Tristan - King's Mark ward - is so devoted to his best friend the King that he could sacrifice his life for Mark. Tristan
feels towards him the love a son feels to a father, but a fickle fate and magic make him see in Mark a rival, for he isa husband of his beloved Isolde. This is the reason of Tristan's deeply rooted inner conflict he has to deal with. The origin of his love to Isolde is quite odd - it's a magical force working not only against the law, but also the opposite to his friendship feelings andit attracts the two to each other. Tristan loves Isolde more than his very own life, and no matter what the price he might pay for that he desires a spiritual and physical bond with her. They both do know far too well, that their love will always remain oppressed and that it's impossible to disown the feeling, so all they wish is death. Tristan suffering from great longing soon dies, just as he wished. When taking his last breaths he calls for Isolde. She unfortunately comes too late, but her great pain she feels after her lover doesn't let her live long, so she too dies.She follows Tristan to where their love will be free, for ever and after.