Most of the many characters in The High King are stereotypes that represent different types of human behavior.

There are extreme differences in the characterizations of the good and evil figures.

Taran is the protagonist in the Prydain Chronicles, and he has the most universal appeal. An ordinary boy who works as an assistant pig-keeper, Taran is on a quest for his identity throughout the series. In The High King he appears to have accepted that his identity is unknown and will remain that way. He is no longer as concerned with who he is and what he should do. In part, this is the result of his adventures in Taran Wanderer; he has also accepted the fact that his needs are not as important as Prydain's need to overthrow the forces of evil.

Eilonwy, the princess whom Taran loves, does not change much...