The Knave of Hearts is a fictional character in Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He is a minor character in the book, but plays a significant role in the trial of the Knave of Hearts, which is one of the key events in the story.

In the story, the Knave of Hearts is accused of stealing tarts and is put on trial by the Queen of Hearts. Alice, the protagonist of the story, is a witness in the trial, and the Knave is ultimately found guilty and sentenced to execution. Despite this, the Knave remains a somewhat mysterious and elusive character, with little revealed about his motivations or backstory.

The character of the Knave of Hearts is often portrayed as a mischievous and cunning figure, but also with a certain degree of comic foolishness. This combination of qualities has made him a popular figure in adaptations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, including movies, TV shows, and stage productions.

In some adaptations, the character of the Knave is portrayed as a villain, while in others he is depicted as a more sympathetic figure. Some interpretations have suggested that the Knave is meant to be a symbolic representation of the irrationality of the legal system, or of the arbitrary and capricious nature of authority.

Overall, the Knave of Hearts is an important and enduring character in the world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and continues to capture the imagination of readers and viewers of all ages.