Positive:
* Wise: The wizard is a source of knowledge and wisdom, often guiding the young hero, Peter, and offering him advice.
* Powerful: The wizard possesses magical abilities and is capable of influencing the world around him.
* Compassionate: He shows concern for Peter's well-being and desires to help him overcome his challenges.
* Protective: He acts as a mentor and protector to Peter, guiding him on his journey and shielding him from harm.
* Mysterious: The wizard is shrouded in an aura of mystery, with a hidden past and motives that are not always clear.
Negative:
* Manipulative: The wizard, in his pursuit of Peter's destiny, sometimes manipulates events and uses his power for his own ends.
* Unemotional: He can appear detached and uncaring, focused primarily on his goals rather than the emotional well-being of those around him.
* Secretive: He keeps his true intentions and motivations hidden from Peter, leading to distrust and confusion.
* Authoritarian: He sometimes exerts a strong influence over Peter, pushing him in a specific direction.
Neutral:
* Ambiguous: The wizard's character is complex and multifaceted, making him difficult to categorize definitively.
* Paradoxical: He embodies contradictions, acting both kindly and ruthlessly, wise and foolish at times.
* Ethereal: He is presented as a somewhat otherworldly figure, existing on the fringes of the real world.
Ultimately, the best words to describe the wizard depend on your perspective and your interpretation of the novel. He is a fascinating and complex character, and Gardner intentionally leaves many questions about him unanswered, adding to the richness and ambiguity of the story.