Name the literary figure who is a key character in Tennyson’s "Idylls of the King".

In Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," King Arthur serves as a central character and the embodiment of noble ideals, honor, and the tragic consequences of human failings. Tennyson's work reimagines the Arthurian legends, focusing on themes of chivalry, love, betrayal, and the quest for a moral society.

King Arthur is depicted as a visionary leader who strives to unite his kingdom and promote the values of knighthood through the establishment of the Round Table. His presence is pivotal throughout the poems, as he not only represents the ideal king but also faces personal and external challenges that lead to the eventual downfall of Camelot. His relationships with other figures, like Guinevere and Lancelot, further illustrate his complexities and the tension between idealism and real human flaws.

As the narrative unfolds, Arthur's leadership and the ideals associated with it are both celebrated and scrutinized, making him an essential figure that drives the story and themes of the "Idylls." This focus on King Arthur's character allows Tennyson to explore profound moral questions and the nature of heroism.