A King and No King: Analysis of Major Characters
"A King and No King" is a complex exploration of royal intrigue, personal identity, and the dynamics of love and loyalty among its major characters. Arbaces, the king of Iberia, grapples with inner turmoil stemming from his feelings for a woman he believes is his sister, which complicates his sense of self and honor. His emotional conflict is resolved when he learns he is not the biological son of the previous king, allowing him to pursue a relationship with Panthea, the daughter of the scheming queen mother, Arane. Tigranes, the defeated king of Armenia, initially attracted to Panthea, ultimately recommits to his loyal companion, Spaconia, showcasing themes of fidelity and honor amidst adversity. Gobrias, Arbaces' father, plays a crucial role in thwarting Arane’s treacherous plans while maintaining the integrity of royal lineage. Other notable characters include Mardonius, who challenges Arbaces' authority, and Bessus, embodying cowardice in contrast to the valor expected of warriors. Together, these figures navigate a rich tapestry of loyalty, desire, and power struggles, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of identity and moral choices in a world fraught with deception and ambition.
A King and No King: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont
First published: 1619
Genre: Play
Locale: Armenia and Iberia
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: Indefinite
Arbaces (AHR-buh-seez), the king of Iberia. He proudly proclaims his own humility and bravery after his victory over the Armenians, but he finds his self-confidence shaken by his passion for the girl he believes to be his sister. His melodramatic inner torments are relieved when he discovers that he is not the son of the previous king and is therefore free to marry Panthea.
Tigranes (tih-GRAY-neez), the king of Armenia, who is conquered and taken prisoner by Arbaces. He succumbs briefly to the charms of Panthea but recognizes the virtues of the faithful Spaconia and resolves to be constant to her.
Arane (uh-RAY-nee), the queen mother, who attempts to murder her foster son to make her daughter queen.
Gobrias (GOH-bree-uhs), the lord protector, Arbaces' father. He is forced to thwart Arane's plots until he can reveal the truth at the time when his son most welcomes it.
Panthea (PAN-thee-uh), Arane's daughter. She is distressed by her unsisterly feelings for Arbaces and accepts imprisonment to save them both from sin.
Spaconia (spa-KOH-nee-uh), an Armenian lady who follows her beloved Tigranes to Iberia. She readily forgives his brief infatuation with Panthea and agrees to become his wife.
Lygones (LI-goh-neez), her father, whose anger with his runaway daughter is mollified when he learns that she is to be Tigranes' queen.
Mardonius (mahr-DOH-nee-uhs), Arbaces' captain, the one person who dares to criticize the king to his face.
Bessus (BEH-suhs), another captain, a notorious cowardly braggart, one in the long tradition of the milites gloriosi.
Bacarius (ba-KAY-ree-uhs), an Iberian lord who plans a trap to deflate Bessus' pride.