In a land of myth and a time of magic, characters with great power hide their strength from prying and intolerant eyes. With the old ways gone and an increasingly paranoid society taking over, those born with magic need to hide their true nature if they want to stay alive.
The world of Merlin is full of characters of legend, chivalrous warriors, and more than a few Kings. Some have more influence than others, some are wise and knowledgeable, and some have the fortune of having magic coursing through their veins. They all co-exist together, at times at odds with each other, trying to secure their place in the world.
The Knights Of Camelot
Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, and Percival are all part of Arthur's inner circle. The King of Camelot trusts them with his life and loves them like brothers, and they reciprocate. The Knights are funny and enjoy teasing poor Merlin, but they would also give their lives for him if necessary.
All four are skilled swordsmen and valiant warriors but lack any other abilities other than their courage and the strength of their convictions. Politically, they don't hold much influence either, and while they occupy a place of honor in Camelot, they're still subservient to their King.
Uther
Despite being the King of Camelot, Uther has no real power because he weaponizes fear. Without it, he has nothing left, not even the respect of his people. Uther isn't entirely evil, but he is intolerant and believes himself better than everyone around him.
The most glaring proof of Uther's incompetence as a ruler is the sheer amount of enemies he has. Countless people hate him, including his own daughter. Uther's inability to see the bigger picture blinds him to the danger under his roof and ultimately brings his demise.
Guinevere
Guinevere starts the show as Morgana's handmaiden. As one of Camelot's servants, she has little to no voice, authority, or control over her future. She often depends on Morgana's kindness, especially when the castle's magic shenanigans get her into trouble.
Once she marries Arthur, Gwen becomes Queen of Camelot, and her station dramatically improves. After Arthur's death, she ascends to the throne and presumably reigns until the day she dies. Gwen might not be the most knowledgeable or experienced leader, but her kindness and resolve surely make her an admirable Queen.
Arthur
Over the course of five seasons, Arthur Pendragon goes from immature and carefree Prince to selfless and dutiful King of Camelot. Unlike his father, Arthur is a conciliator who understands the value of alliances. He often chooses to believe the best in people, which leads him to solve potentially problematic situations without resorting to violence.
Arthur indeed proves himself as the best King that Albion ever saw. Despite having no magic, Arthur is arguably the most influential person in the entire world at the time. And even though he dies at the end of the show, The Once and Future King will one day rise again during Albion's time of need, giving fans everywhere some hope that Season 6 will one day come to pass.
Gaius
Gaius holds a privileged place in Camelot. He serves as Court Physician for both Uther and Arthur, proving himself time and again as the wisest person in the Kingdom.
Gaius has more knowledge about the old ways than anyone else in Camelot and possibly the world. As a magic wielder, he also knows about the Old Religion, ancient magical creatures, and evil spirits and forces that constantly threaten Camelot. Despite his advanced age, Gaius is Merlin's mentor and greatest ally, and without him, the young warlock's life would've been even harder.
Morgause
Morgause is a skilled warrior, master tactician, and High Priestess of the Old Religion. She is Morgana's half-sister, and her sole purpose is to overthrow Uther and put Morgana on Camelot's throne. Morgause constantly proves how powerful she is, like when she put all of Camelot to sleep or when she successfully summoned the spirit of Arthur's mother.
After Morgana, Morgause is arguably Camelot's greatest threat. What holds her back is her lack of resources, as she doesn't have the necessary numbers to take over Camelot. She usually depends on Cenred to provide the army every time she makes a move against the Kingdom.
Mordred
Even as a child, Mordred already displayed considerable magical abilities, enough for Kilgharrah to consider him a threat. The Druid boy is capable of telepathy, communicating with Merlin and Morgana on numerous occasions. He also holds the Druids' knowledge, making him even more dangerous.
Thanks to his time under the training of Camelot's Knights, Mordred is also an expert swordsman who excels in battle. And while he holds no title or political influence, his wide range of abilities cements him as one of the show's most dangerous threats.
Morgana
Morgana's descent into obscurity is one of Merlin's main storylines. A powerful witch and seer who's terrified of her powers, she slowly grows to resent the world around her that hates and fears magic. Her hatred mainly focuses on her father, Uther, and later on his heir, Arthur.
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As the last High Priestess of the Old Religion, Morgana held immense power. Merlin himself once stated that Morgana has everything to one day become as strong as him. Her blind hatred for her former brother ultimately leads to her death at the hands of her archenemy, Merlin.
Kilgharrah
After the Great Purge, The Great Dragon got imprisoned by Uther in a cave under Camelot. Living in chains, unable to see the light of day, he grows bitter, harboring a deep disdain for humans. Once Merlin arrives at the castle, Kilgharrah becomes a mentor of sorts, letting the young boy know about his destiny as Arthur's protector.
Kilgharrah is Merlin's mightiest magical creature, by far. His fire isn't only a weapon of destruction but also has strengthening qualities. He is also immune to most magic, even Merlin's, and is capable of telepathy. Despite his considerable ability, Kilgharrah still obeys the command of a Dragonlord, and while he can object or disapprove of the order, he can't directly refuse it.
Merlin
From the very beginning, Merlin establishes himself as the show's most powerful character. He wields an outstanding amount of magic and is a natural at using it. He's also quite clumsy and careless, often overcomplicating things needlessly. Most magical beings in the world know about him, calling him by his Druid name, Emrys, and consider him the greatest sorcerer to ever walk the Earth.
Merlin is also the last Dragonlord in existence and a possibly immortal being. Indeed, he's still alive in the 21st century, still waiting for the Once and Future King to rise again.