RUDOLF ELPHERG.
Rudolf Elpherg is the crown prince of Ruritania. In physical appearance, he has a striking resemblance with Rassendyll, but mentally he is quite different from him. He does not have the qualities, which Rassendyll have. The king does not have the courage, self-confidence and the sense of responsibility. The king is pleasure loving and a carefree type of a young man. As soon as he has seen Rassendyll and known the reason for his resemblance, he invites him to dinner and becomes frank with him.
Rudolf Elpherg loves wine. During his stay at Zenda, he drinks so much that he forgets his coronation and falls in to the trap laid by his half brother Black Michael, who sent drugged wine to make him senseless. This shows that king has no sense of responsibility. Because of his care free habits, a large number of people are against him, and they want Black Michael to be their king. The landlady of the inn at Zenda is also of the opinion that the Duke is a better candidate for the throne. It is because of his bad habits that the throne is almost lost to him. If Rassendyll did not help him, Michael would have ruled over Ruritania.
Rudolf Elpherg is a friend. He is a pleasant tempered man and is a sincere lover. All his friends remain loyal to him till last. Sapt and Fritz are devoted to him. They manage to restore the throne to him with the help of Rassendyll. During the last attack on the prison of Zenda, when the life of Raddendyll is in danger, he throws a chair at him and saves the life of Rassendyll. The king was not an ungrateful person. He was thankful to his friends, particularly he thanks to Rassendyll for his selfless services. His love for Princess Flavia is pure, and unselfish. If was because of his some good qualities and sincere efforts that the throne was finally restored to him.
RUPERT.
Rupert is one of the six rogues of Black Michael. He is a hired soldier. Who works for Duke Michael. He is a handsome young man and plays a very important role in the novel. He is the chief of Michael’s strong men. Michael always depends upon him in the fulfilment of his mission.
Rupert is greedy and immoral. He has no principles. He is a good rider and can throw a dagger very skilfully. He is afraid of nothing on earth. He jumps into the dangers and feels delighted. He makes a daring attack on Rassendyll in daylight and escapes unhurt. He is a very good swordsman and no one can beat him in fighting. On one occasion, dozen men attack on him, his tow partners are killed in the fight, but he manages to escape unhurt after killing his opponents. In the last scene he manages to run away before the arrival of the soldier. He jumps in to the moat with blood stained clothes. He passes satirical remarks on everyone. His tongue is a sharp as his sword. When Duke asks him why he had come to Mauban’s room, he replies that he come to apologize to the lady for his long absence.
Rupert worships beauty. His loose character makes him an unlikable character in the novel. He can hot deceive anyone for his benefits. He is not even loyal to his master and tries to seduce his beloved. He is a traitor and is ready to give the crown and Princess Flavia to Rassendyll if he allows him to marry lady Mauban, and grant him a pardon for the rest of his life. He abuses his master on his face and fights with him many times.
In short Rupert is the dislikable character and plays the role of a villain in the novel.
Mansoor Ali Shah.