Characters
Palamon
Palamon (PAL-uh-mon) is a young knight, the nephew of Creon, the king of Thebes. Observant of the corruption within his uncle’s government, Palamon plans to leave Thebes with his cousin and dearest friend, Arcite. However, when informed of Theseus's imminent attack on the city, he feels compelled to remain and defend it. Captured and imprisoned by Theseus, the duke of Athens, Palamon initially finds solace in Arcite’s friendship, believing it would render lifelong captivity bearable. Yet, this bond is abruptly severed when he glimpses Emilia from their prison window and becomes instantly infatuated. Palamon vehemently contests Arcite’s love for Emilia, claiming precedence based on having seen her first. Jealousy consumes him when Arcite is released, and upon encountering him in the woods following his escape, Palamon insists they engage in a duel to the death. Despite acknowledging Arcite's nobility in every matter except love, Palamon petitions Theseus to allow their combat. Before their fateful duel, he prays to the goddess of love, leading to an ironic victory through Arcite’s accidental death. Palamon mourns the tragic irony of winning Emilia at the cost of losing his closest friend.
Arcite
Arcite (AHR-sit) is Palamon’s cousin, equally valiant and noble. Slightly more assertive, he suggests leaving Thebes and reassures Palamon during their imprisonment. Ingeniously, he disguises himself as a country yeoman to enter Emilia’s service, earning favor throughout the court until his discovery while fighting Palamon. Unlike Palamon, Arcite’s jealousy is less intense. Even when Palamon escapes, Arcite offers him sustenance and the opportunity for an honorable duel. He prays to Mars for victory, which he momentarily achieves before fate intervenes with a fatal accident.
Theseus
Theseus (THEE-see-uhs) is the noble duke of Athens, characterized by his commitment to righteousness. Although his initial decisions are often firm, he is open to counsel from his confidants. Encouraged by his Amazon bride and her sister, he postpones his wedding to avenge the grievances of the widowed Theban queens against Creon. While initially condemning Palamon and Arcite to death for dueling, he heeds the pleas to arrange a tournament for them to vie for Emilia’s hand, as he shares his wife’s aversion to losing either of the brave young knights.
Hippolyta
Hippolyta (hih-POL-ih-tuh), formerly the queen of the Amazons, becomes Theseus’ wise and empathetic wife. Understanding the plight of the Theban queens, she persuades Theseus to delay their nuptials. She later advocates for Palamon and Arcite’s lives, reflecting her compassionate disposition.
Emilia
Emilia (ee-MIHL-ee-uh) is Hippolyta’s younger sister, whose affections are sought by Palamon and Arcite, despite never having met them. She confides in Hippolyta her reluctance to marry, claiming no man could rival her love for her deceased friend Flavinia. Initially overwhelmed by the fervor of the knights’ battle for her, Emilia prays that the one who loves her most will prevail, finding herself torn between affections for both.
Perithous
Perithous (PEHR-ih-thuhs), a trusted friend and advisor to Theseus, joins Hippolyta and Emilia in petitioning for Palamon and Arcite’s lives, showcasing his loyalty and influence.
The jailer
Tasked with overseeing Palamon, the jailer is a caring father distressed by his daughter’s descent into madness. His affection is evident as he strives to alleviate her affliction.
His daughter
Enamored with Palamon, the jailer’s daughter aids in his escape, longing for his love. Her unreciprocated affection and the resultant neglect of her father’s duty drive her into profound despair, mirroring Ophelia’s madness. Her eventual recovery is facilitated by her father’s considerate deception and her wooer’s portrayal of Palamon.
A wooer
The jailer's daughter’s sympathetic suitor, he adheres to the doctor’s advice to masquerade as Palamon to...
(This entire section contains 1556 words.)
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aid her recovery. His compassionate demeanor and commitment to her well-being are pivotal in her restoration.
A doctor
A somewhat cynical figure, the doctor proposes the wooer’s impersonation of Palamon as a cure for the jailer’s daughter. His pragmatic yet controversial approach aims to redirect her misplaced affections into socially acceptable channels.
A schoolmaster
A self-important pedant, the schoolmaster orchestrates a May morning entertainment for Theseus and Hippolyta. His pretentious vocabulary and obliviousness to his comedic role provide levity amidst the play’s solemn themes.
Artesius
An Athenian soldier, Artesius plays a part in Theseus's bridal procession and observes the queens' plea. Entrusted by Theseus, he is tasked to amass the Athenian army for the campaign against Thebes.
Boy
A symbol of innocence in Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding procession, the Boy scatters flowers and sings a blessing, enhancing the ceremonial aspect of their union.
