# Camillo — The Winter’s Tale character guide

> Camillo in The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Camillo Ay, Camillo Sir, the good Camillo, good Camillo, Camillo Sicilia, Sicilia, Camillo Good, Lord Camillo, Camillo⁠

**First appearance:** 0000-the-winter-s-tale

## Snapshot

A Sicilian lord of scrupulous honesty, caught between his king's command and his conscience, whose choices carry the plot across two kingdoms.

## Who they are

Camillo opens the play as Leontes' trusted counselor, praising the old friendship with Bohemia and the young prince Mamillius. Ordered to poison Polixenes, he warns the intended victim instead and flees with him, trading one court for another rather than commit murder. His steady moral compass makes him the play's quiet hinge, moving between kings and later guiding the young lovers when their own plans collapse.

## Relationships

### [Florizel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/florizel)

_professional_

Camillo serves as a loyal advisor and protector to Florizel, helping him escape to Sicily.

### [Hermione](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/hermione)

_friendship_

Camillo is a faithful friend to Hermione, defending her against Leontes' accusations and later aiding her family.

### [Leontes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/leontes)

_professional_

Camillo is Leontes' trusted counselor, but he flees rather than carry out Leontes' murder plot.

### [Clown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/clown)

_professional_

Camillo interacts with the Clown as part of his scheme to reunite the royal families.

### [Florizel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/florizel)

_professional_

Camillo serves as a loyal advisor and protector to Florizel, helping him escape to Sicily.

### [Florizel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/florizel)

_professional_

Camillo serves as a loyal advisor and protector to Florizel, helping him escape to Sicily.

### [Leontes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/leontes)

_professional_

Camillo is Leontes' trusted counselor, but he flees rather than carry out Leontes' murder plot.

### [Leontes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/leontes)

_professional_

Camillo is Leontes' trusted counselor, but he flees rather than carry out Leontes' murder plot.

### [Clown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/clown)

_professional_

Camillo interacts with the Clown as part of his scheme to reunite the royal families.

### [Hermione](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/hermione)

_friendship_

Camillo is a faithful friend to Hermione, defending her against Leontes' accusations and later aiding her family.

## In the story

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

Engages in conversation with Archidamus about the bond between the two kings and praises Mamillius.

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

Leontes confides in him, testing his loyalty and seeking confirmation of his suspicions.

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

Mentioned as having fled with Polixenes, confirming Leontes' suspicions.

### [Scene II: The Trial of Hermione](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Mentioned as having fled; Leontes now acknowledges his honesty.

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

Camillo wishes to return to Sicilia after fifteen years, having noted Florizel's recent withdrawal from court, and agrees to accompany Polixenes in disguise.

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

Devises a plan for Florizel and Perdita to seek refuge in Sicilia.

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

Reported to have betrayed Florizel and is now with Polixenes.

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

Present during the revelation, sharing in the king's amazement and joy.

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

Comments on Leontes' enduring sorrow and is present for the reunion; later paired with Paulina by Leontes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters/camillo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/characters