AUTOLYCUS
. . .
My traffic is sheets; when the kite builds, look to lesser linen. My father named me Autolycus, who being, as I am, littered under Mercury, was likewise a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles. With die and drab I purchased this caparison and my revenue is the silly cheat. Gallows and knock are too powerful on the highway. Beating and hanging are terrors to me. For the life to come, I sleep out the thought of it. . . .

In this soliloquy from Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale," the character Autolycus introduces himself with a mix of humor and self-awareness. As a cunning peddler, he describes his occupation as one of collecting "unconsidered trifles," suggesting he is adept at taking advantage of overlooked opportunities. His name, linking him to the mythological Autolycus known for thievery, hints at his trickster nature. Autolycus's commentary on his fear of "beating and hanging" reveals his avoidance of the more dangerous aspects of thievery, choosing instead to profit through minor deceptions. This moment provides insight into his carefree, albeit morally ambiguous, character. His disregard for the afterlife, choosing to "sleep out the thought of it," further illustrates his focus on immediate, earthly pleasures over spiritual concerns. Autolycus serves as a contrast to the heavy themes of loss and regret that permeate the play, injecting levity and showcasing the diverse spectrum of human behavior.