Is Worthiness the Same as Dharma

Karna is the epic's standing case. By capability he is the equal of anyone on the field, and the story never disputes it; what he is denied is standing, on grounds of birth he did not choose and did not know the truth of. The Mahabharat gives him the argument and gives him the sympathy.

It does not, however, let worthiness settle everything. Karna is genuinely wronged and also chooses his side, keeps choosing it, and is present for what is done to Draupadi. The epic holds both facts at once, which is characteristic of it.