Many characteristics can make a story worth reading. In Sir Thomas Malory's "The Tale of Sir Gareth," the vivid characters, riveting suspense, and courtly romance skillfully combine to create an entertaining medieval romance. Medieval romance is a story in which a hero fights to uphold the ideals of chivalry.

Without characters, a story is hardly fulfilling. In "The Tale of Sir Gareth," the vivid characters play important roles for entertainment. Sir Kay, King Arthur's steward, had a mind of his own. He was known as having a "scornful name." At times, Sir Kay had a negative attitude. In the beginning of the story, Sir Kay argued sourly as King Arthur commanded him to serve the young gentleman with the best fare available. "Sire, that is unnecessary," Sir Kay retorts. This aspect of his personality was part of what made him an interesting character.

Beaumains, another vivid character, hid his status of noble birth upon entering the castle of Kynke Kenadonne and the Round Table. In the middle ages, popularity was achieved by having a high rank at birth. Beaumains was put into the kitchen to serve as a kitchen boy, where he received the name "Beaumains." Later on, Beaumains asked to pursue the request of a lady traveling through the Passage Perelous. He then revealed his real name, Sir Gareth, and that he was born into a noble family afterall. Sir Gareth's courage and dynamic character made him an interesting and entertaining character in the story.

Lady Lynet played a vivid character as well. She arrived at the castle of Kynke Kenadonne begging for help in search of her sister, Lady Lyoness. Lady Lynet was not pleased when a measly kitchen boy was dispatched. She was unmerciful to him and thought of him as filth. However, Sir Gareth defeated Sir Kay in a fight, proving him a real knight. Throughout the journey Lady Lynet was forcefully demanding to Sir Gareth. She showed him no respect even though he fought each knight bravely. Lady Lynet's demanding and heartless attitude expressed her as an entertaining character.

Suspense is a major factor in making a story good throughout. Suspense keeps the reader interested and attracts attention. In "The Tale of Sir Gareth," the riveting suspense kept the reader interested. At the Round Table when "Beaumains" entered, the reader should have immediately been curious about him. Since his identity was not revealed in the beginning, the story created suspense as it began to unfold. After Lady Lynet and Sir Gareth started through the Passage Perelous, the real suspense began. Sir Gareth and Lady Lynet encountered many noble knights. First the Black knight, then the Green, Puce, Indigo, and finally the forceful Red knight. Sir Gareth defeated all of them easily. The journey through the Perelous Passage created much suspense, adding to the entertainment of "The Tale of Sir Gareth."

Romance was popular entertainment during the middle ages.

Medieval romance is a story in which a single hero fights to uphold the ideals of chivalry. In "The Tale of Sir Gareth," Sir Gareth depicts the classic "single hero." He fights each colored knight in order to complete the journey successfully and satisfy the lady. By this, Sir Gareth was upholding chivalry. When Sir Gareth and Lady Lynet finally reach Lady Lynet's sister, Lady Lyoness, and save her, the courtly romance began. Lady Lyoness soon fell in love with Sir Gareth, while her sister fell in love with Sir Gaheris, a knight from the castle. The two ladies decided to hold a triple wedding with Lady Lawrell and Sir Agravayne in the tower. The triple wedding and romance was very exciting and added to the entertainment of the story.

Entertainment can be achieved by several ways. However, I believe that the characters, suspense, and romance are three of the most significant traits of entertainment. These three traits finished "The Tale of Sir Gareth" as an entertaining medieval romance.