Gwen & Art Are Not in Love Summary, Characters and Themes

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher is a queer, medieval romantic comedy with a sharp edge of political intrigue. 

Set in a fantasy kingdom inspired by Camelot, it tells the story of Princess Gwen and Prince Arthur, who are engaged but can’t stand each other—and for good reason. Gwen is secretly in love with her fiercely loyal lady-in-waiting, and Arthur is gay, tangled in complicated feelings for Gwen’s brother, Gabriel. What starts as a fake courtship pact quickly unravels into a battle for the throne when betrayals, coups, and conspiracies erupt. It’s witty, heartfelt, and rich with character growth.

Summary

Princess Gwendoline and Prince Arthur are betrothed—an arrangement neither of them wants. Gwen, independent and sarcastic, is secretly in love with her lady-in-waiting, Bridget. 

Arthur, the sharp-tongued and reluctant royal, is gay and nursing a crush on Gwen’s brother, Gabriel. Their engagement is a formality, a political alliance, but both dread it. 

When Arthur returns to court for the tournament season, the tension between the two is immediate. They can’t stand each other, but they strike a deal: pretend to be a happy couple in public and stay out of each other’s way in private.

However, what begins as a reluctant alliance soon reveals darker undercurrents. 

Arthur’s estranged father, Lord Delacey, is scheming to use Arthur to get close to the royal family. Arthur’s relationship with Gabriel and budding friendship with Gwen are manipulated behind the scenes, with Delacey hoping to install Arthur as a puppet heir. 

Meanwhile, Gwen navigates court pressures, her mother’s icy expectations, and her growing feelings for Bridget, who proves herself brave, smart, and loyal.

As the tournament unfolds, Arthur and Gwen both sense something bigger is at play. Letters are intercepted, alliances shift, and Gwen discovers Delacey’s growing influence among the nobility. 

A coup begins to take shape. Gabriel confronts Arthur after finding out about the manipulation, feeling betrayed and heartbroken. Their romantic bond breaks. Gwen is furious as well, believing Arthur to be a traitor.

Soon, the court descends into chaos. Lord Delacey’s forces, aided by Lord Willard, launch a rebellion. The king is killed in battle. Arthur, caught in the middle, is forced to participate in the coup, but he’s increasingly torn. 

His loyalty lies with Gwen and Gabriel, not his father. When Bridget risks her life to save Arthur and Sidney (Arthur’s comic but brave friend), Arthur sees how deeply he’s endangered everyone he cares about.

Gwen rises as a leader. With her mother withdrawing emotionally after the king’s death, Gwen commands the castle defense, coordinating with Gabriel, Bridget, and Sir Hurst. Arthur is captured, injured, and eventually escapes. 

He begins rejecting his family legacy. In a pivotal moment, Arthur publicly denounces his father during battle, tears off his house crest, and declares his support for Gwen and Gabriel.

Bridget proves to be a warrior and protector, even killing an assassin and later Lord Willard in defense of the crown. 

The battle for Camelot culminates in the failure of the coup. Lord Delacey is defeated, and the castle mourns the many losses. Gabriel is crowned king, Gwen becomes his chief advisor, and Arthur—no longer bound by his title or legacy—prepares to leave court to find his own path.

Gwen and Bridget’s relationship becomes public. Arthur and Gabriel have one final, painful but healing conversation, accepting that while they can’t go back, they can move forward. Sidney and Agnes share a sweet, hopeful subplot that adds warmth to the aftermath.

In the end, Gwen and Arthur part not as enemies or reluctant allies, but as friends who endured betrayal, heartbreak, and war together. They are no longer just pieces in a royal game—they’re people who have chosen their own futures. 

The story closes with Camelot beginning to heal, shaped by a new generation not defined by tradition, but by truth, love, and choice.

Characters

Gwen

Gwen is the central character of the story, a princess who finds herself caught between the expectations of royalty and her own desires. As the daughter of the king and a key figure in the battle for Camelot’s future, Gwen is forced to grow into a leader.

Initially, she is portrayed as conflicted about her arranged engagement to Arthur, as her true affections lie with her lady-in-waiting, Bridget. Throughout the narrative, Gwen’s strength as a ruler becomes evident.

Despite personal grief, including the loss of her father and the emotional toll of political turmoil, she steps up to take command when the queen is unable to lead. She faces her emotions, confronts betrayal, and becomes a fierce protector of her kingdom.

Gwen’s journey is one of self-realization, accepting her own desires while also stepping into her role as a leader. Her relationship with Bridget evolves, moving from a closeness based on mutual trust and friendship to one of romantic and emotional depth.

By the end, Gwen proves herself as a capable and compassionate leader, earning her place beside Gabriel as his chief advisor. She also finds love and fulfillment on her own terms.

Arthur

Arthur, the prince betrothed to Gwen, is a character defined by his internal conflict and complex identity. While initially appearing to be a charming and rebellious prince, his true struggles lie beneath the surface.

