Merlin is a new 13-part drama series on BBC One which updates the story of the infamous sorceror of Arthurian legend for a new audience.

As the show launches tonight, we thought that you might like to get an idea of who’s who, so we put together a character guide for you to enjoy!

Merlin (Played by Colin Morgan)

When Merlin, a young man with extraordinary magical powers, arrives in the dangerous world of Camelot he quickly discovers that his gifts could cost him his life. But under the guidance of King Uther Pendragon’s wise old physician, Gaius, he learns to survive and finds himself working as manservant to Uther’s headstrong heir, Prince Arthur. As he unearths Camelot’s deepest, darkest secrets, Merlin’s journey - and his destiny - becomes inextricably linked to that of Arthur.

Arthur (played by Bradley James)

Arthur’s status as heir to Camelot’s crown, sits uneasily on his young shoulders. But when he meets and - eventually - befriends the young Merlin, his destiny begins to become clear. With the young wizard at his side, he begins the long and adventure-filled journey that will make him the great and just King Arthur of legend.

Gaius (played by Richard Wilson)

When Merlin arrives in the kingdom, Uther’s Court Physician, Gaius takes him under his wing. The first to see the boy wizard’s destiny, Gaius becomes both Merlin’s mentor and conscience as he discovers the secrets of Camelot and its old magic.

Uther (played by Anthony Head)

King Uther’s fight to bring peace to Camelot has left him with a deep hatred of magic. Having defeated the dragons and witches in battle, he has banned sorcery from his kingdom forever. His hopes for the future now rest with his headstrong son Arthur. Little does he realise that magic remains a force within his kingdom and that Arthur’s fate lies in the hands of a young sorceror, Merlin.

Gwen (played by Angel Coulby)

Morgana’s down-to-earth servant, Gwen - also known as Guinivere - has a date with destiny when Arthur inherits Camelot. But as the young Prince and his mysterious manservant Merlin find their way in the world she keeps both her feelings and her noble nature hidden. Most of the time.

Morgana (played by Katie McGrath)

The orphaned ward of King Uther, Morgana is a feisty, spirited girl, able to use her beauty to bend the will of every man she meets. But she has other powers too, ones that will ultimately bring her into conflict not just with her stepfather Uther, but with Arthur and Merlin too.

Great Dragon (played by John Hurt)

Imprisoned in the caves beneath Camelot, the Great Dragon is one of the last and most powerful links with the old magic which King Uther wants to suppress. As the only one in Camelot who knows Merlin’s true destiny, the dragon forms a strong relationship with the young wizard, acting as a mentor and guide to the mysteries of sorcery and its dark past.