Cymbeline
by
William Shakespeare
Characters
List
of Major Characters:
Cymbeline
King
of Britain. A powerful but somewhat distant ruler who eventually shows mercy
and forgiveness.
Imogen
(Innogen)
Cymbeline’s
daughter. Known for her beauty, virtue, and loyalty. She disguises herself as a
boy named Fidele during the play.
Posthumus
Leonatus
Imogen’s
husband. A noble Roman who falls victim to jealousy and deception.
Queen
(Cymbeline’s second wife)
The
main antagonist, jealous and scheming against Imogen and her family.
Cloten
The
Queen’s son by a former husband. Boorish, foolish, and violent, he pursues
Imogen and meets a violent end.
Iachimo
A
cunning Italian lord who deceives Posthumus and causes much of the conflict.
Pisanio
Loyal
servant to Posthumus. Helps Imogen and remains faithful despite the chaos.
Belarius
Nobleman
wrongfully exiled by Cymbeline. Raises Cymbeline’s lost sons as his own in the
wilderness.
Guiderius
(also called Polydore)
Cymbeline’s
elder son, raised by Belarius in exile.
Arviragus
(also called Cadwal)
Cymbeline’s
younger son, also raised by Belarius.
Philario
Friend
of Posthumus, appears in Italy.
Caius
Lucius
Roman
general who invades Britain.
Detailed
Descriptions of Characters
Cymbeline
Role:
Cymbeline
is the King of Britain and the play’s central authority figure. Although he is
the ruler, much of the action unfolds around his family and court.
Personality
and Traits:
Cymbeline
is portrayed as a dignified and somewhat reserved monarch.
He
is dignified and powerful but occasionally appears distant or disengaged from
the personal tragedies affecting his family.
His
decisions, especially early in the play—like banishing Posthumus Leonatus—are
driven by concerns about loyalty and political stability, yet they sometimes
cause unintended suffering.
Despite
this, Cymbeline embodies the qualities of a wise and just ruler by the play’s
end, showing mercy, forgiveness, and magnanimity.
Key
Actions and Development:
Cymbeline’s
initial actions set much of the plot in motion: his distrust of Posthumus,
influenced by the Queen’s manipulation, and his harsh judgment over his
daughter Imogen’s secret marriage.
His
failure to recognize his lost sons early on adds a tragic element, but also
allows for dramatic tension and eventual revelation.
In
the final act, Cymbeline demonstrates growth and grace: he forgives his enemies
and reconciles with his family, including the Queen and Posthumus.
His
reign is threatened by the Roman invasion, but through unity and forgiveness,
peace is restored.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Cymbeline
represents authority, justice, and restoration.
His
journey from suspicion and estrangement to forgiveness mirrors the play’s
broader themes of reconciliation and healing.
He
stands as a symbol of political and familial order restored after chaos and
deception.
Relationships:
Father
to Imogen, Guiderius, and Arviragus (the latter two lost sons).
Husband
to the scheming Queen, who opposes Imogen and plots against the family.
Monarch
challenged by external forces (Romans) and internal familial strife.
Summary:
Cymbeline
is a complex king who initially exercises strict authority but ultimately
embodies forgiveness and the restoration of harmony. His character arc moves
from distance and judgment to benevolence and reconciliation, reflecting the
play’s emphasis on mercy and unity.
Imogen
(Innogen)
Role:
Imogen
is the virtuous and courageous daughter of King Cymbeline and the wife of
Posthumus Leonatus. She is one of Shakespeare’s most admirable and complex
female characters.
Personality
and Traits:
Imogen
is celebrated for her loyalty, purity, and inner strength. She embodies ideal
feminine virtues—chastity, faithfulness, and kindness—but also displays
remarkable courage and intelligence.
Throughout
the play, she remains steadfast in her love and trust, even when falsely
accused and abandoned.
Her
intelligence and resourcefulness come to the fore when she disguises herself as
a boy named Fidele to protect herself and seek her husband after he banishes
her based on false information.
Imogen’s
patience and dignity under duress highlight her moral superiority over
characters like the Queen and Iachimo.
