mordred loved Kara, I think Arthur could have handled the situation a bit better, but he did what he did because of the laws put into place by his own father. Mordred did what he did out of spite, he told Morgana, Merlin's true identity to cause pain to Arthur, however, I don't think he ever thought it would be him who was to kill Arthur, until it was too late to back out, or maybe, just maybe he really is that evil and it was planned all along. However, in my opinion I don't believe once he did the deed of killing Arthur, a man who up until the point of Kara had shown him nothing but friendship and loyalty, that he felt any happiness from it but only remorse and you can see that on his face in the Battle of Camlann. Another part of Mordred that led him to eventually becoming evil was that it was always his destiny, and like Merlin learns, you can never truly escape your destiny. Mordred is such an interesting character because you can never really tell if he has always been evil or if he truly was good. Its hard to sum up Mordred's character, because he is just that complex but I think that a quote from Harry Potter is best to use to describe him "We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on." Mordred unfortunately chose to act on the bad side and ended up dead and killing Arthur as a result.

Also can I just say how amazing was both Alex Vlahos and Katie McGrath's acting is in Merlin. Seriously it was completely top notch, you can just see from the bottom picture of Alex the emotion he had when he played Mordred, it was truly amazing to watch. Katie McGrath's Morgana slowly spiralling down into the depths of evil and her acting just gives me chills. It makes their character progressions so much harder to bear because of the ability and talent that they had with their characters. Congrats BBC on yet more insanely good casting choices.

Favourite fictional characters from Harry Potter - Part 1

When I was writing my favourite fictional character in books and another in film and tv I realised that a lot of my favourite characters are from Harry Potter and so I said in that post that I would create an entirely separate post on these characters so that I could have some difference. Sorry for the delay on this post, only I wanted to put a lot of effort into it and with my current situation, it has proved difficult and also this is a pretty hefty post to write.

Anyway, I have already listed why Harry and Hermione are my favourites in this post so check that and then return for the rest!

Ron Weasley, of course has to be up here, because without him there would be no 'Golden Trio'. I feel that in the Harry Potter films that Ron is somewhat over shadowed by Hermione and in the books this is certainly not the case. Ron is Harry's best friend, the first one that Harry turns to when he has a problem (which lets face it is extremely often). He is not perfect and is a jealous character but his loyalty is what shines the best in Ron. I love that he tells Harry when he's being an idiot, instead of just going along with whatever he does just  because he is the chosen one: Ron doesn't care about that stuff. He is really quick-witted and is completely hopeless. I just love him.

Fred and George Weasley, technically this counts as two but seeing as you can't have one without the other (well.........every situation. I also respect the fact that they saved their money and used their witty humours to create their own business and break away from the stereotype of the 'poor Weasleys'. I will never forgive JK Rowling for killing off Fred, if possible I think this might be the worst death ever (in the film at least) I physically cannot watch it without my heart ripping out of my chest)

. I love that despite everything that goes on throughout the books, Fred and George always remain a constant source of entertainment and laughter. They are fantastic and completely make the books, I love how mischievous they are and how they find the good in

(I also love these two so much that I named my own two little hamsters Fred and George and James Phelps actually tweeted me back when I sent him a picture of them both!!!)



Ginny Weasley, yep another Weasley. Now I am going to pretend like film Ginny was never invented because I just do not like the way she is written in the film, nope, nope absolutely not. Ginny in the books is a fearless, independent, slightly sassy, completely brilliant and smart character. Her relationship with Harry is brilliant and incredibly moving, she is solid rock for him through everything, it is not awkward at all. She has inherited some of Fred and George's complete regard of the rules if it means that you can do something good instead which inspires one of my favourite quotes "The thing about growing up with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."

Next up is of course Albus Dumbledore. No Harry Potter list could be made without including the most powerful wizard of all time could it? Absolutely not. I love that despite the fact that Dumbledore is probably the most powerful (good) wizard in the wizarding world he freely admits that even he makes mistakes and is getting old, I think that this helps him seem more real and more likeable. I for one would love to have him as my headteacher! I also find a lot of joy through Harry and his relationship, it is slightly strange for a normal headmaster and pupil, but then again they aren't really normal are they? Dumbledore also says my favourite quote of all time"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light".


