# Gaoler — The Two Noble Kinsmen character guide

> Gaoler in The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gaoler Lord Arcite, Gaoler Prince Palamon

**First appearance:** 0009-act-ii-scene-i

## Snapshot

The keeper who holds two Theban princes captive, courteous enough to announce his orders but powerless to soften them.

## Who they are

He is the jailer of Palamon and Arcite, a working man who addresses his noble prisoners with stiff courtesy—'By your leave, gentlemen'—while carrying out the Duke's commands. His position forces him to be the bearer of separating news, and he watches the cousins' bond fray with a quiet, professional detachment. His household, including a daughter, will draw him into the play's subplot, making him a hinge between the prison world and the domestic one.

## Relationships

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

_professional_

Gaoler is Palamon's jailer, responsible for his imprisonment and custody.

### [Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/doctor)

_professional_

Doctor treats the Gaoler's daughter for her madness and advises the Gaoler on her care.

### [Wooer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/wooer)

_social_

Gaoler favors the Wooer as a suitable husband for his daughter and arranges their match.

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

_professional_

Gaoler is Palamon's jailer, responsible for his imprisonment and custody.

### [Wooer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/wooer)

_social_

Gaoler favors the Wooer as a suitable husband for his daughter and arranges their match.

### [Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/doctor)

_professional_

Doctor treats the Gaoler's daughter for her madness and advises the Gaoler on her care.

### [Wooer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/wooer)

_social_

Gaoler favors the Wooer as a suitable husband for his daughter and arranges their match.

### [Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_two_noble_kinsmen_se/characters/doctor)

_professional_

Doctor treats the Gaoler's daughter for her madness and advises the Gaoler on her care.

## In the story

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

Discusses marriage terms with the Wooer and comments on the prisoners.

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

Delivers news of Arcite's banishment and moves Palamon to a more secure location.

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

Mentioned as the Daughter's father, who she bids farewell to.

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

Referenced as the Daughter's father, who is to be hanged for Palamon's escape.

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

Anxious about his fate after Palamon's escape, relieved by news of pardon, then devastated by his daughter's madness.

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

Seeks medical help for his daughter's madness, describing her constant fixation on Palamon.

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

Reluctantly agrees to the Doctor's plan but expresses concern about honesty; leaves to see the sight in the field.

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

Reports that his daughter is well and to be married; receives gifts from Palamon and the knights.

## Links

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