A Midsummer Night's Dream Character Analysis

Robin Goodfellow (Puck)

A type of fairy called a "puck," Puck is Oberon's faithful servant, but is also mischievous and enjoys nothing more than playing tricks and causing trouble. He has all sorts of magical abilities, from changing… read analysis of Robin Goodfellow (Puck)

Nick Bottom

A weaver whose supreme confidence in his acting skill convinces the other laborers to give him the lead role of Pyramus in their version of Pyramus and Thisbe. In fact, Bottom is a seriously… read analysis of Nick Bottom

Hermia

The daughter of Egeus and the beloved of Lysander and Demetrius (at least at the beginning of the play). She is strong-willed, believes in her right to choose her husband based on love, and is… read analysis of Hermia

Helena

She loves Demetrius, and at one time he returned her love. But before the play begins, he fell in love with Hermia and left Helena in despair. Because of Demetrius's abandonment of her, Helena… read analysis of Helena

Lysander

An Athenian nobleman who loves Hermia. In many ways, he is the model of a constant lover. He risks death under Athenian law by coming up with the plan to elope into the woods… read analysis of Lysander

Demetrius

An Athenian nobleman who also loves Hermia. Unlike Lysander, Demetrius is an inconstant lover. Before the events of the play, he wooed Helena, then rejected her and pursued Hermia. He can be cruel… read analysis of Demetrius

Oberon

The King of the Fairies and Titania's husband. Oberon is willful and demands obedience from his subjects, including his wife. When he's angry, he's not above using magic and plots to manipulate and humiliate in… read analysis of Oberon

Titania

The Queen of the Fairies and Oberon's wife. Titania is strong willed and independent, willing to fight her husband for control of the changeling boy. She is also powerful. Her fight with her husband causes… read analysis of Titania

Theseus

The Duke of Athens and the fiancé and later the husband of Hippolyta, Theseus is a strong and responsible leader who tries to be fair and sensitive. Though it is his duty to uphold… read analysis of Theseus

Minor Characters

Hippolyta

The Queen of the Amazons and Theseus's fiancé, she is both a fearsome warrior and a loving woman. She also has good common sense and is willing to disagree with Theseus's assessments of events and to calm him down when he can't wait for their marriage.

Egeus

Hermia's father, Egeus is an overbearing and rigid man who cares more about what he wants than his daughter's desires. He is so vain and uncaring, he is willing to let his daughter die if she won't do as he tells her.

Peter Quince

A carpenter and the director and main writer of the laborer's version of Pyramus and Thisbe. In Pyramus and Thisbe, he plays the Prologue.

Francis Flute

A bellows-mender who plays the part of Thisbe in Pyramus and Thisbe.

Tom Snout

A tinker who plays the part of Wall in Pyramus and Thisbe.

Snug

A joiner who plays the part of Lion in Pyramus and Thisbe.

Robin Starveling

A tailor who plays the part of Moonshine in Pyramus and Thisbe.

Philostrate

The Master of Revels for Theseus, he's in charge of arranging entertainments for the court.

Peaseblossom

One of Titania's fairies.

Cobweb

One of Titania's fairies.

Moth

One of Titania's fairies.

Mustardseed

One of Titania's fairies.