Rudolf Rassendyll
A Sample Character Sketch
Introduction:
Rudolf Rassendyll is the protagonist the novel The Prisoner of Zenda, written by Anthony Hope. Rassendylls spirit of adventure, personal integrity, unconditional devotion, coping skills, and ultimate sacrifice make him a noble character.
Physical Appearance:
Although Rudolf Rassendyll belongs to an English aristocratic family, he has the two characteristic features of the Elphbergs, that is, red hair and pointed nose. He has heavy moustache and carefully pointed imperial and six feet two inches of stature. Despite his striking resemblance to Rudolf V, the new king of Ruritania, there were some differences as Rassendyll himself points out: The kings face was slightly more fleshy than mine ... and his mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my close-shutting lips. However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll: Youre an Elphberg, every inch of you.
Love of Adventure:
Rudolf Rassendyll is fond of adventures and loves to roam about instead of sticking to a job. The desire to participate in sensational events is always there in his heart. This desire was fulfilled in Ruritania when he has to impersonate King Rudolf V. Rassendyll shows his excitement in these words: I was a young man and I loved action, and I was offered such a hand in such a game as perhaps never man played yet.
A Man of Firm Commitment:
Rudolf Rassendyll demonstrates a high level of commitment throughout the novel. In the beginning when his sister-in-law asks him to write a book, he says, No, I wont promise; but if I find enough material I will. He also says to her, When I do a thing I dont do it by halves. Rassendylls sense of duty and commitment is reinforced in Ruritania when he has to untangle the complex situation and resist all temptations. Eventually, he crushes the political conspiracy and restores the king. Fritz has such high regard for Rassendyll that he says in the end that Heaven doesnt always make the right men king!
Crushing Political Conspiracy:
Although Rassendyll initially shows hesitation to venture on the imposture of the king, he fulfils his duty with honour, grace and dignity. He says, I have been an impostor for the profit of another, but I will not be one for my own. With the help of Antoinette de Mauban and Johann, Rassendyll foils Duke Michaels plot to be the King of Ruritania. Although things do not proceed according to Rassendylls plan for the Kings rescue, luck favours him Detchard slips on the physicians blood and is killed, Michael is killed by Rupert, and Rupert escapes when Fritz comes for Rassendylls help. Thinking about these events, Rassendyll says, I did nothingI had killed one man stealthily that night, and another by luck rather than skill.
Rudolf Rassendyll
A Sample Character Sketch
Unconditional Love:
According to Sapts plan, Rassendyll has to show affection to Princess Flavia as Rassendyll says, I had to keep the princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me; I had to show affection for her and not feel it. However, things take a different turn and Rassendyll helplessly falls in love. Rassendyll remembers his love for Princess Flavia in these terms: I can thank God that I loved the noblest lady in the world, the most gracious and beautiful. Rassendyll may not have control over his feelings for her, but he is in complete control over his actions. Therefore, he says, If the king is not alive and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes I will tell the truth, come what may.
The Great Sacrifice:
But is love the only thing? Rassendyll would certainly answer this question in negative. So would Princess Flavia. Rassendylls unconscious love for Flavia was noble in nature. He proudly says that there was nothing in my love that made her fall short in her high duty. She reasons with him and he placidly agrees. They bid farewell to their short-lived happiness and part their ways with burden of love. Nothing can so beautifully sum up this love episode than Rassendylls own words. When he hears the singing of masses for the souls of those who lay dead in the chapel, he says that the priests seemed to chant a requiem over our buried joy, to pray forgiveness for our love that would not die.
