Murtagh is an integral character in this story. He befriends Eragon and helps in his journey to find the Varden. Aiding Eragon in his training to become a severe swordsman, Murtagh learns that Eragon is a rider and he truly wishes only to help him find a place in the world he was so swiftly thrust into. He saves Eragon's life many times over and delivers him safely to a clan that finds him to be one of their true enemies, the son of the the last Forsworn Rider, Morzan. His character is well rounded and he eventually becomes Eragon's best friend aside from Saphira. The book version of Murtagh gives far more detail into his psyche and his true feelings towards Eragon. I find that they portrayed the movie version of Murtagh very well, and I must say, Garrett Hedlund plays the roll far better than any I could have imagined. He physically resembles the written description so perfectly that it was as if the character were written expressly for him.