Cymbeline

by

William Shakespeare

The First Lord Character Analysis

Read our modern English translation.
One of the two Lords who attend Cloten and give crucial information about his character. The First Lord generally accepts what Cloten says, supports him, and obeys his orders. He echoes Cloten’s remarks about Imogen and agrees with the ways Cloten claims he’s been mistreated or misunderstood. The First Lord comes off as a sycophant.
Get the entire Cymbeline LitChart as a printable PDF.
Cymbeline PDF

The First Lord Character Timeline in Cymbeline

The timeline below shows where the character The First Lord appears in Cymbeline. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 1, Scene 2
Morality and Loyalty Theme Icon
Two attendants follow Cloten after his encounter with Posthumus. The First Lord urges Cloten to change his shirt since he is sweaty and he smells, but Cloten... (full context)
Morality and Loyalty Theme Icon
Nobility Theme Icon
...on the ground. Further, he thinks Imogen has made a good choice in marrying Posthumus. The First Lord tells Cloten that Imogen’s choice of Posthumus demonstrates that she’s not very smart, even though... (full context)
Act 2, Scene 1
Nobility Theme Icon
...lost, and then he was reprimanded for swearing by a man of lower social rank. The First Lord says that Cloten paid the man back by cracking his head with his bowl. In... (full context)
Nobility Theme Icon
The First Lord asks Cloten if he’s heard of the stranger who’s arrived at court from Italy, a... (full context)
The Gods and Fate Theme Icon
Nobility Theme Icon
...recovering what he lost betting on the bowls match. As soon as Cloten and the First Lord have left, the Second Lord berates Cloten, calling him an “ass.” He expresses his sorrow... (full context)
Act 2, Scene 3
Morality and Loyalty Theme Icon
In the ante-chamber outside of Imogen’s rooms, the First Lord compliments Cloten on how well he bears losses—he keeps his cool and is patient when... (full context)