# Hippolyta — A Midsummer Night's Dream character guide

> Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** fair Hippolyta, Hippolyta Methinks

**First appearance:** 0001-act-i

## Snapshot

The Amazon queen betrothed to Theseus, whose calm, measured voice quietly counters her bridegroom's impatient hunger for their wedding night.

## Who they are

Hippolyta stands beside Theseus as his conquered bride, soon to be Athens's duchess, and her few early lines reveal a poised, unflustered temperament. Where Theseus frets that the moon 'lingers' his desires, she answers that four nights will 'quickly dream away the time'—a gentle corrective that hints at the patience of a warrior who has already endured far worse. She anchors the court scenes with a stillness that the lovers' and fairies' frenzy will soon throw into relief.

## Relationships

### [Theseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/characters/theseus)

_romantic_

They are betrothed and preparing for their wedding, which frames the play's events.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Engages in dialogue with Theseus about the approaching nuptials.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Accompanies Theseus and comments on the musical hounds.

### [Act V, Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Queen of the Amazons; engaged to Theseus, expresses skepticism about the play.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/characters/hippolyta
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/characters