Ralph Roister Doister

Ralph Roister Doister is a caricature of the braggart soldier archetype, a familiar figure in Roman comedy. He is defined by a hilarious display of inflated ego and social awkwardness. Driven by a desperate desire for status and the wealthy widow Custance, Ralph blindly follows the manipulative Merrygreeke.

Ralph's motivations are a complex mix of vanity and insecurity. He boasts of his prowess in love and war, attempting to project an image of confidence. However, his actions reveal a deep-seated insecurity. He relies heavily on Merrygreeke's validation and readily accepts his outlandish fabrications about Ralph's supposed attractiveness and heroism.

Ralph's gullibility is a key character trait. He swallows Merrygreeke's schemes whole, believing himself to be an irresistible ladies' man despite Custance's obvious disinterest. This gullibility, combined with his childish need for validation, makes him an easy target for manipulation. Ralph resorts to empty threats and intimidation when his advances are rejected, highlighting his bluster and cowardice.

Ralph's journey throughout the play exposes the emptiness of blind ambition and the dangers of relying on others to define one's reality. By the play's end, Ralph is humiliated and forced to confront the consequences of his inflated ego and manipulative companion.

Matthew Merrygreeke

Merrygreeke sees little value in an honest day's hard work. He even compares himself to Aesop's irresponsible grasshopper.

Yet the Grassehopper for all his Sommer pipyng,

Sterueth in Winter wyth hungrie gripyng,

Therefore an other sayd sawe doth men aduise,

That they be together both mery and wise.

Although he spends a lot of time exposing the absurdity of blind ambition and the hollowness of social climbing within the upper class, this is not his motivation. Merrygreeke's desires are transparently self-serving. He is a man who would not hesitate to spend five acts manipulating others for a single free meal and a good laugh.

Despite his immature nature, Merrygreeke possesses a significant amount of cunning. He avoids getting caught in the fallout of his schemes and cleverly maneuvers situations to ensure his own safety. While Ralph faces social humiliation, Merrygreeke remains unscathed, ready to exploit the next gullible soul who crosses his path.

Udall undoubtedly found inspiration for Merrygreeke in earlier sources. He shares characteristics with Terrance's Gnatho, a cunning parasite found in Roman comedies. Like Gnatho, Merrygreeke flatters and manipulates his patron for personal gain.

However, Merrygreek goes beyond mere self-interest. He injects a dose of chaos and revels in the absurdity of the situation, reminiscent of the Vice character from medieval morality plays. Vice was a mischievous figure who tempted the protagonist towards sin. Similarly, Merrygreek's manipulations and delight in social disruption echo Vice's role while adding a layer of social commentary and humor to the play.

Christian Custance

Unlike other characters who revel in the comedic chaos, Custance remains unfazed by the absurdity all around her. Indeed, her lack of a sense of humor borders on the severe.

Custance is fiercely independent and loyal. Betrothed to Gawyn Goodluck, she steadfastly rejects Ralph's advances. Neither flattery nor intimidation affects her other than fueling her anger. When Merrygreeke's fabricated stories confront her, her response is a withering dismissal. She possesses a sharp wit, using sarcasm and biting commentary to expose Ralph's foolishness.

Goe say, that I bid him keepe him warme at home

For if he come abroade, he shall cough me a mome.

My mynde was vexed, I shrew his head sottish dolt.

While others find amusement in the situation, Custance remains focused on protecting her reputation and securing her future. She readily gathers her maids to defend her home from Ralph's attack. Ultimately,...