Characters
Cymbeline
Cymbeline (SIHM-beh-leen), the king of Britain, is a character more significant for the plot's advancement than for his complexity. He exhibits quick temper, arbitrariness, and unreasonableness, yet fundamentally, he remains well-meaning and generous. Unbeknownst to him, his second wife has a significant influence over his decisions. By the play's conclusion, Cymbeline's essential goodness is displayed through his forgiveness of both his adversaries and his son-in-law, Posthumus Leonatus.
Imogen
Imogen (IHM-oh-jehn), Cymbeline’s daughter from his previous marriage, stands as the play's most admired character. Many critics argue that the play serves primarily as a vehicle to showcase her virtues. Disguised for part of the play as Fidele (fih-DAYL), she portrays the qualities of a loyal wife, marked by independence and courage. Escaping numerous threats, including her father’s court, her husband’s wrongful plot to murder her, her stepbrother Cloten's attempt to assault her, and her stepmother’s poisonous intentions, Imogen ultimately discovers and reunites with her long-lost brothers in the forest. Her generous spirit is evident as she forgives Posthumus for doubting her fidelity.
Posthumus Leonatus
Posthumus Leonatus (POS-tew-muhs lee-oh-NAY-tuhs), Imogen’s husband, is of noble lineage but lacks fortune, making him an unsuitable match for Cymbeline's daughter in the eyes of the king. Banished for marrying Imogen, he travels to Italy, where he unwisely wagers with Iachimo on his wife's chastity. Despite Imogen's loyalty, Iachimo deceives Posthumus with false evidence of infidelity, prompting him to order Imogen's death. Eventually, Posthumus is undeservedly forgiven by Imogen and reconciles with her.
Cloten
Cloten (KLOH-tehn), the queen’s repugnant son, is characterized by ignorance, stupidity, and viciousness. He attempts to pursue Imogen, wearing Leonatus' clothing to deceive her, but encounters Guiderius, who decapitates him. Imogen finds Cloten's headless body and, mistaking it for her husband due to the garments, believes Posthumus is dead.
The Queen
The queen, Cymbeline's second wife, is a master of deception and manipulation, adhering to the archetype of the wicked stepmother in folktales. She seeks Imogen’s demise via a vindictive plot involving poison disguised as a cure. Responsible for much of the conflict between Rome and Britain, her malevolence remains undiscovered until her death, after which her confessions reveal her evil intentions to Cymbeline.
Iachimo
Iachimo (YAH-kih-moh) is a cunning Italian villain. Offended by Posthumus’s praise of Imogen, he wagers to seduce her. After failing directly, Iachimo hides in a trunk brought into her room, observes her as she sleeps, and collects incriminating items and observations to deceive Posthumus into believing Imogen’s infidelity. Captured during the war, he is confronted by Fidele (Imogen) and admits his wrongdoings, ultimately becoming part of the widespread forgiveness at the play’s end.
Belarius
Belarius (beh-LAY-ree-uhs), a banished lord now living under the alias Morgan, raises the kidnapped sons of Cymbeline in the Welsh wilderness as his own. Condemned under false accusations of treason, Belarius has nurtured the boys in isolation. When the opportunity arises, he and the young men aid the British against Roman invaders. Eventually, Belarius reveals their true identities, leading to their reconciliation with Cymbeline, who forgives his past misdeeds.
Guiderius
Guiderius (gwih-DEE-ree-uhs), raised as Polydore, is Cymbeline’s elder son. Despite his rough upbringing, he possesses inherent nobility. He bravely defends himself against Cloten’s provocations, resulting in Cloten’s death. After demonstrating valor in battle, he reveals his identity to Cymbeline, who pardons him upon learning of his royal lineage.
Arviragus
Arviragus (ahr-vih-RAY-guhs), known as Cadwal in the forest, is Cymbeline’s younger son. Raised alongside his brother Guiderius under Belarius's care, he displays innate royal qualities. He deeply bonds with the disguised Imogen, whom he believes is his brother, Fidele. After Imogen’s supposed death, he...
(This entire section contains 1260 words.)
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helps conduct funeral rites. In the ensuing battle, Arviragus fights courageously, and upon discovering his true heritage, reunites with Cymbeline.
