Rudolf Rassendyll - Character of the Novel (The Prisoner Of Zenda)

Rudolf Rassendyll

Introduction: 

  Rudolf Rassendyll the foremost character of the novel, is the best creation of Anthony Hope Hawkins. Anthony has presented him in such way that he has become immortal in the field of English literature. Anthony Hope has stolen all the sincerity, faithfulness and generosity of this earth to create the character of Rassendyll and make his character to all times to come, a dynamic, smart, handsome and bold hero of the novel, who captures the attention of the reader at the very outset. And as the novel moves our interest grows in his personality. Rassendyll is a young man of about twenty nine and belongs to an aristocratic family. He is highly educated and excellent mark man, skillful sword man and an expert horseman. He is tall, handsome and smart. He has red hair and a long sharp nose, a trait typical of the members of the royal family of Ruritania.

A Cheerful fellow: 

   Rassendyll does not take life seriously. He is rather careless, therefore he is fond of outings, excursions and adventures. But as he begins playing the part of the king of Ruritania, he becomes very serious and sensible.

A daring man: 

  Rassendyll is a brave man and gives evidences of his bravery on many occasions. For instance, while fighting against six hirelings of the Black Michael, he is daring and passes a night in the moat. He is dauntless and goes to see Madam de Mauban in the "Summer House" at her invitation to collect secret information about king, and there he fights with the rogues. In the end of the novel he is fighting in the thick of fight. Even the Marshall praises him for his bravery. Princess Flavia is also enamored of his courage and bravery.

As a Lover: 

  Rassendyll is a carefree youth, but when he falls in love with Flavia, he gives his full devotion to her. He proves himself a true lover and explains through his behavior the real meaning of love, which is complete submission and devotion to the lover. It is the sincerity and nobility of Rassendyll the princess Flavia does not suspect of his impersonation. His love for her is pure, honest and selfless. It is free from lust and selfishness. He sacrifices his love for the will of Flavia and for the real king. It is rightly said, "Love is the supreme experience of life and when it is sacrificed" it is certainly a supreme sacrifice.

A sincere and Unselfish friend: 

  Rudolf Rassendyll is a sincere and unselfish man to the care of his heart. He is completely selfless and is not tempted at all when he becomes the king. He does not wish to remain the king for ever. On the other hand, he is anxious to release the king and handover the reins of Ruritania as soon as possible. He does not show any selfish motive. He tackles even even more awkward situation when the question of solemnization of betrothal with princes Flavia arises after coronation ceremony. In connection with this he finds himself in a very critical situation. In case of refused, he would have displeased the people who loved him. In other case, if he had admitted his relation with Flavia, it would have been dengerous and nobody even Flavia suspect him. In this way maintains the bond of friendship and his dignity.

As a King: 

  Rudolf Rassendyll proves himself worthy of the royal position of the king of Ruritania. He comes to Ruritania as a guest to attend the king's coronation ceremony, but the political events of the Country makes him the king of Ruritania. During his period, he shows his talents, faces probelms very bravely and at last achieves his sacred aim of getting Rudolf Elphberg released, who is make prisoner at Zenda. He plays his role so successfully and seriously that no body knows, it is pnly in the end that princess Flavia is told by Fritz the whole story when Rassendyll gets wounded and falls unconscious.

Conclusion: 

  In view of above, we can say that he is true hero of the novel and no other character in the novel is so sound, noble and worthy of admiration as Rassendyll.