Arthur
One of the many contrasts between First Knight and other retellings of the Arthurian legend is the aging of King Arthur. Rather than a commrad and brother at arms, Arthur is portrayed as a father figure to his kingdom. Well established in his kingdom, the King radiates wisdom and maturity, but lacks the passionate youthfulness of Lancelot. Arthur is no longer placed at the genesis of the chivalric ideal, but embodies the long-standing ideals of his kingdom.
MP3 Arthur: I take the good with the bad, together. I can't love people in slices.
Reinforcing the fatherly image, Arthur leads his kingdom with a benevolence and patience which only time can bring. Arthur speaks to his men, not brother to brother, but father to son. He chastises their mistakes as that of unlearned youth and praises their accomplishments as a man who recognizes the growth of his children rather than one who admires the accomplishments of his peers. Too old to engage in the heat of battle, Arthur becomes the strategic commander who guides his men toward victory, rather than a powerful warrior who leads them to it.
MP3 Arthur: As a man, I may forgive. As a king, I must see justice done. MP3 Arthur: You will be charged with treason under our laws. Defend yourself in court. The law will judge you!
Arthur's outrage at the affair between Lancelot and Guinevere turns out to be the most humanizing element to his character. Departing from the established pattern of fatherly forgivness and acceptance, Arthur gives in to the rage and pain and betrayal, succumbing to the need for retribution which ultimately leads to the downfall of his kingdom. In seeking to punish Lancelot and Guinevere, this Arthur is set apart from the traditionally understanding portrayal of his character. Given that Guinevere freely chose her position as his wife, the audience would now surely expect some sort of outrage on his part.