The Comedy of Errors: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Comedy of Errors" is a farcical play by William Shakespeare that revolves around the themes of mistaken identity and familial reunion. The narrative features two sets of identical twins: the Antipholus brothers and their Dromio servants, separated at birth and unknowingly reunited in the city of Ephesus. Antipholus of Syracuse, accompanied by his servant Dromio of Syracuse, arrives in Ephesus unaware of his brother's existence and quickly becomes embroiled in a series of comedic misunderstandings. His twin, Antipholus of Ephesus, is equally perplexed by the bizarre events that unfold, including being locked out of his own home and mistaken for someone else.
The characters also include Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, who suspects her husband of madness and infidelity, and Aegeon, the merchant father searching for his lost family. The play culminates in a resolution where the confusion clears and the families are joyfully reunited, highlighting themes of identity, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Each character's experiences and misfortunes provide insight into the chaos that arises from mistaken identities while ultimately reinforcing the bonds of family and belonging.
The Comedy of Errors: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Shakespeare
First published: 1623
Genre: Play
Locale: Greece
Plot: Farce
Time: First century b.c.e.
Antipholus of Syracuse (an-TIHF-oh-luhs), the son of Aegeon and Aemilia. Separated from his twin brother in his childhood, he meets him again under the most baffling circumstances. Shortly after he and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, land in Ephesus, the whole series of comic errors begins. Antipholus meets his servant's lost twin brother, who is also bewildered by the ensuing conversation. Thinking this Dromio to be his own servant, Antipholus hits the mystified man on his head with great vigor. Finally, at the end, this puzzle is solved when he recognizes that he has found his identical twin.
Antipholus of Ephesus (EHF-eh-suhs), the identical twin brother of Antipholus of Syracuse. Equally bewildered by his mishaps, he is disgruntled when his wife locks him out of his house. She is blissfully unaware of the truth—that the man at her house is not her husband. In addition, a purse of money is received by the wrong man. Never having seen his own father, or at least not aware of the relationship, he is even more amazed when the old man calls him “son.” By this time, the entire town believes him to be mad, and he, like his twin, is beginning to think that he is bewitched. It is with great relief that he finally learns the true situation and is reunited with his family.
Dromio of Syracuse (DROH-mee-oh), the twin brother of Dromio of Ephesus and attendant to Antipholus of Syracuse. He is as much bewildered as his master, who, in the mix-up, belabors both Dromios. To add to his misery, a serving wench takes him for her Dromio and makes unwanted advances. Much to his chagrin, she is “all o'er embellished with, rubies, carbuncles, sapphires.” In addition, she is “no longer from head to foot than from hip to hip. She is spherical, like a globe.”
Dromio of Ephesus, who was separated from his identical twin at the same time that the two Antipholuses were separated, during a shipwreck. As is his brother, he is often belabored by his master. In this case, if his master does not pummel him, his mistress will perform the same office. During all this time, he is involved in many cases of mistaken identity. Sent for a piece of rope, he is amazed when his supposed master knows nothing of the transaction.
Aegeon (ee-JEE-on), a merchant of Syracuse. Many years before, he had lost his beloved wife and one son. Since then, his other son has left home to find his twin brother. Now Aegeon is searching for all his family. Landing in Ephesus, he finds that merchants from Syracuse are not allowed there on penalty of death or payment of a large ransom. When Aegeon is unable to raise the ransom, the duke gives the old man a one-day reprieve. He finds his sons just in time, the ransom is paid, and the family is reunited.
Adriana (ay-drih-AY-nuh), the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus. When her husband denies his relationship to her, she (unaware that he is the wrong man) thinks he is insane. Already suspicious of her husband because of supposed infidelities, she suspects him even more.
Aemilia (ee-MIHL-ee-uh), the wife of Aegeon and abbess at Ephesus. In the recognition scene, she finds her husband, who has been separated from her for many years.
Solinus (soh-LI-nuhs), the Duke of Ephesus.
Luciana (lew-shee-AH-nuh), Adriana's sister, wooed by Antipholus of Syracuse.
Angelo, a goldsmith.
Pinch, a schoolmaster and “a hungry lean-fac'd villain, a mere anatomy.”