The thesis consists of two parts. The first is a complete translation of Chrétien de Troyes’ Chevalier de la Charrette. The second is an analysis of the romance. By taking a deep, critical look at Meleagant, perhaps the most psychologically interesting character in the romance, and one unjustly ignored by scholarship, we will discover Chrétien’s disapproval of intense fixation on one’s own personal reputation and glory. By analyzing the character of Lancelot, we shall uncover Chrétien’s criticism of unchecked, tempestuous, passionate love, and his subtly sarcastic response to the popular contemporary notion that love inspired knights to achieve superhuman deeds. Finally, by exploring the character of Gawain, we will discover Chrétien’s positive attitude towards moderation and the curbing of intense and excessive passion and obsession. Through a careful study of the characters in Le Chevalier de la Charrette, Chrétien’s own opinions and attitudes emerge, and we can begin to understand how Chrétien fit into and was critical of his contemporary cultural milieu.