Edward II is the king of England for the majority of the play. He is well intentioned, but is highly susceptible to flattery and fawning by subordinates. Under his rule, the daily business of government is largely ignored while he pursues his own pleasures and spends his time with the former exile Gaveston. Although he neglects his wife, Queen Isabella, it is his relationship with Gaveston (and the rumors that it is more than a friendship, perhaps also sexual in nature), that causes the most distress among the lords in his court. Even though Edward claims to long for a contemplative, quiet life of peace, his frivolous actions are at odds with his words. 

Gaveston is a friend to Edward II, but a destructive one. Even though he appears to genuinely care for Edward, he also sees him as a means to improve his own station and enrich himself, and as an avenue to indulge in pleasures that would otherwise be denied him if he were a commoner. He is defiant and belligerent with the other English lords, which proves to be his downfall. His trust that Edward will be able to protect him from adversity is misplaced and short-lived.