A Midsummer Night’s Dream: characters

Overview

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a comedy play by William Shakespeare.
The play weaves together various storylines largely revolving around the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons.

Theseus - The Duke of Athens, preparing to marry Hippolyta. His decisions represent law in Athens, highlighting his powerful leadership.
Hippolyta - The Amazonian Queen, set to be married to Theseus. She symbolises the feminine role of obedience.
Hermia - A young woman of Athens, in love with Lysander and best friends with Helena. Hermia challenges societal norms, risking death for her love.
Lysander - A young man from Athens, deeply in love with Hermia. He shows a brave and rebellious side while advocating passionately for his love for Hermia.
Demetrius - A young Athenian man who was once engaged to Helena but now shows interest in Hermia. Represents fluctuating love.
Helena - A young woman of Athens, once engaged to Demetrius and now loves him unrequitedly. She portrays desperate love and low self-esteem.

Oberon - The King of the fairies, who enjoys interfering in the affairs of mortals with his magic.
Titania - The Queen of the fairies and Oberon’s wife. Her refusal to surrender her page boy sparks conflict.
Puck, or Robin Goodfellow - Oberon’s attendant, a playful sprite who enjoys playing pranks on mortals.

Egeus - Hermia’s father, who desires her to marry Demetrius.
Nick Bottom - A weaver and an amateur actor, known for his unintentionally amusing performances.
Peter Quince, Francis Flute, Robin Starveling, Tom Snout, and Snug - Amateur actors and townsmen who perform “The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe” for the weddings. They provide comic relief.

Understanding these characters’ motivations, relationships, and actions is central to analysing and interpreting the play.