Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare features a colorful cast of characters, from Athenian nobles to mischievous fairies to bumbling actors. Here's a guide to who's who in Shakespeare's beloved comedy
The play opens on Theseus, the Duke of Athens, who prepares the city for a large festival to mark his imminent marriage to the Amazonian queen, Hippolyta.
Egeus is an Athenian nobleman, and he has a beautiful daughter named Hermia. Hermia loves Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius.
Helena is Hermia's friend who is envious of Demetrius' affection for Hermia and longs for his love.
Meanwhile, in the forest, lies the king and queen of fairies, Oberon and Titania.
Robin Goodfellow or “Puck,” is a mischievous servant sprite who serves Oberon and carries out his magical schemes—often with chaotic results.
Meanwhile, Peter Quince leads a group of local artisans plan to perform a tragedy about two fictional star-crossed lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe, for Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding.
Nick Bottom is a weaver acting in the play, and is later transformed by Puck to have a donkey's head.
Read our full summary and study guide gradesaver.com/midsummer-nights-dream
What the illustrated video youtube.com/watch?v=Qs8bhga1Ikk
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare features a colorful cast of characters, from Athenian nobles to mischievous fairies to bumbling actors. Here's a guide to who's who in Shakespeare's beloved comedy
The play opens on Theseus, the Duke of Athens, who prepares the city for a large festival to mark his imminent marriage to the Amazonian queen, Hippolyta.
Egeus is an Athenian nobleman, and he has a beautiful daughter named Hermia. Hermia loves Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius.
Helena is Hermia's friend who is envious of Demetrius' affection for Hermia and longs for his love.
Meanwhile, in the forest, lies the king and queen of fairies, Oberon and Titania.
Robin Goodfellow or “Puck,” is a mischievous servant sprite who serves Oberon and carries out his magical schemes—often with chaotic results.
Meanwhile, Peter Quince leads a group of local artisans plan to perform a tragedy about two fictional star-crossed lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe, for Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding.
Nick Bottom is a weaver acting in the play, and is later transformed by Puck to have a donkey's head.
Read our full summary and study guide gradesaver.com/midsummer-nights-dream
What the illustrated video youtube.com/watch?v=Qs8bhga1Ikk
