Karna is a pivotal character in the Mahabharata, notable for his intricate and compelling story which weaves itself around the themes of identity, loyalty, and honor. As the illegitimate son of Kunti, the mother of the Pandava brothers, and Surya, the sun god, Karna is born with extraordinary skills and virtues. However, he ultimately grows up unaware of his royal lineage, owing to an unfortunate circumstance where a young Kunti, unable to raise him, abandons him in a basket on a river.

The child is found and raised by a charioteer, Adhiratha, and his wife, Radha, growing up in a humble setting that starkly contrasts the royal blood that flows in his veins. Despite his low social status, Karna succeeds in mastering the art of warfare, becoming a formidable archer, only second to Arjuna himself.

Almost tragically, Karna forms an unbreakable alliance with Duryodhana, the sworn enemy of the Pandavas. The unwavering loyalty he demonstrates to Duryodhana, even after realizing his real identity as a Pandava, makes Karna an exemplar of friendship and loyalty in the Mahabharata. He combats the Pandavas in the apocalyptic Kurukshetra war, where he meets his inevitable fate, honored for his virtues and remembered for his tragic heroism.