Miraz is a fictional character and is the primary antagonist in C. S. Lewis’s Prince Caspian, the second published novel in The Chronicles of Narnia. A Telmarine and a ruthless usurper, Miraz takes the throne of Narnia after murdering his brother, King Caspian IX.
Miraz initially serves as the "Lord Protector" after his brother's death. Over time, he systematically eliminates or exiles the nobles who remain loyal to his late brother, eventually having his flatterers crown him King of Narnia.
As king, Miraz enforces harsh laws, levies heavy taxes, and actively suppresses the history and culture of Old Narnia. He outlaws talking of Aslan, talking beasts, dwarves, and magical creatures, attempting to erase Narnia's past entirely.
Miraz initially keeps his nephew, Prince Caspian (Caspian X), alive only because he lacks an heir of his own. However, when Miraz's wife, Queen Prunaprismia, gives birth to a son, Miraz immediately plots to have Caspian assassinated so his newborn child can inherit the throne. Warned by his tutor, Doctor Cornelius, Caspian flees the castle and joins the Old Narnians to reclaim his birthright.
During the war between the Telmarines and the Old Narnians, High King Peter Pevensie challenges Miraz to single combat to delay the Telmarine army and buy time.
Driven by pride after being taunted by his own lords (Sopespian and Glozelle), Miraz accepts. Peter bests Miraz in the duel, but spares his life.
As Miraz stumbles, Lord Glozelle and Lord Sopespian betray him. Sopespian kills Miraz (or Glozelle stabs him, depending on the film adaptation) and falsely cries treachery to incite the Telmarine army into an all-out assault against the Narnians.
He is portrayed by Robert Lang in 1989 BBC miniseries, while he is also portrayed by Italian actor Sergio Castellitto in the 2008 movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The movie expands his character into a cold, tactical military commander and politically savvy ruler.