Key
Actions and Development:
Secretly
marries Posthumus Leonatus, defying her father’s wishes, which sparks much of
the play’s conflict.
After
Posthumus is misled by Iachimo’s lies, Imogen becomes the victim of his
jealousy but remains loyal.
Her
decision to disguise herself and travel alone through dangerous territory
showcases her bravery and determination.
Imogen’s
encounter with Belarius and the lost princes in the forest underscores her
kindness and adaptability.
She
is wrongly believed dead after taking a sleeping potion, yet ultimately
survives to reunite with Posthumus and her family.
Her
steadfastness and virtue help restore order and harmony by the play’s end.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Imogen
symbolizes chastity, loyalty, and feminine strength.
Her
disguise and journey represent themes of identity, transformation, and
survival.
She
challenges gender roles by taking an active role in her fate, demonstrating
agency uncommon for women of her time.
Imogen’s
innocence and resilience contrast sharply with the deceit and malice around
her, emphasizing the triumph of virtue.
Relationships:
Daughter
to King Cymbeline and the Queen (her stepmother).
Wife
to Posthumus Leonatus, whose jealousy she must endure and ultimately forgive.
Friend
and protector of the exiled Belarius and his sons.
Object
of Cloten’s unwanted advances.
Summary:
Imogen
is the moral and emotional heart of Cymbeline. Her loyalty, intelligence, and
bravery drive much of the action. Through her trials, she embodies the virtues
of forgiveness and endurance, serving as a catalyst for the play’s ultimate
reconciliation and harmony.
Posthumus
Leonatus
Role:
Posthumus
Leonatus is a Roman gentleman and the husband of Imogen, King Cymbeline’s
daughter. He plays a central role in the unfolding drama of jealousy, trust,
and redemption.
Personality
and Traits:
Posthumus
is initially portrayed as noble, confident, and loving, deeply devoted to
Imogen.
However,
his character is marked by pride and impulsiveness, especially when his trust
is shaken.
His
jealousy becomes the key flaw that drives much of the play’s conflict. Once he
is convinced—through Iachimo’s false testimony—that Imogen has been unfaithful,
he quickly loses faith in her, ordering her death.
Despite
his rashness, Posthumus is also capable of deep remorse, repentance, and
humility, especially evident in his later acts of contrition.
His
journey is one of fall and redemption, moving from prideful jealousy to sincere
forgiveness.
Key
Actions and Development:
Secretly
marries Imogen against King Cymbeline’s wishes.
Sends
Imogen away due to jealousy after Iachimo tricks him into believing she is
unfaithful.
Orders
his servant Pisanio to kill Imogen, but Pisanio disobeys and helps her escape.
After
realizing the truth, Posthumus deeply regrets his actions and longs for
reconciliation.
Joins
the British army to fight against the Romans, demonstrating bravery and
loyalty.
Ultimately
reunited with Imogen, forgiving and forgiven, marking his full redemption.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Posthumus
embodies the destructive power of jealousy and mistrust, illustrating how these
emotions can warp reason and damage relationships.
His
character arc emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and personal growth.
He
also represents the tension between Roman order and British loyalty, as a Roman
in Britain caught between two worlds.
Posthumus’s
journey reflects the human capacity for error and redemption.
Relationships:
Husband
to Imogen, whose faithfulness he doubts but eventually accepts and cherishes
again.
Master
to Pisanio, who remains loyal to both Posthumus and Imogen.
Friend
and acquaintance to Iachimo, whose betrayal triggers the crisis.
Summary:
Posthumus
Leonatus is a complex character whose tragic flaw—jealousy—sets off a chain of
misunderstandings and suffering. His eventual repentance and forgiveness are
central to the play’s themes of loyalty, redemption, and reconciliation.
Through Posthumus, Shakespeare explores the vulnerabilities of love and trust.
Queen
(Cymbeline’s second wife)
Role:
The
Queen is Cymbeline’s second wife and the play’s primary human antagonist. She
is a central source of conflict and deceit, driven by jealousy and ambition.
Personality
and Traits:
The
Queen is manipulative, vindictive, and power-hungry.
