1 Characters for an Arthurian Space Opera Whilst the Arthurian theme gives me an art direction and plot elements,

it is to the conventions of space opera I must look, for its conventions and common traits. In their book: The Space Opera Renaissance, David Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer define modern space opera as: " [a] colourful, dramatic, large-scale science fiction adventure, competently and sometimes beautifully written, usually focused on a sympathetic, heroic central character and plot action, and usually set in the relatively distant future, and in space or on other worlds, characteristically optimistic in tone. It often deals with war, piracy, military virtues, and very large-scale action, large stakes." The website TVTropes.com also makes an interesting statement: A space opera is a work set in a far future space faring civilisation, where the technology is ubiquitous and entirely secondary to the story. It has an epic character to it: The universe is big, there are lots of sprawling civilizations and empires, there are political conflicts and intrigues galore. The key part seems to be the superfluous nature of the sci-fi milieu, it is essentially taken for granted; a stage upon which events play out, not a key focus of the narrative. This puts a huge amount of pressure on my plot and characters; the story must consist of values and emotions independent of their setting, though of course events can take advantage of the setting. This means my characters have to be extremely strong and not at all reliant on anything provided by the sci-fi genre; instead they must be able to project a strong personality and presence of their own.

2 Current Log Line Escaped from his many millenniums of captivity, the wizard Merlin escapes; changed and boiling over with a desire for vengeance, ready to take advantage of the scattered human race. The great King Arthur, healed aboard the great ship Avalon, must return to right past wrongs, confront his old mentor and re-unite the human race. It was during a discussion with Phil that the idea of having Merlin as the villain emerged. According to a majority of Arthurian text, Merlin is seduced and eventually imprisoned by the fairy, Vivian. In some he is held in a glass towers, others in a crystal cave, and some in an oak tree or thorn-bush. In many versions, Merlin dies there, in a couple he escapes. In my interpretation he has been left there for twenty millenniums, his age frozen, but his mind becoming a seething pit of spite, malice and madness. He holds Arthur responsible, having been left behind, and now seeks to get his vengeance by reeking havoc upon the human race Arthur strives so hard to protect. This creates an interesting hero-villain dynamic - Arthur is seeking forgiveness, so kind of reconciliation, while Merlin seeks only revenge. However, neither can forget the intimate relationship they once had as mentor and pupil, the father-like figure Merlin played for Arthur. It is this link that prevents either foe ultimately killing each other.

3 Characters Hero: Arthur, The Once and Future King Arthur is the head of the intergalactic order known as the Knights of the Round Table. Very little is known of their origins, whether they are like demi-gods, blessed protectors of man-kind, or an advanced humanoid race that has taken an interest in ensuring humanities survival; are they time travellers, able to intervene at critical moments in history? Arthur is their figure head, their greatest warrior, a bastion for humanity to gather around. Physical Age: 16 Race: Humanoid Height: 511 Career: Leader of the Knights of the Round Table, saviour of earths people. Best Qualities: Chivalrous, Honourable, Confident, Brave and Skilled Worst Qualities: Pressured by weight of responsibility, Irrationally brave Biography: The earth-legend of King Arthur is well known, from one perspective. However, in truth, the legend was a carefully constructed plan orchestrated by the Nine of Avalon; observers of humanity, guarantors of its survival. The rise and fall of King Arthur was key point in human history that changed its future for ever, in someway, Arthurs presence was a turning in the fate of human-kind. Arthur himself is a member of the Knights of the Round Table, the elected leader of the protectors of the nine, demigods, perfect warriors. Withdrawn to Avalon, Arthur and the Nine waited for Merlin to reveal himself, for Viviens spell to break, and now they have returned, to repair the damage done and once again fight against a fate that would doom the human-race! Villain: Merlin, The Herald Physical Age: 81 Race: Humanoid Height: 63 Career: A Herald, whose magical powers have turned to evil. Worst Qualities: Consumed by revenge, Teetering on the edge of insanity Redeeming Qualities: Remaining feelings of mentorship towards Arthur Biography: Placed upon by the Nine to prepare the human race to receive Arthur, Merlin has been a long term servant of Avalon. He acted as a mentor to the developing Arthur and played a key part in his mission. However, towards the end of the allotted time, Merlin was seduced by some rogue fae creature name Vivien. He was deceived into revealing his origin, powers and purpose. Vivien then worked his own spells against him, sealing him inside a young oak. So strong was Viviens magic that Merlin was hidden from the Nines sight and was consequently left behind when the decision was

4 made to depart. Ever the since Nine have been searching for him. However, while trapped for many millenniums, Merlin nursed a fear and loneliness that turned to hate and desire for revenge on those who left him. Eventually his anger and hate built to such a level that it split his prison asunder. Once free, Merlin embarked on a villainous mission to bring humanity to the brink of destruction, to force the Nine to once again intervene, and finally confront the one they left behind. Heros Sidekick: Sir Kay, Arthurs Right Hand Physical Age: 26 Race: Humanoid Height: 68 Career: Arthurs Right Hand Man. Best Qualities: Brave, Loyal, Honourable and Humorous Worst Qualities: Brash, Aloof, often Reckless and Strong-headed Biography: Kay was introduced to earth as Arthurs half-brother. His role is to provide much needed brashness, impulse and passion in the face of Arthurs humility and selfcontrol. Often coming across as arrogant or rude, Sir Kay is in fact the most loyal of Arthurs companions, trained to compliment the kings personality and to aid him in his tasks. Where Arthur is often stern and composed, Sir Kay can provide humour and light-heartedness, but always with an aim to achieve Arthurs goals. He is also part bodyguard, his immense strength and size intimidate any would be attacker; his lumbering presence also increases the attractiveness of Arthurs slight and lean figure. Always in the background, Sir Kay is a vital part of Arthurs campaign.