# Arcite — The Two Noble Kinsmen character guide

> Arcite in The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Arcite Dear Palamon, Cousin Arcite, Arcite Kinsman, Lord Arcite

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-ii

## Snapshot

Palamon's sworn brother, whose banishment from Athens only sharpens his resolve to stay near Emilia, disguised and reckless, at any cost.

## Who they are

Arcite shares Palamon's prison, his Theban nobility, and his hopeless love for Emilia, but where his cousin sinks into melancholy, he burns with restless invention. Told he is banished, he calls it a mercy that still leaves him free to scheme his way back into the kingdom, resolving that 'another shape shall make me, or end my fortunes.' His willingness to risk identity, honor, and life for a glimpse of Emilia sets up the play's central contest: two kinsmen whose friendship cannot survive the same desire.

## Relationships

### [Palamon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/palamon)

_rivalry_

Arcite and Palamon are cousins turned bitter rivals, both in love with Emilia and fighting to the death.

### [Emilia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/emilia)

_romantic_

Arcite is deeply in love with Emilia and fights Palamon for her hand.

### [Palamon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/palamon)

_rivalry_

Arcite and Palamon are cousins turned bitter rivals, both in love with Emilia and fighting to the death.

### [Palamon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/palamon)

_rivalry_

Arcite and Palamon are cousins turned bitter rivals, both in love with Emilia and fighting to the death.

### [Emilia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/emilia)

_romantic_

Arcite is deeply in love with Emilia and fights Palamon for her hand.

## In the story

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii)

Arcite urges leaving Thebes to avoid moral contamination, but agrees with Palamon to stand with Thebes against Theseus.

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

Brought in on a hearse alongside Palamon, wounded but alive; recognized for his bravery.

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

Seen above; the Daughter identifies him as the lower of the two.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii)

Initially philosophical about captivity, but declares his love for Emilia, leading to conflict with Palamon.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii)

Bitterly laments his banishment and envies Palamon's chance to see Emilia daily; resolves to stay in disguise and enter the games.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-v)

Disguised as a countryman, wins the games and vows faithful service to Emilia.

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

Now favored by Emilia, offers to equip Palamon for a fair fight, maintaining his honor despite Palamon's accusations.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii)

Brings provisions to Palamon, attempts to maintain civility, but is provoked by Palamon's accusations about Emily.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-vi)

Arms Palamon with courtesy, then fights him; boldly declares his love for Emilia and accepts death.

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

Arcite prays to Mars for military strength and victory, receiving a sign of clanging armour and thunder.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

Arcite wins the tournament and is awarded Emilia, though he acknowledges the cost of his victory.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iv)

Mortally injured in a riding accident, he confesses his fault, forgives Palamon, and gives Emilia to him before dying.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/arcite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters