Measure for Measure · Character
Elbow
A simple-minded constable who brings Pompey and Froth before the judges.
minor
Also known as Enter Elbow, Elbow Ay, Elbow Varlet, Elbow Marry, Master Elbow
First appearance: Scene I
Elbow's tie to Duke Vincentio is one of the pressures that moves Measure for Measure—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The constable brings Froth and Pompey before the court, comically misusing language and revealing his incompetence.
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With Duke Vincentio (social): The Duke, as a friar, encounters the bumbling constable Elbow in the streets, a minor comedic interaction. With Duke Vincentio (social): The Duke, as a friar, encounters the bumbling…
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The fuller portrait of Elbow sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Elbow in Scene ICharacter Web
11 connectionsA slice of how Elbow sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Central characters
- Minor comic figures
+6 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because the Duke, now in his own habit, shifts from passive observer to acti…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Duke Vincentio
social · ambivalent
The Duke, as a friar, encounters the bumbling constable Elbow in the streets, a minor… How this plays out →
- Duke Vincentio
social · ambivalent
The Duke, as a friar, encounters the bumbling constable Elbow in the streets, a minor… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Elbow in Scene IIn the story
Elbow appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Elbow unlock in the free preview.
See Elbow in Scene I