In the historical fiction novel The King’s Shadow by Elizabeth Alder, Harold would be described as a wise and courageous man. Earl Harold of Wessex, who later became King Harold of England, “‘[chooses] to force [his brother Tostig] into disgraceful exile’” (148) when “‘[Tostig refuses] to listen’” (147) to the voices of his people. Harold plans everything strategically by “[revealing] as little information as [possible]” (127) when he was held captive with Evyn and the rest of his men by Duke William. Harold has shown consistently that he “‘is a man who… can lead [England] into war… but [also knows] how to keep the peace’” (158) if needed. Harold treats all his men equally and “‘[wants] nothing more than to stand shoulder to shoulder with