Miles Hendon is a character who appears in the adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel The Prince and the Pauper, which is presented as a multi-episode story arc within the anime anthology series Manga Sekai Mukashi Banashi. He is a soldier and a nobleman returning to England after a long period away at war. His background is marked by family conflict, as his younger brother Hugh has schemed against him, leading to his banishment from his family home in Kent. This personal history of betrayal shapes much of his journey in the story.

In terms of personality, Miles Hendon is portrayed as courageous, honorable, and deeply loyal, yet he also possesses a rough-around-the-edges charm. He carries himself with a soldier’s swagger and speaks with a direct, bold manner. Although he is initially amused and skeptical when he encounters a young boy who insists he is Prince Edward, the true king of England, Miles’s sense of compassion quickly takes over. He treats the boy’s claims as a sign of illness or delusion rather than deceit, and he decides to protect him out of pity and growing affection.

His primary motivation is to safeguard the boy he calls the little king, even though he does not yet believe the child’s royal identity. Miles acts as a protector and guide, helping Edward navigate the dangers of the streets and the cruel treatment he faces from figures like John Canty. His motivations are rooted in a personal code of chivalry and a desire to right wrongs, which also ties into his own quest to reclaim his rightful place and clear his name within his own family.

In the story, Miles Hendon serves as a loyal companion and surrogate guardian to Prince Edward. He is one of the few people who stands by the prince during his lowest moments, offering shelter, food, and defense against enemies. His role is both that of a protector and a witness to Edward’s transformation from a sheltered prince into someone who understands the hardships of his subjects. Miles also has his own parallel narrative involving his treacherous brother Hugh and the woman he loves, Lady Edith, which echoes the larger themes of mistaken identity and justice in the tale.

Key relationships include his bond with Prince Edward, which evolves from disbelief to steadfast devotion. Miles treats Edward with a mixture of paternal care and knightly respect, even granting Edward the title of king in private. His relationship with his brother Hugh is adversarial, as Hugh has stolen his inheritance and his intended bride. This conflict drives a secondary plot about identity and restitution.

Over the course of the story, Miles Hendon experiences significant development. He begins as a down-on-his-luck soldier whose own identity has been stolen by his brother, and he ends as a man who has proven his worth and nobility of character. His willingness to serve a boy he believes to be a mad pauper ultimately leads to his own vindication when Edward is restored to the throne. Edward rewards Miles with a title and honors, recognizing his loyalty and sacrifice.

Notable abilities include his skill as a swordsman and his resourcefulness in dangerous situations, both honed through his experience as a soldier. He is physically strong and capable in combat, but his greatest strength lies in his unwavering sense of honor and his capacity for kindness. He is also a clever survivor, able to navigate the perils of Tudor England while protecting someone far more vulnerable than himself.

Within the context of Manga Sekai Mukashi Banashi, Miles Hendon is presented as a sympathetic and principled figure who exemplifies the virtues of loyalty, courage, and justice. His story intertwines with that of Prince Edward to deliver a classic tale about compassion, identity, and the true meaning of nobility.