Minerva McGonagall is probably the most badass woman I have ever read. I love her bravery which I suppose is an obvious character trait, as you don't get to be head of Gryffindor house for nothing! I admire that she would put her neck on the line if it meant any of her students would remain safe and I love that although she doesn't say it out loud and in so many words, her affection for Harry is clear and a huge rock for him, although she doesn't just do what it is right by Harry and it teaches him the lessons that need to be taught. I also applaud the fact that McGonagoll doesn't really care if you're pathetic like Neville and see can see the potential. It makes me happy when she says to Neville (regarding his timetable) "It's high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she's got, rather than one she thinks she ought to have- particularly after what happened at the Ministry".

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Right now this is all the characters that I am going to do for now, but I will be writing another very shortly with some more of my favourite characters from Harry Potter!
But you can read why I love the franchise as a whole here

(A few) Favourite fictional characters from TV and FILM

As with reading I watch a lot of TV and films so again I have developed a lot of favourite characters. Finding a TV programme or a film that you love can be somewhat magical, the best will bring you to tears and make you laugh within the space of two seconds.

First up we have Merlin (from Merlin shown on the BBC, 5 series long). Merlin, for me is not only the greatest sorcerer in the world but also the greatest friend in the world; he protects Arthur within an inch of his life and his devotion to him is clear. He is the bravest of all the characters; despite him not having any combat training he is always by Arthur’s side going into battle or on a hunt. He of course has magic at his disposal, but Arthur doesn't know that. In fact Merlin has to keep his true identity hidden until the (completely unspeakable) finale of the show. Imagine trying to keep hold of a secret because if you told someone you’d end up burnt at the stake; but what’s even more amazing is that Merlin didn't not tell Arthur for that reason; he didn't tell him because he didn't want to put Arthur in the position where he would have to choose whether to let Merlin live or kill him should he know his true potential.

Next up is Arthur Pendragon (From Merlin). When Arthur is first shown on the programme, he is shown as an arrogant and spoilt boy whose father is the king: he is a bully and nothing more, but as the series’ continue Arthur blossoms into the fantastic “once and future king of Camelot” that his destiny foretells. He values the kindness and service of everyone in his rule: including the servants, so much so in fact that he marries one. In an episode when Merlin gets kidnapped, Arthur wants to send out a search party for the lost boy, his father (of course) disagrees asking “All this for a serving boy?” but to Arthur people are not just simply classed by their profession or upbringing but by the decency of their character. Also unlike Uther (his father), he admits when he has done wrong and repents for his sins.

Next up is an animated Character from Disney Pixar’s Brave, Meredith. Meredith may possibly be one of my favourite animated characters to come out of modern day Disney. She is brave (….pun unintentional), completely fabulous and Scottish. I love that she stands up for her own right to choose whom she should marry, and she unites all of the lands together again because despite her being a royal, she completely blows all stereotypes of a Disney princess out of the water.

Lady Sybil Crawley from Downton Abbey (ITV, 3 series in total) is another completely fierce woman, with whom I adore. She completely breaks the mould of what her parents expect from her and during the war she goes off and gets the qualifications that she needs to become a nurse and help out in the war effort. She is a revolutionist and huge feminist, she is another strong character that stands up for what she believes in and doesn't believe in stereotypes, she believes in equality and freedom for all. (I can’t believe they killed her off, NOPE I will never get over it).






I also love Sherlock Holmes from BBC's Sherlock because I love the way that he is just insanely clever and can figure anything out about 10 minutes before anyone else has even give the case a thought. I'm not going to lie but a huge reason why I like him so much is that I met Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the famous Holmes. He was so, so nice and friendly that my liking for the Cumberbatch has transpired to liking his character even more.

I really like Rapunzel from Tangled because I love that she is eager to try new things and despite her mother telling her to never leave the tower, she is determined to do so in order to find her dream of seeing the 'floating lights'. I would also very much like a little Pascal, so hand him over, blondie!

Another of my favourite animated fellows, is Peter Pan, simply because I don't want to grow up either! In fact I do sometimes think I am Peter Pan reincarnated in female form.