He is portrayed as being torn between loyalty to his bloodline and his personal desires. As the son of Lord Delacey, he is expected to follow his father’s ambitions, even when they conflict with his own beliefs.

Arthur’s relationship with Gwen starts as one of mutual convenience, yet it evolves into something more genuine as he becomes more entangled in her world. His love for Gabriel, which remains hidden due to societal pressures, further complicates his feelings.

Arthur’s arc is one of redemption as he rejects his father’s schemes, denounces his own bloodline, and embraces his true self. He publicly severs ties with his past, and though he suffers emotionally, he finds a sense of resolution.

By the end of the story, Arthur decides to leave the kingdom, seeking freedom and a chance to live authentically. His friendship with Gwen remains strong, and he walks away with a sense of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Bridget

Bridget is a pivotal character whose loyalty and bravery shape much of the story’s outcome. As Gwen’s lady-in-waiting, she starts as a secondary character but grows into one of the most important figures in the narrative.

Her feelings for Gwen are apparent early on, though their romantic relationship develops slowly and subtly throughout the story. Bridget’s courage is most notable when she sacrifices her safety for those she loves, particularly Arthur and Gwen.

Her actions during the coup, including saving Arthur from execution, showcase her selflessness and dedication to the royal family. Beyond her role as a protector, Bridget is also a figure of emotional support for Gwen.

The two share a deep bond, and as the narrative progresses, Bridget becomes Gwen’s closest confidante and lover. Her character embodies the themes of loyalty and love, and she proves to be a fierce warrior, capable of holding her ground on the battlefield.

By the end, Bridget finds herself not only by Gwen’s side in a romantic sense but also as a key figure in the kingdom’s new future.

Gabriel

Gabriel, Gwen’s brother, plays a crucial role in the political and emotional landscape of the story. As the heir to the throne, he faces immense pressure to rise above the betrayals and power struggles that engulf the kingdom.

Gabriel’s relationship with Arthur is fraught with tension, particularly after learning of Arthur’s betrayal. Though initially distant and resentful, Gabriel’s character grows throughout the narrative.

His feelings toward Arthur shift from anger to a more complex understanding as the truth behind the coup unravels. Gabriel’s primary focus is on the stability of the kingdom, but his own emotional turmoil, especially concerning his father’s death and his fractured relationship with Arthur, makes his journey one of internal conflict.

By the end of the story, Gabriel ascends to the throne and begins to govern with a sense of newfound strength and clarity. His relationship with Arthur evolves into a more peaceful one, offering a sense of closure to their complex bond.

Lord Delacey

Lord Delacey is the primary antagonist of the story, a manipulative and power-hungry figure whose actions set much of the political intrigue in motion. He seeks to control the throne through manipulation, using his son Arthur as a pawn in his quest for power.

Delacey’s cold and calculating nature is in stark contrast to the more empathetic and moral characters like Gwen and Arthur. His relationship with Arthur is one of control and manipulation, using guilt and familial obligation to force Arthur into supporting his schemes.

Delacey’s betrayal of the crown, his alliances with other rebels, and his eventual downfall serve as a catalyst for Arthur’s emotional and moral awakening. His death marks the end of a corrupt reign, allowing for the beginning of a new era in Camelot, one driven by the characters who opposed his tyranny.

Sidney

Sidney serves as Arthur’s loyal companion and friend, though he is often more of a supporting character in the background. His loyalty to Arthur, particularly during the battle and the subsequent escape from captivity, highlights his bravery and dedication.

Sidney’s character arc is less developed than that of the others, but his presence is important, offering both comic relief and genuine loyalty. By the end of the story, Sidney finds his own sense of purpose and reconciliation, particularly with Agnes.

This indicates that his character growth, though subtle, still plays a part in the overall resolution of the plot.

Agnes

Agnes is another key supporting character, playing an essential role in Gwen’s rise to leadership. As a trusted confidante and ally, Agnes assists Gwen in organizing the defense of Camelot and supporting her during moments of emotional vulnerability.

Though Agnes’s character is not as prominent as Gwen’s or Bridget’s, she represents the strength of the women around Gwen. She plays a pivotal role in the kingdom’s defense, demonstrating loyalty and dedication.

Her eventual romantic connection with Sidney adds a layer of emotional depth to her character, showing that even in times of war and chaos, personal connections and love can still thrive.

Themes

The Conflict Between Duty and Personal Desire

Throughout Do Your Worst, one of the most prominent themes is the battle between the duties imposed by royal lineage and the characters’ personal desires and identities. Gwen, the princess, faces immense pressure to fulfill her duty as an heir to the throne, which includes an arranged marriage to Prince Arthur. However, her love for Bridget contradicts the political alliance and expectations thrust upon her.

Similarly, Arthur, bound by his status as a prince, must adhere to familial expectations, even though his sexual identity and desires do not align with the constraints of his royal role. 

