The Crusader centers on William, a knight whose moral outlook is comprised of basic religious precepts and chivalrous principles. Envious of William''s popularity with the common folk is Robert, a local nobleman. Realizing William''s unwavering rectitude can be used against him, Robert foments a plan designed to bring disgrace upon William. Key to Robert''s plot is Elizabeth, William''s cousin. The ensuing action is charged with a psychological tension fueled by the unexpected foibles and surprising strengths of the individual characters. William, although the epitome of the chivalrous knight, is not above stirring "...the pot of justice with a falsehood lest the contents burn..." Robert, the thoroughly dissolute nobleman, at one point sounds more like a priest as he lectures William on the evils of self-deception. Elizabeth finds she is able to transcend self-pity, guilt and thoughts of suicide by seeking reconciliation between William and Robert. After an honest self-appraisal Mary, Robert''s haughty and uncompromising mother, possesses the strength of character to acknowledge the role she''s played in shaping the flawed character of her son and yet buckles emotionally at a critical juncture when her influence is needed most.