She
is jealous of Cymbeline’s affection for his daughter Imogen and deeply resents
Imogen’s secret marriage to Posthumus.
Her
character embodies envy and malice, as she plots to destroy Imogen and her
family to advance her own son, Cloten, to the throne.
The
Queen is ruthless in her schemes, showing little remorse for the harm she
causes.
Key
Actions and Development:
She
secretly conspires with Iachimo to ruin Imogen’s reputation and to break the
bond between Posthumus and Imogen.
Influences
Cymbeline against Imogen and Posthumus, planting seeds of doubt and discord.
Sends
Cloten to pursue and forcibly marry Imogen, displaying her aggressive ambition.
When
her plots begin to unravel, the Queen is ultimately exposed and punished.
In
the final reconciliation, she asks for forgiveness from Cymbeline, which he
grants, signaling the restoration of order.
Symbolism
and Themes:
The
Queen represents jealousy, deceit, and the destructive power of ambition.
Her
villainy contrasts with Imogen’s virtue, highlighting themes of good versus
evil.
Through
the Queen, Shakespeare explores the corrupting influence of jealousy on family
and political relationships.
Relationships:
Stepmother
to Imogen, whom she hates and seeks to destroy.
Mother
to Cloten, whom she pushes aggressively as a suitor and successor.
Wife
to Cymbeline, whose trust she manipulates for her own ends.
Ally
and co-conspirator with Iachimo.
Summary:
The
Queen is the central antagonist whose jealousy and scheming drive much of the
play’s conflict. Her actions bring turmoil to Cymbeline’s family, but her
eventual downfall and Cymbeline’s forgiveness underline the play’s themes of
justice and reconciliation.
Cloten
Role:
Cloten
is the son of the Queen (Cymbeline’s second wife) by a previous marriage. He is
one of the play’s secondary antagonists, known for his arrogance and
foolishness.
Personality
and Traits:
Cloten
is boorish, arrogant, and rude. He is overly confident in his social status but
lacks true nobility or charm.
He
is violent, aggressive, and impulsive, often acting without thought or
consideration.
Cloten
is selfish and entitled, believing he deserves Imogen’s hand in marriage
despite her love for Posthumus.
His
comic bravado masks his cowardice and incompetence, making him a somewhat
ridiculous figure.
He
is also vain and easily manipulated by his mother.
Key
Actions and Development:
Cloten
relentlessly pursues Imogen, despite her rejection, showing his disrespect for
her wishes.
Encouraged
by his mother, he attempts to forcibly marry Imogen, escalating the conflict.
In
disguise, he follows Imogen into the forest, where his recklessness leads to
his downfall.
Cloten
is killed in a duel by Guiderius (one of Cymbeline’s lost sons), ending his
threat to Imogen and the throne.
His
death removes a significant source of danger and paves the way for
reconciliation.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Cloten
represents foolish pride, entitlement, and toxic masculinity.
He
is a figure of comic relief but also embodies real dangers posed by unchecked
arrogance and aggression.
His
character contrasts with the nobler male figures like Posthumus and the lost
princes, highlighting themes of true nobility versus false entitlement.
Relationships:
Son
of the Queen and stepson to King Cymbeline.
Pursuer
and unwanted suitor of Imogen.
Opponent
of Posthumus and the lost princes.
Used
by his mother as a tool to further her ambitions.
Summary:
Cloten
is a brash and foolish antagonist whose aggressive pursuit of Imogen and blind
loyalty to his mother lead to his violent end. His character highlights the
dangers of arrogance and entitlement, providing both comic moments and real
tension within the play.
Iachimo
Role:
Iachimo
is an Italian lord and one of the main antagonists in Cymbeline. He plays the
role of a cunning deceiver and instigator of much of the play’s conflict.
Personality
and Traits:
Iachimo
is wily, manipulative, and unscrupulous. He is skilled at deceit and uses
trickery to achieve his aims.
He
is portrayed as a villainous yet charismatic figure, charming enough to deceive
others but motivated by jealousy and malice.