Countrymen
Villagers from near Athens, these rustics perform a folk dance to entertain Theseus and his court during the spring festival. Their lively preparations and spirited performance, which include a variety of roles filled by the local folk, provide a humorous contrast to the serious rituals of Athens and Thebes. When a female dancer absents herself, the jailer's daughter substitutes, saving the performance from cancellation.
Countrywomen
Participating in the morris dance, these women adopt traditional roles, enlivening the festival atmosphere. With Cecily's withdrawal, the jailer's daughter steps in, maintaining the dance's continuity and vibrance.
Doctor
Summoned to aid the jailer's daughter, the doctor suggests that her delusion of loving Palamon be replaced with one involving her suitor. His approach, while practical, involves controversial advice to satisfy her perceived needs, prioritizing her mental recovery over societal norms of chastity.
Executioner
Present in V.iv, the executioner is prepared to carry out the sentence on Palamon and his knights, but his role becomes redundant when Arcite’s death leads to Palamon's betrothal to Emilia.
Gentleman
Dispatched by Theseus to inform Emilia of Palamon and Arcite’s return, he serves as a messenger of critical news within the narrative.
Gerrold
See Schoolmaster.
Guard
Assigned to oversee Palamon and his knights prior to their execution, his watch is rendered unnecessary following the turn of events that favor Palamon.
Herald
Introducing Palamon and Arcite to Theseus in I.iv, the herald identifies them as Creon’s nephews, emphasizing their valor in defense of Thebes.
Hippolyta
Hippolyta, an Amazonian queen turned wife of Theseus, bridges her past as a warrior with her present role. The play emphasizes her maturity in love and sensibility, advocating for others and harmoniously integrating into Athenian society, despite occasional doubts about Theseus’s affections.
Hymen
Leading the procession in V.i, Hymen symbolizes the sanctity and celebration of marriage, underscoring the union of Theseus and Hippolyta.
Jailer
As the primary officer at the prison, the jailer demonstrates compassion toward both the imprisoned knights and his troubled daughter. Despite his daughter's role in Palamon's escape, his love and concern for her are unwavering, evident in his efforts to restore her well-being.
Jailer's Brother
In IV.i, he comforts the jailer and empathetically responds to the daughter’s erratic behavior, advising gentle treatment and understanding of her condition.
Jailer's Friends
These two supportive figures bring the jailer news of Theseus’s leniency and join in empathizing with his daughter’s plight, participating in her delusional fantasies to ease her distress.
Knights
In Act V, six Theban knights accompany Palamon and Arcite to Athens. They exhibit valor and steadfastness, prepared to face execution in adherence to Theseus's terms. Their loyalty and courage highlight the honor and gravitas of the tournament.
Messengers
Throughout the play, messengers serve pivotal roles, delivering critical updates that shape the narrative’s progression, such as the approach of Theban knights or halting Palamon’s execution with news of Arcite's demise.
Nymphs
Part of the wedding procession, these maidens add to the grandeur and spectacle, embodying a connection to nature and divine blessing.
Pirithous
As Theseus's closest confidant, Pirithous shares a storied history of shared battles and comradeship with him. He acts as a mediator and narrator, ensuring fair judgment and narrating pivotal events with vivid detail, highlighting both his loyalty and narrative importance.
Queens
Three bereaved queens petition Theseus for justice against Creon, having been denied proper rites for their fallen husbands. Their persistence leads Theseus to delay his marriage in order to avenge their husbands, ultimately granting them peace through recovered and honored burials.
Schoolmaster
Gerrold, the schoolmaster, is a pompous figure delighting in his erudition. Overseeing the morris dance, his exaggerated language and demeanor provide comedic relief. Despite setbacks in the performance, his enthusiastic delivery and engagement with the audience inject levity into the proceedings.
Servant
During the combat in V.iii, he keeps Emilia informed of the contest’s developments, initially indicating Palamon’s advantage before announcing Arcite’s victory.
Taborer
Providing rhythmic accompaniment for the dancers, the taborer's musical contributions animate the festive atmosphere in III.v.
Valerius
A messenger of urgency, Valerius warns Palamon and Arcite of Creon’s wrath and Theseus’s impending assault on Thebes, underscoring the stakes of their situation.
Waiting-woman
Emilia’s attendant, she participates in the garden scene of II.ii, engaging in playful banter that reveals Emilia’s views on love and marriage, while adding to the scene’s nuance and humor.
Wooer
Faithful and patient, the wooer remains devoted to the jailer’s daughter despite her infatuation with Palamon. He embraces the doctor’s plan to cure her madness by pretending to be Palamon, demonstrating his love and commitment to her well-being through acts of kindness and understanding.
