Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Roland

Roland's our man. He owns the title. He blows the oliphant. He dies the hero's death on that convenient hill overlooking Spain. His is the tragedy that Charlemagne avenges in blood and conversion and which Ganelon pays for in his trial and execution. A few dissenters might say, "Wait just a minute, folks: Charlemagne has a crazy number of lines, not to mention an empire, an indestructible army, and both the opening and closing scenes." True, but for more on why Roland's tragedy dominates, head over to "What's up with the Title?"