The King of Hearts is a fictional character in Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He is the ruler of the kingdom of Hearts and is known for his passive demeanor, frequently being bossed around by the Queen of Hearts. Despite his submissive nature, the King is shown to be a just and fair ruler who tries to mediate conflicts in his kingdom.

In the story, Alice encounters the King of Hearts when she finds herself caught up in a trial involving the Knave of Hearts, who is accused of stealing the Queen’s tarts. The King presides over the trial and, despite his efforts to maintain order, is ultimately powerless to stop the Queen’s arbitrary verdicts and executions.

The King of Hearts is depicted as a jolly and rotund figure, often with a scepter and crown, dressed in a red and white outfit. He is frequently depicted in illustrations as having a head of a heart, emphasizing his royalty and connection to the kingdom of Hearts.

In popular culture, the King of Hearts is often portrayed as a humorous and lighthearted figure, often contrasting with the harsh and volatile Queen of Hearts. He has appeared in numerous adaptations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, including film, television, and theater productions.

Overall, the King of Hearts is a memorable and recognizable character from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and his comical appearance and passive demeanor have cemented his place in popular culture as a symbol of whimsical absurdity.