The King of France from 1285 to 1314. A handsome man, but a rigid autocrat who seeked to strengthen France's monarchy and its central authority against the nobles and other groups within the state. A firm reformer who relied on civil servants above feudal barons. One could say his personality is one of a shrewd man, prepared to do what is needed to advance his authority, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Louis IX, aka St Louis. He remains firm and unbending.