A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Character Descriptions
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Human Court
Theseus - Duke of Athens, recently returned from conquering the Amazons, a race of
warrior women and is about to marry the conquered Amazon Queen Hippolyta.
Lysander - Young nobleman of Athens. In love with Hermia. Hermia’s father is against
her marrying him, he persuades Hermia to run away from home & family into the forest.
Demetrius – A young nobleman of Athens. In the past he acted as if he loved Helena,
but after Helena fell in love with him, he changed his mind and having the approval of
Egeus, he pursues Hermia. (But she’s not interested)
Egeus - An Athenian upper-class respected gentleman who wants his daughter Hermia
to marry Demetrius, his choice for her.
Philostrate - Theseus’s Master of the Revels (party planner) who is responsible for
organizing the entertainment for the Duke’s marriage celebration.
Hippolyta - The legendary Queen of the Amazons engaged to marry Theseus.
Hermia - Egeus’s daughter. Both Demetrius and Lysander are in love with her. She is in
love with Lysander. Very strong-willed and independent.
Helena - A good friend of Hermia’s and is in love with Demetrius. She tends to be more
self-pitying and puts herself in dangerous and humiliating situations, running after
Demetrius through the forest even though he wants nothing to do with her.
Fairy Court
Puck – (AKA Robin Goodfellow) A mischievous fairy who delights in playing pranks on
mortals; he is Oberon’s servant. He has a connection not only to the fairy and human
worlds of the play, but also to the world of the audience.
Oberon - The King of the Fairies who rules with Titania
Titania - Queen of the Fairies who rules with Oberon
Changeling - young Indian prince whom Titania has kidnapped (child role)
Thistleweed - featured in dialogue; needs to move well (dances)
Peasebottom, Moth, Cobweb, and Mustardseed – Fairies with a few lines, needs to
move well (dances)
