Orlando’s character in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It

As You Like It

(Orlando’s Character)

Q. Orlando’s character in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It

Answer: Orlando is the main character in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It. He was born in an upper class family. His father, Sir Rowland-De-Bois, was a loyal companion of the banished Duke the senior. Unfortunately Orlando was deprived of education after the death of his father. He was not properly brought up at home. His older brother Oliver is jealous of him.

Although uneducated, Orlando had innate qualities. He was brave and confident. Calmly he accepted the obstacles of life. He called the famous royal wrestler, Charles to a wrestling match. He knew that he would be died in that wrestling match. Rosalind and Celia appealed to him to withdraw his name from the competition. But he was adamant in his decision. Again he was extremely humble. He had no pride in his abundant physical strength. Apparently he deserves Rosalind's love.

Orlando was a perfect gentleman. His brother conspired against him. But he did not abuse him. He leaves his house with their old servant, Adam. In the forest, Adam was going to be died of starvation. Orlando showed the banished Duke Senior the sword and demanded food. For a while he behaved like a wild animal. But in the Duke's kind words he was ashamed of his conduct. We learn that Orlando did all these only to save old Adam's life.

Orlando was a true lover. He loved Rosalind deeply. His mind was poetic. By writing Odes and Sonnets, he composed the glory of his love. Rosalind also had a love affair with a shepherd in disguise. Rosalind discovered in him an emotional lover.

Besides, Orlando was prone to forgiveness. His elder brother, Oliver plots to kill him. He left home. He came to the Forest of Arden. There he met Oliver. He saw a lioness in the bushes. Oliver was sleeping then. The lioness was waiting for him to jump on him (Oliver). Orlando fought bravely with lioness to save the life of his brother, Oliver. The lioness died. But Orlando was seriously injured. In this way he saved the life of a man for whom he had suffered so much.

In conclusion, we can say, he is many times better than Oliver. He deserves our love and respect for these sweet qualities of character.

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👉 As You Like It: Character sketch of Orlando

👉 As You Like It: Character sketch of Celia