Character guide

Helena

major

Also known as Helen

A virtuous maiden who cures the King and schemes to win Bertram's love.

Bertram

major

Also known as Young Bertram, Count Rousillon

The young Count of Rousillon who resists Helena's love and goes to war.

Parolles

supporting

Also known as Monsieur Parolles

A boastful and cowardly follower of Bertram, later exposed as a fraud.

Countess of Rousillon

supporting

Also known as Countess, Countess Faith

Bertram's wise and kind mother who supports Helena.

Lafeu

supporting

Also known as old lord Lafeu

An elderly French lord and friend to the Countess and King.

King of France

supporting

Also known as King, King Plutus

The monarch cured by Helena, who then grants her a husband.

Diana

supporting

Also known as Diana Capilet

A Florentine widow's daughter who helps Helena in the bed-trick.

Widow Capilet

minor

Also known as Widow

Diana's mother who shelters Helena in Florence.

Lavache

minor

Also known as Clown

The Countess's witty and foolish servant.

Steward

minor

The Countess's steward who reports Helena's love for Bertram.

Mariana

minor

A neighbor and friend to the Widow Capilet in Florence.

First Lord Dumain

minor

Also known as this Captain Dumain, Captain Dumain

A French lord serving with Bertram in the Florentine wars.

Second Lord Dumain

minor

Also known as Second Lord

Another French lord and brother to the first, also in Florence.

Interpreter

minor

Also known as one Captain Spurio

A soldier who translates for the captured Parolles in the mock ambush.

Gentleman A Stranger

minor

Also known as First Gentleman

A French gentleman who aids Diana's petition to the King.

Rinaldo

minor

The Countess's steward, sometimes named as a servant.