Charles

Charles is a valet in Castle Britannia who later ascends to the position of head butler following his father, Bennie's, retirement. He appears in Ultima VII and Ultima Underworld II.

Description
Charles first appeared as Lord British's "gentleman's gentleman," charged with serving wine to the sovereign and his guests. Should the Avatar and company approach him, he would happily serve them drinks, and would go on, if asked, to talk about his family, which comprised the larger portion of the castle staff - with his father, Bennie, serving as head butler; his mother, Boots, serving as head chef; and his sister, Nell acting as royal chambermaid.

Should the hero inquire about his ambitions, the young man would gloomily say that he hoped to take his father's place someday, in the hopes that he might at last catch the attention of the bubbly and fickle Jeanette - a barmaid working at the Blue Boar Tavern Should the Avatar wish to intervene, it was possible for the hero to discuss Charles with Jeanette, whereupon they would find that she had dismissed the valet as being haughty and aristocratic, and was, in fact, infatuated with a local merchant named Willy. A stern talking to from the more worldly and level-headed Lucy, however, would ultimately sway Jeanette's opinions, and she would come to consider requiting Charles' courtship.

Should the Avatar discover that Nell was pregnant, the hero had the option of betraying her confidence and relating her condition to the over-protective Charles, inciting him to fly into a rage at the girl's betrothed, Carrocio. While the youth disliked his future brother-in-law regardless of this information, such a revelation would turn him to murderous intent, bringing considerable grief to the young couple before the affair was settled.

Whatever Charles' actions, the marriage between Carrocio and Nell eventually took place, and Nell bore a son the same year that Bennie and Boots retired, with their children taking the positions that they once held. Both Charles and his sister were imprisoned within Castle Britannia due to the Guardian's machinations. The two of them could quickly become embroiled in Nanna's protestations should tensions run too high among them and the likewise confined nobility, although ultimately Charles appeared to remain calm throughout the affair - making himself useful by discovering a key to the old sewer systems beneath the keep.