So that's all for now, I'm sure I will carry on doing these posts as I don't want to bombard you with information and bore you to tears, therefore, I am only showing you a few of my favourites, rather than creating a 25 page long blog post that no one will read.
If you are still interested to see who else I enjoy in the fictional world read my blog post on my favourite fictional characters in books

(A few) Favourite fictional characters from BOOKS

I read a lot- does that shock you? I didn't think so, but because of this I have gained a lot of favourite characters that in all honesty shape the way I think. The worst thing for me is reading a book when you have absolutely NO connection towards the characters and you just really don't have any feelings towards them- hatred or love; absolutely nothing. *WARNING this post might contain spoilers*

First and for most my absolute favourite character of any book I have read is of course Harry Potter- the boy who lived. (Harry Potter written by JK Rowling, seven books in total and made into 8 films). Now harry is a character that is extremely flawed and so far away from perfect; but even so he is so special. He not only defeats the most evil wizard of all time (Voldemort for those of you that haven't read the book: that is if there is anyone who’s not read the books) but he is the most fiercely loyal and just boy that I have seen. He would do anything for his friends, despite his horrible upbringing he still gives and receives love in many different forms; he stands by his friends no matter what. Harry, although fighting on the good side, he still feels the bad inside him and knows he has flaws: which inspires one of my favourite quotes from Sirius "We have all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the power we choose to act on. That's who we really are". I could go on forever talking about Harry but I won't, I’ll save that for another day.

Another favourite from Harry potter is Hermione Granger- the brightest witch of her age. Hermione is the ultimate role model for a girl like me; she shows that actually having brains is a good thing and defiantly should not be played down just because you get made fun of. She is also a huge bookworm like me. However, Hermione isn't just about books and cleverness (notice the quote ;-) but she has so much bravery and fight in her which is of course what makes her a Gryffindor and not a Ravenclaw. What I also love about her is that even when Ron leaves in Deathly Hallows she remains behind because she knows that is what is right and what needs to be done despite her feelings; it shows she doesn't need a man to live her life. 

*by the way I have just decided upon writing this post that a lot of my favourite characters are from Harry Potter, so therefore I will make a separate post soon talking more in depth about them so as not to labour on one point, but for the sake of freshness I will move on to other books for now* 

Next up is Katniss Everdeen- the girl on fire. (From The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins, three books, first already made into a film and the second in creation as we speak). Katniss, again is a very, very flawed character, who probably isn't a great person but she is someone who reminds me as a fighter, she reminds us that no matter what happens as much as you want to go and cry you can't you must carry on and fight because people are counting on you; although I know that (or at least hope) I will never have to fight in something like The Hunger Games but even in the mundane thing such as life you still have to soldier on and she is a fabulous role model for that. 

Peeta Melark (from the Hunger Games) is someone who shows that love is all you have, throughout everything he does he remains in love with Katniss despite her feelings being for the Games for the first book and its only when Peeta has been turned into a mutt is when Katniss realises that actually she does love him. Peeta goes through a hell of a lot but in the end his love still remains and this helps him remember who he is before the Capitol messed around with him. He also puts every other character above himself, which is such a good trait to have.

Another favourite is a semi minor character; Jocelyn Fray (The Mortal Instruments written by Cassandra Clare, 5 books in the series, the first film is currently due for release in August). Now for the first three books (that's as far as I'm up to currently) she is pretty much not involved in the story because she is in the hospital seemingly unconscious, however, she is so brave and clever, that as Clary finds out more about her my respect for Jocelyn grows. She not only managed to escape from the villain of the story but brought up her kid away from the Shadow Hunter world so that she wouldn't have to go through the same pain as her. She lost her entire family but still remains a mother for Clary, I don't want to say too much because I don't want to ruin it and of course I’m still not 100% sure what happens to her as I haven’t finished the series, but seriously Jocelyn is one badass mother. 

Charlie (from the Perks of Being a Wallflower written by Stephen Chbosky, recently been made into a film) is a favourite for completely different reasons to the others because Charlie is a hero in the 'real' world, he had a mental illness and is so extremely awkward it is painful but he carries on and keeps fighting the illness that has been eating him up inside and for me that is the bravest thing anyone could do. I know a lot of teenagers relate to Charlie and that's why the book is so successful, because truly being a teenager sucks and eventually we all feel as if we don't want to be here and although most get over it is still hard and anyone who fights an illness like this deserves to be on this list. This book also inspires one of my favourite quotes "I am both happy and sad and still trying to figure out how that can be".

As you can see from the type of characters on this small list of a few characters, I value bravery and love amongst anything else. But so as not to bore you I will stop for now, but expect more posts like this in the future, because of course, as I continue reading this list especially will expand.

Within the next few posts there will be a post on my favourite fictional charactersfrom films and TV and the Harry Potter one I promised.