Both characters wrestle with the expectation to maintain appearances, masking their true selves for the greater good, while secretly yearning for autonomy and authenticity in their lives. The story explores how these personal desires constantly clash with the political duties they must uphold, highlighting the tension that arises when personal identity is subjugated to the roles imposed by society and family.

This theme is further explored in the characters’ journeys toward accepting and asserting their own identities in a world that demands conformity and the cost of breaking free from those constraints.

Betrayal and Redemption

Another critical theme is the exploration of betrayal and the long, arduous journey toward redemption. The relationship between Arthur and his father, Lord Delacey, forms the backbone of this theme, as Arthur is initially trapped in his father’s manipulative schemes. Delacey, who orchestrates a coup to seize power, uses his son as a pawn in his political machinations, betraying not only Arthur’s trust but also the sense of familial loyalty that should bind them.

Arthur’s emotional turmoil over this betrayal becomes central to his character arc, as he moves from being complicit to actively seeking to make amends for his role in his father’s plot. The novel shows how loyalty can be fractured by the abuse of power and the ruthless pursuit of ambition, yet it also presents the possibility of redemption through acts of personal growth and moral courage.

Arthur’s final renouncement of his lineage and his breaking away from his father’s shadow symbolize his personal redemption, showing that even in a world driven by manipulation, individuals can carve out their own path to atonement.

The Fluidity of Love and Identity

Lex Croucher’s novel delves into the fluidity of love and identity, particularly as it pertains to romance, gender roles, and sexuality in a medieval-inspired world. The central characters, Gwen and Arthur, defy traditional notions of love, attraction, and identity, and their relationships challenge societal norms. Gwen’s love for Bridget and Arthur’s hidden queerness exemplify the theme of love that transcends the confines of heteronormative expectations, making the story much more than a typical romance.

The book critiques the rigid gender roles and expectations of medieval society, presenting a more nuanced portrayal of love and attraction. By focusing on the fluidity of relationships and identities, Croucher highlights how love cannot be neatly defined by societal labels. The characters’ experiences suggest that love is not limited to one type of relationship, and it is constantly evolving, especially as individuals are given the freedom to define themselves outside of societal constraints.

The Weight of Leadership and the Struggle for Agency

The theme of leadership and empowerment runs strongly throughout the book, particularly through Gwen’s journey. Initially, Gwen is constrained by her role as a princess, expected to marry and uphold the family legacy without ever truly making decisions for herself. However, after the tragic death of her father and the fall of Camelot, Gwen rises to the challenge of leadership.

As her mother succumbs to grief and withdrawal, Gwen steps into the void, making crucial decisions that reshape the future of the kingdom. This theme addresses the personal growth required to step into a leadership role, especially under duress. Gwen’s growth into a strong leader illustrates the idea that true agency often comes not from a position of power but from a moment of crisis where individuals are forced to make difficult choices.

In a way, the chaos and tragedy that engulf the kingdom serve as a catalyst for Gwen to find her voice. Through her leadership, she reclaims both her agency and the future of her realm.

The Fragility of Trust and the Shifting Dynamics of Friendship and Love Amidst Power Struggles

Another theme is the fragility of trust and how power struggles complicate relationships, particularly friendships and romantic connections. As the plot unfolds, the relationships between the central characters become fraught with suspicion, betrayal, and doubt. Arthur’s betrayal of Gabriel is a pivotal moment that fractures their once close relationship, and the novel explores the painful consequences of losing trust in those we love.

Even Gwen and Arthur, who form an unlikely alliance, face significant emotional and moral challenges as they navigate the complexities of their partnership. The shifting dynamics of their relationship reflect the broader theme of how power struggles—whether personal, familial, or political—can strain even the most solid connections. The book shows that when loyalty is in question, the foundation of relationships can crumble, but it also illustrates the potential for healing.

The eventual reconnection of Gabriel and Arthur suggests that while trust may be broken, it is not always beyond repair, especially if individuals are willing to confront their past actions and seek reconciliation.

The Aftermath of War and the Rebuilding of a Kingdom

The final theme revolves around the aftermath of war and the rebuilding process, both on a personal and political level. The story concludes with the characters emerging from the chaos of battle, deeply scarred but ready to rebuild their lives and the kingdom of Camelot. The toll of war is heavy, with many lives lost and the fabric of the kingdom irreparably altered.

The theme of rebuilding is not just about the physical restoration of the realm but also about the emotional and psychological healing of its people. Gwen, Gabriel, and Arthur, though scarred by the events that unfolded, must now navigate a new world where old structures of power and expectation no longer hold. The pursuit of a new future is central to the resolution of the novel, as the characters work to forge a new path forward, free from the manipulation and betrayal that once governed their lives.

This theme speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of renewal, even after profound loss and upheaval. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past while looking toward a future built on new foundations.