As You Like It : Characters
As You Like It is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of As You Like It.
Characters
Here, we will discuss the characters in two ways: major characters and minor characters.
Major Characters
Rosalind: (Heroine & Protagonist) Daughter of Duke Senior and Beloved of Orlando, Disguised name Ganymede.
Orlando: (Hero) Lover of Rosalind, Son of Sir Rowland de Boys, Brother of Oliver and Jaques de Boys.
Oliver: (1st Half Antagonist) Eldest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, brother of Orlando and Jaques de Boys, Cruel and Lover of Celia.
Celia: Frederick’s daughter, Rosalind’s closest friend, and Cousin, Beloved of Oliver, Disguised name Aliena.
Duke Senior: Rosalind’s father, the original ruler, exiled to the Forest of Arden, Elder brother of Duke Frederick.
Duke Frederick: (Main Antagonist) Younger brother of Duke Senior, father of Celia, and Current Duke, becomes a religious person at the end.
Jaques, a melancholic Lord of Duke Senior in the Forest of Arden, presents the famous line: “All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players.” This line suggests the seven stages of a human being’s life.
Minor Characters
Touchstone: Clown of Duke Frederick’s court. Lover of Audrey.
Audrey: Beloved of Touchstone, Country Girl, simple and over-trusted.
William: A country fellow. He’s a simple, honest guy who loves Audrey
Silvius: He is a village shepherd. He falls in love with Phoebe.
Phoebe: Phoebe is a shepherdess who falls in love with Ganymede (actually Rosalind in disguise). She is Self-centered. Beloved of Silvius.
Lord Amiens: Musical Talent, Compassionate, Loyal to Duke Senior.
Charles: A professional wrestler. He is aggressive, brutal, and an antagonist.
Sir Rowland de Boys: Father of Oliver, Orlando, and Jaques de Boys. Reputed Nobleman, Virtuous, and Honorable.
Jaques de Boys: The middle brother of Orlando and Oliver, informs Duke Senior about Duke Frederick’s religious life.
Corin: A simple and kind old shepherd. Humble, Simple, Content, Wise, Loyal, Kind, Observant, Realistic, Symbol of the Natural World.