English 10 name:
Mrs. Sharp period:
Creating the Characters Resource
Duke Frederick:
Rules the court with an iron fist. Has stolen the throne from his older brother, whom he has banished to Arden (the forest). Duke Frederick has a terrible temper – he banished his niece, Rosalind, without reason. His own daughter, Celia, doesn’t understand his hatred and anger.
Firm and irrevocable is my doom
Which I have passed upon her; she is banished.
Oliver de Bois:
The greedy and jealous brother of Orlando and Jaques (pronounced: Jakes). The oldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and sole inheritor of their father’s estate. He is a loveless man who doesn’t give is brother, Orlando, the education he deserves. He hates Orlando for no reason and does a lot to make sure that Orlando fails.
I never loved my brother in my life.
Touchstone:
The clever and witty jester at Duke Frederick’s court. He goes with Rosalind and Celia to the forest. He is hilariously vulgar and unromantic.
The more pity that fools may not speak wisely what
wise men do foolishly.
Rosalind:
The spirited heroine, daughter of the banished Duke Senior. Best friends with her cousin Celia. Independent-minded, strong-willed, good-hearted, and terribly clever. Rosalind teaches those around her to think, feel, and love better than they have previously, and ensures that the characters returning from the forest of Arden are gentler than when they fled to it. She disguises herself as Ganymeade, a handsome young man, while in the forest.
O coz, coz, coz, my pretty little coz, that thou didst know
how many fathom deep I am in love!
Celia:
The good friend to Rosalind, daughter of Duke Frederick. Devoted to Rosalind and in love with Oliver, she has a loving heart, but is prone to almost excessive emotions. She disguises herself as a shepherdess named Aliena in the forest.
I pray thee, Rosalind, sweet my coz, be merry.
Orlando de Bois:
The young, romantic hero. Mistreated by his brother Oliver and very angry about it. He considers himself as having great potential, despite his brother’s neglect. Risks his life late in the play and proves to be worthy of his love, Rosalind.
You have trained me like a peasant and I will no longer endure it.
Adam:
Faithful old servant. Mistreated by Oliver. Loyal to Orlando and goes with him into the forest.
Is “old dog” my reward? God be with my old Master!
He would not have spoke such a word!
Charles:
The wrestler. A champion fighter who provides entertainment for Duke Frederick.
I wrestle for my credit, and he that escapes me without some broken limb shall acquit him well.
Le Beau:
A gentleman in the court. Works for Duke Frederick. Could be seen as a gossip, but kind-hearted.
Good sir, I do in friendship counsel you to leave this place.
Duke Senior:
The Good Duke, banished by his wicked brother and living in exile in the forest. Father to Rosalind. He was at first angry at his brother for banishing him, but now is happy with his life in the forest. He is a fair and kind ruler.
Now my co-mates and brothers in exile, are not these woods more free from peril than the envious court?
Jacques (Ja-Queece):
The melancholy and cynical philosopher. Accompanies Duke Senior into exile. Jacques stands on the sidelines of life, watching and judging the actions of other characters without fully participating in the action around him.
All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.
Corin:
The reliable old farmer. Corin attempts to counsel his friend Silvius in the ways of love, but Silvius refuses to listen.
The greatest of my pride is to see my ewes graze.
Silvius:
The lovesick, rejected shepherd. In love with the proud Phoebe who refuses to return his affections.
Sweet Phoebe, do not scorn me, do not, Phoebe.
Phoebe:
The country shepherdess who loves to be admired. Will not return the affections of Silvius and falls in love with Ganymede (Rosalind in disguise). In the end, she is convinced to marry Silvius after all.
But since that thou canst talk of love so well,
thy company I will endure.
Jaques de Bois (Jakes):
He is the second son of Duke Frederick and the brother of Oliver and Orlando. He only appears at the end of the play when he brings the news of Duke Frederick reformation.
Let me have audience for a word or two.I am the second son of old Sir Rowland,...
Amiens:
Amiens is one of the lords attending on Duke Senior in the forest of Arden. He is deeply attached to Duke Senior and, therefore, has willingly accompanies him to the forest of Arden.
Happy is your Grace,
That can translate the stubbornness of fortune...
Character Connections
Draw arrows (going in one or both directions) that indicate the characters’ feelings/relationships toward one another. Some characters may have several conflicting emotions or attitudes about each other which can be indicated by several arrows of different colors.
Pink = Love
Yellow = Friendship
Blue = Family/Related
Black = Hatred
Green = Jealousy
Orange = Professional Relationship