Orlando (As You Like It)

The Mock Marriage of Orlando and Rosalind by Walter Howell Deverell

Orlando is a fictional character and the romantic male lead in the comedy As You Like It (1600?) by William Shakespeare.

Orlando is the youngest son of the deceased Sir Rowland de Boys and a brother to Oliver. He was resents the harsh treatment he receives at Oliver's hands and complains that Oliver neglects to educate him. Orlando feels that he is being kept like the livestock. He is fed and he grows physically but not intellectually or socially. Despite this neglect, Orlando's talents and his aristocratic nature reveal themselves. He was the most loved son of his father. He takes pride in being recognized as the son of Sir Rowland. He has a will to attain knowledge and wanted to go to school. He is also a powerful character. He was not successful in expressing his love to Rosalind.

Orlando is in the beginning of the play complaining because his brother is not giving him a fair share of their father's money. He is portrayed as exceptionally strong in both body and in his devotion to love. It is these qualities that make Rosalind fall for him as well. Orlando is the youngest son of the deceased Sir Rowland de Boys and is persecuted by his elder brother Oliver. After angering Oliver's crony Duke Frederick, Orlando flees his familiar surroundings to live in exile in the Forest of Arden. There, he is accepted into the circle of the usurped Duke Senior and is eventually united in marriage with his daughter, Rosalind. Actor Laurence Olivier notably played the character in a 1936 film^[1] with Elizabeth Bergner opposite him as Rosalind.

References

1. ^ Laurence Olivier at Film Reference