Iachimo
is bold and daring, willing to gamble his honor on a sinister bet.
His
actions reveal a lack of respect for truth or loyalty, making him a stark
contrast to characters like Imogen and Posthumus.
Key
Actions and Development:
Iachimo
enters into a wager with Posthumus: he bets he can seduce Posthumus’s wife,
Imogen, or at least prove she is unfaithful.
Failing
to seduce her, he instead sneaks into her bedchamber and secretly observes
details that allow him to falsely convince Posthumus of Imogen’s infidelity.
He
fabricates a convincing story and presents Posthumus with a bracelet taken from
Imogen’s room as “proof.”
His
deception leads to the central crisis of the play—Posthumus’s jealousy and
Imogen’s banishment.
Eventually,
Iachimo’s treachery is exposed, and he confesses, but only after much suffering
has occurred.
His
punishment and downfall serve as a moral reckoning.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Iachimo
embodies deceit, jealousy, and betrayal.
His
character explores the destructive power of lies and mistrust within
relationships.
Through
Iachimo, Shakespeare examines the dangers of false appearances and
manipulation.
He
is also a figure of moral corruption, in stark contrast to the purity and
loyalty represented by Imogen.
Relationships:
Friend
and acquaintance of Posthumus, whom he betrays by making the wager.
Deceiver
of Imogen, whose fidelity he falsely questions.
Ally
of the Queen, working to undermine Cymbeline’s family.
Summary:
Iachimo
is a crafty and villainous character whose deception triggers the major
conflict in Cymbeline. His actions highlight themes of trust, honor, and the
destructive consequences of jealousy and lies. Though charismatic, he
ultimately faces justice for his betrayal.
Pisanio
Role:
Pisanio
is Posthumus Leonatus’s loyal servant and confidant. He plays a crucial role in
protecting Imogen and helping to resolve the play’s conflicts.
Personality
and Traits:
Pisanio
is faithful, trustworthy, and honorable. He embodies steadfast loyalty to both
his master Posthumus and to Imogen.
He
is intelligent and resourceful, able to think quickly and act decisively in
difficult situations.
Pisanio
demonstrates strong moral integrity, often putting the well-being of others
above his own safety.
Unlike
many other characters who succumb to jealousy or deceit, Pisanio’s loyalty
remains unwavering.
Key
Actions and Development:
When
Posthumus orders him to kill Imogen, Pisanio refuses and instead helps her
escape.
He
accompanies Imogen disguised as a servant, guiding and protecting her on her
journey.
Pisanio
acts as a mediator and messenger, facilitating communication between Posthumus
and Imogen.
His
quick thinking and devotion help save Imogen’s life multiple times throughout
the play.
Pisanio’s
loyalty and actions ultimately contribute to the play’s happy resolution and
reunification of the family.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Pisanio
symbolizes loyalty, honor, and friendship.
He
represents the ideal servant—faithful, brave, and selfless.
Through
Pisanio, Shakespeare explores themes of trust and integrity, contrasting him
with characters who betray or deceive.
Relationships:
Servant
and loyal attendant to Posthumus Leonatus.
Protector
and companion to Imogen during her trials.
Interacts
with various characters as a trusted intermediary.
Summary:
Pisanio
is a devoted and honorable servant whose loyalty and courage play a vital role
in protecting Imogen and supporting Posthumus. His integrity and quick actions
help resolve misunderstandings and contribute to the play’s ultimate
reconciliation.
Belarius
Role:
Belarius
is a nobleman and a key secondary character in Cymbeline. He is the loyal
follower of King Cymbeline who, after being wrongfully accused of treason,
kidnaps the king’s two sons and raises them in exile.
Personality
and Traits:
Belarius
is wise, noble, and honorable, despite his outlaw status.
He
is deeply loyal to Cymbeline, even while living apart from the court.
Exhibits
fatherly love and care toward the two princes he raises as his own sons,
calling them “Polydore” and “Cadwal.”
Strong,
practical, and resourceful, Belarius acts as a protector and mentor to the
boys.
His
character embodies themes of redemption, loyalty, and the complex nature of
justice.
