As You Like It

Setting: Arden, Warwickshire French Court Forest of Arden Orlando’s House

Characters: Rosalind: Duke Senior’s daughter Orlando: Youngest son of Sir Rowland, younger brother of Oliver Duke Senior: Rosalind’s dad, usurped by bro Frederick Jacques: Duke Sr.’s faithful lord. Celia: Rosalind’s dearest friend.

Act I: Orlando asks Oliver for inheritance Duke Sr. usurped by Frederick. Orlando defeats Charles the wrestler. Rosalind is banished, leaves in disguise with cousin Celia "The more pity that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly" (Act 1, Scene 2).

Act II: Duke Sr. contentedly living in forest. Duke Frederick wants Orlando OR Oliver captured, Oliver wants Orlando dead. Rosalind/Celia buy Duke’s land Orlando tries to rob Duke Senior Duke Sr. invites Orlando to dinner.

Act III Frederick seizes Oliver’s estate Rosalind (as Ganymede) gives Orlando love lessons Phoebe falls in love with Ganymede. “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.” (Act 2, scene 7)

Act IV Ganymede wants nothing to do with Jacques Orlando arrives late, Rosalind and Orlando “practice” love, fake marriage. A stranger says he found Oliver’s body Rosalind recognizes the stranger to as Oliver Celia and Oliver fall in love. “I pray you do not fall in love with me, for I am falser than vows made in wine.” (Act 3, scene 5)

Act V Orlando wants the real Rosalind Rosalind makes a clever plan. Rosalind and Celia enter in their true forms. Everyone gets married Duke Sr. is back in power. All is well

Themes Deception, disguise, and gender Romantic/true love Rivalry Foolishness of love