Helena
The play's heroine. The orphan
daughter of a great doctor, she is the ward of the Countess of Rousillon, and
hopelessly in love with the Countess' son, Bertram. Her good qualities are
attested to by nearly every character in the play, and events prove her a
resourceful and determined woman, who is not easily discouraged by setbacks.
Bertram
The Count of Rousillon since the
death of his father, and the Countess' only son. A handsome, well-liked young
man, he proves to be an excellent soldier, but a cad in his relationship with
Helena, who he unwillingly marries and quickly abandons.
Countess
The mother of Bertram, the
mistress of Rousillon, and Helena's guardian, she is a wise, discerning old
woman who perceives Helena's worth and rejoices when she marries Bertram. When
Bertram treats Helena badly, the Countess is quick to condemn his behavior.
King of France
Bertram's liege lord. He is
deathly ill when the play begins, and is miraculously cured by Helena, who uses
one of her father's medicines. Like the Countess, he loves Helena, and is
appalled by Bertram's behavior.
Lafew
An old French nobleman, who offers advice to
the King and is friendly with the Countess. He is wise and discerning,
perceiving both Helena's worth and Parolles' worthlessness.
Parolles
A companion of Bertram, he is a coward, a liar
and a braggart, who pretends to be a great soldier when he is nothing of the
sort. He is eventually exposed and disgraced.
First Lord
A genial French nobleman
named Dumaine, he serves in the Florentine army and becomes friends with
Bertram. Aware of Parolles' character, he and his brother, the Second Lord plot
to expose him for what he is.
Second Lord
The First Lord Dumaine's brother, similar in
character and also a friend to Bertram.
Diana
A young virgin in Florence, who Bertram
attempts to seduce. She assists Helena in tricking him into sleeping with his
lawful wife.
Widow
Diana's mother.
Mariana
A woman of Florence.
The ruler of Florence, many French
lords (including Bertram, Parolles, and Dumaine) volunteer to fight for him.
Clown
An old servant of the
Countess, who serves as a messenger and enjoys coarse, sexual humor.
Steward
Another servant of the Countess.
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