Key
Actions and Development:
After
being falsely accused of treason by the Queen, Belarius abducts Cymbeline’s
sons to protect them from courtly dangers.
Raises
the princes in the wilderness, teaching them survival skills and noble virtues,
though unaware of their true identities.
When
the princes grow up, the family’s true identities and connections are gradually
revealed.
Belarius
helps orchestrate the reconciliation between Cymbeline and his sons,
contributing to the play’s resolution.
His
honor and integrity ultimately restore his position and reputation.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Belarius
symbolizes fatherhood, loyalty, and justice.
His
exile and eventual restoration mirror the play’s broader themes of displacement
and reunion.
Represents
the idea of chosen family and loyalty beyond blood ties.
His
character questions the fairness of political power and the possibility of
forgiveness and redemption.
Relationships:
Loyal
follower of King Cymbeline.
Father
figure and guardian to the lost princes, Polydore and Cadwal (the king’s sons).
Opposed
by the Queen, who falsely accuses him of treason.
Ultimately
reconciled with Cymbeline and reunited with the princes.
Summary:
Belarius
is a noble and loyal figure whose wrongful exile and fatherly devotion to the
lost princes form a vital subplot in Cymbeline. His character explores themes
of loyalty, justice, and the bonds of family, playing a crucial role in the
play’s ultimate reconciliation and restoration of order.
Guiderius
(also called Polydore)
Role:
Guiderius,
also known as Polydore during his time in exile, is one of King Cymbeline’s two
lost sons. He is raised in the wilderness by Belarius, unaware of his royal
lineage for much of the play.
Personality
and Traits:
Guiderius
is brave, noble, and honorable, displaying qualities befitting a prince even
without knowing his birthright.
He
is strong, courageous, and loyal, with a natural sense of justice and
leadership.
Though
raised away from courtly life, he retains innate dignity and moral strength.
He
is quick to action and protective, especially when it comes to defending those
he cares about.
Key
Actions and Development:
Raised
in the forest by Belarius alongside his brother Cadwal (Arviragus), believing
Belarius to be their father.
Engages
in a duel with Cloten (the Queen’s son), during which he kills Cloten, removing
a major threat to his sister Imogen.
Participates
in the British army’s defense against the Romans, fighting bravely in battle.
His
true identity as Cymbeline’s son is revealed later in the play, leading to
reunion and reconciliation with his family.
His
return restores rightful lineage and helps bring peace to the kingdom.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Guiderius
symbolizes innate nobility and virtue, suggesting that true royal qualities
come from character rather than upbringing.
His
journey from exile to recognition reflects themes of identity, family, and
restoration.
Represents
the natural order and rightful succession, important themes in Shakespeare’s
histories and romances.
His
character also explores the tension between nature and nurture.
Relationships:
Son
of King Cymbeline and Queen (stepmother).
Brother
to Arviragus (also called Cadwal).
Raised
as a son by Belarius, whom he regards as his father.
Opponent
of Cloten, whom he kills in self-defense and defense of Imogen.
Summary:
Guiderius
(Polydore) is a heroic and noble figure, raised in exile but embodying royal
virtues. His character arc—from lost prince to rightful heir—plays a vital role
in Cymbeline’s themes of identity, justice, and family reunion.
Arviragus
(also called Cadwal)
Role:
Arviragus,
also known as Cadwal during his time in exile, is one of King Cymbeline’s two
lost sons. Like his brother Guiderius, he is raised in the wilderness by
Belarius, unaware of his royal birth.
Personality
and Traits:
Arviragus
is noble, courageous, and honorable, exhibiting the qualities expected of a
prince even though he grows up away from the court.
He
is loyal and protective, showing deep care for his family and friends.
While
less prominently featured than Guiderius, Arviragus shares the virtues of
bravery and integrity.
He
is a supportive brother and valiant warrior.
Key
Actions and Development:
Raised
by Belarius alongside Guiderius (Polydore), believing Belarius is their father.
Fights
valiantly alongside Guiderius in the conflict against the Romans.
Participates
in the climactic scenes that lead to the revelation of their true identities.
