Amadeus: characters

Main Characters

Antonio Salieri: An Italian composer and court musician of the Holy Roman Emperor. He is established as a devout Catholic and a man of integrity at the beginning of the play. The irony of his religious certainty and moral sense of duty is contrasted by his eventual transformation into a manipulator, plotting Mozart’s downfall.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A child prodigy turned music genius. Mozart’s characterisation in “Amadeus” extends beyond his historical persona, presenting a more complex and flawed individual. His childlike mannerisms, crudeness and carefree attitude are contrasted with his extraordinary musical talent.

Constanze Weber: Mozart’s wife. She is portrayed as supportive and loving but also realistic about their dire financial situation. Her struggle in maintaining her husband’s dignity is a key point in unfolding their relationship.
Joseph II: The Holy Roman Emperor, he is portrayed as a man of limited understanding yet with the power to shape Mozart’s fortune. His character serves to highlight the court’s superficiality and incapacity to acknowledge Mozart’s genius.

Dialogue: Shaffer uses dialogue to reveal character’s motivations, desires, and their social statuses. Mozart’s crass and juvenile language reflects his temperament whilst the refined, articulate language of Salieri suggests his courtly status.
Costume and Props: The use of costumes and props also serve to differentiate the characters. Mozart’s colourful, flamboyant attire underscores his eccentricity, while Salieri’s more modest apparel represents his conservative lifestyle.
Music: Peter Shaffer utilises Mozart’s own compositions to represent his character. The genius of the music directly contrasts with Mozart’s otherwise petulant disposition.

The antagonistic relationship between Salieri and Mozart serves as the backbone of the narrative, highlighting themes of jealousy, rivalry and deceit.
The dynamics of Mozart’s relationship with Constanze offers a fleeting glimpse into Mozart’s personal life, humanising him beyond his divine talent.
The relationship between Salieri and God plays a significant role in the narrative arc. Salieri’s betrayal by God— as he perceives it — propels him into a vengeful state, ultimately leading to his manipulation of Mozart’s downfall.