Caius Lucius
Caius Lucius (KAY-yuhs LEW-shee-uhs) leads the Roman forces against Britain. Despite his adversarial role, he exhibits nobility and fairness, particularly in his treatment of Fidele. After the battle, he seeks mercy for Fidele from Cymbeline, unaware of Fidele’s true identity as Imogen.
Pisanio
Pisanio (pee-ZAH-nee-oh), the loyal servant of Posthumus, exhibits his intelligence and fidelity by defying his master's misguided orders to kill Imogen. Instead, he aids her in escaping, dressing her as a boy to protect her. Pisanio also foils Cloten with misinformation and unwittingly administers a harmless drug to Imogen, mistaking it for a restorative. Throughout the play, his actions, though seemingly disloyal, reveal a deeper allegiance to his true convictions.
Cornelius
Cornelius (kohr-NEE-lee-uhs), a skeptical physician, deceives the queen by substituting her requested poison with a non-lethal drug that mimics death. His actions later play a crucial role in unveiling the queen’s treachery and safeguarding Imogen. Cornelius is instrumental in alerting Cymbeline to the queen’s malevolent schemes.
Philario
Philario, an Italian ally of Posthumus, becomes a key figure in introducing Posthumus to Iachimo, setting the wager in motion. Despite his role in this plot, Philario remains a supportive friend to Posthumus, endeavoring to dissuade him from rash decisions and expressing skepticism about Iachimo's allegations against Imogen.
Helen
Helen serves as Imogen’s lady-in-waiting. During Iachimo’s concealed presence in the trunk within Imogen’s room, Helen informs Imogen of the time, ensuring that Imogen leaves the light burning.
Sicilius Leonatus
Sicilius Leonatus (sih-SIHL-ee-uhs lee-oh-NAY-tuhs), the departed father of Posthumus, appears as a ghost alongside his deceased wife and sons. In a masquelike vision that comforts Posthumus, they lament his suffering and appeal to Jupiter for his reward, underscoring their belief in Posthumus's innate bravery and fidelity.
Jupiter
Jupiter emerges in Posthumus’s vision, promising a favorable resolution to his tribulations, symbolizing divine intervention in human affairs.
Apparitions
The apparitions represent Posthumus's father, mother, and two brothers, who appear during his imprisonment-induced dream. They express sorrow over Posthumus's plight and urge Jupiter to recognize his courage and loyalty, attributing his downfall to Cymbeline’s unjust actions.
Attendants
These attendants, featured throughout various scenes, silently accompany Cymbeline and the queen, contributing to the court's bustling atmosphere.
British Captains
British captains detain Posthumus following the battle, turning him over to Cymbeline for judgment upon discovering his disguise as a Roman soldier.
Jailers
The jailers, responsible for holding Posthumus upon his capture, marvel at his unusual eagerness for execution. Their duty is interrupted when a messenger redirects them to present Posthumus before Cymbeline.
Ladies
These court ladies serve the queen and Imogen, witnessing and corroborating the queen’s deathbed confessions of her devious plans.
Lords
Various lords surround Cymbeline, often silently. Two lords interact with Cloten, mocking his arrogance through asides, highlighting his foolishness. During the battle, a Britain Lord encounters Posthumus, condemning him for fleeing.
Lucius (Caius Lucius)
As the Roman general, Caius Lucius demands tribute from Cymbeline on behalf of Emperor Augustus. His refusal leads to war, yet Lucius remains dignified and compassionate, especially towards Fidele, who is later revealed as Imogen.
Messengers
Several messengers relay pivotal information throughout the play, including the arrival of Caius Lucius and updates about Imogen. They are instrumental in maintaining the narrative’s momentum.
Philarmonus
Philarmonus, a Roman soothsayer, forecasts victory for Rome based on his visions, which ultimately prove incorrect. At the play’s end, he interprets Jupiter’s revelation, aligning the prophecy with the play's restored harmony.
Roman Senators
Two Roman senators appear briefly, instructing tribunes to muster an army from Italian nobility to engage Britain in battle, signifying Rome's mobilization efforts.
Soldiers
Throughout the battle scenes, soldiers are implied to be present, reinforcing the play's depiction of conflict and warfare.