His
reunion with Cymbeline and Imogen helps restore the royal family and bring
peace to Britain.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Arviragus
symbolizes loyalty, kinship, and rightful heritage.
His
character reinforces the play’s themes of identity and family restoration.
Together
with Guiderius, he represents the idea that noble qualities are innate and
endure despite hardship and separation.
Highlights
the tension and eventual harmony between nature (innate nobility) and nurture
(their upbringing in the wild).
Relationships:
Son
of King Cymbeline and Queen (stepmother).
Brother
to Guiderius (Polydore).
Raised
as a son by Belarius, whom he regards as a father figure.
Allied
with Guiderius in battle and in their journey toward reclaiming their place in
the royal family.
Summary:
Arviragus
(Cadwal) is a brave and noble prince whose upbringing in exile does not
diminish his royal virtues. Alongside his brother Guiderius, his character arc
underscores the play’s themes of lost identity, family loyalty, and rightful
restoration to the throne.
Philario
Role:
Philario
is a Roman lord and friend to Posthumus Leonatus. He appears early in the play
and helps to set the stage for Posthumus’s journey to Rome.
Personality
and Traits:
Philario
is friendly, hospitable, and honorable.
He
acts as a courteous host and guide, showing kindness to Posthumus during his
travels.
Philario
is a typical Roman nobleman, embodying the virtues of loyalty and friendship.
Though
a minor character, he helps portray the Roman world and its contrasts with
Britain.
Key
Actions and Development:
Receives
Posthumus warmly when he arrives in Rome.
Hosts
Posthumus at his home, where Iachimo later arrives, setting in motion the wager
about Imogen’s fidelity.
Serves
as a backdrop figure, not heavily involved in the main plot but important in
establishing context.
His
role helps highlight the Roman setting and political tensions within the play.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Philario
represents friendship and hospitality.
His
character helps contrast the foreign Roman world with Britain’s domestic
troubles.
By
hosting Posthumus and Iachimo, he inadvertently facilitates the conflict caused
by Iachimo’s deceit.
Relationships:
Friend
and host to Posthumus Leonatus.
Acquaintance
to Iachimo, who arrives at Philario’s home in Rome.
Summary:
Philario
is a minor but important character who provides hospitality and friendship to
Posthumus in Rome. His home becomes the setting for the crucial wager between
Posthumus and Iachimo, indirectly triggering the play’s central conflict.
Caius
Lucius
Role:
Caius
Lucius is a Roman general and commander of the Roman forces that invade Britain
in Cymbeline. He is a representative of Rome’s imperial power and military
strength.
Personality
and Traits:
Caius
Lucius is stern, disciplined, and authoritative, embodying the virtues of a
military leader.
He
is determined and resolute, leading the Roman army with strategic skill and
confidence.
Though
an antagonist in the context of Britain’s struggle, he is honorable and
respectful, not cruel or malicious.
His
presence highlights the political and military conflict between Rome and
Britain.
Key
Actions and Development:
Leads
the Roman invasion of Britain after Cymbeline refuses to pay tribute to Rome.
Engages
in battle with the British forces, including Cymbeline’s lost sons Guiderius
and Arviragus.
Interacts
with Cymbeline during the climax, where hostilities are resolved through
negotiation and revelation rather than total destruction.
Ultimately
accepts peace and the restoration of harmony after Cymbeline’s sons are
revealed.
Symbolism
and Themes:
Caius
Lucius symbolizes imperial power, military order, and political authority.
Represents
the external threat to Britain and the forces of empire challenging national
sovereignty.
His
character helps explore themes of war, peace, and reconciliation.
Through
him, Shakespeare examines the tension between conquest and mercy.
Relationships:
Commander
of the Roman forces invading Britain.
Opponent
to King Cymbeline and Britain’s defenders.
Engages
diplomatically with Cymbeline at the play’s resolution.
Summary:
Caius
Lucius is the Roman general whose invasion of Britain creates the backdrop for
much of Cymbeline’s conflict. His military leadership and eventual acceptance
of peace contribute to the play’s themes of reconciliation and restoration.
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