Character guide

Helena

major

Also known as Helen

A physician's orphan who cures a dying king, then claims the husband she loves — and must outwit his contempt to keep him.

Bertram

major

Also known as Young Bertram, Count Rousillon

A young count newly orphaned of his father, sent to court as the king's ward, who bristles at the bride chosen for him.

Parolles

supporting

Also known as Monsieur Parolles

Bertram's swaggering hanger-on, all drum and no soldier, whose boasts grow louder the less he has to boast about.

Countess of Rousillon

supporting

Also known as Countess, Countess Faith

Bertram's mother, twice widowed in one farewell, who loves her son and her dead physician's daughter with equal clear sight.

Lafeu

supporting

Also known as old lord Lafeu

An old lord with a tooth still in his head, fond of plain speech, plain truth, and any maid who can dance.

King of France

supporting

Also known as King, King Plutus

A monarch who has abandoned his physicians and waits to die, until a dead man's daughter offers him a cure.

Diana

supporting

Also known as Diana Capilet

Diana moves through Florence as a young woman of respectable family, courted by Bertram with the same reckless appetite he brings to everything he wants. Her wariness of his flattery and her loyalty to her mother's household put her in a position to weigh reputation against compassion when Helena arrives needing help. Her decision to lend her name and her body's place to another woman's cause turns private virtue into the play's most consequential act of trust.

Widow Capilet

minor

Also known as Widow

Diana's mother who shelters Helena in Florence.

Lavache

minor

Also known as Clown

The Countess's witty and foolish servant.

Steward

minor

The Countess's steward who reports Helena's love for Bertram.

First Lord Dumain

minor

Also known as this Captain Dumain, Captain Dumain

A French lord serving with Bertram in the Florentine wars.

Second Lord Dumain

minor

Also known as Second Lord

Another French lord and brother to the first, also in Florence.

Gentleman A Stranger

minor

Also known as First Gentleman

A French gentleman who aids Diana's petition to the King.

Mariana

minor

A neighbor and friend to the Widow Capilet in Florence.

Interpreter

minor

Also known as one Captain Spurio

A soldier who translates for the captured Parolles in the mock ambush.

Rinaldo

minor

The Countess's steward, sometimes named as a servant.