The Merry Wives of Windsor: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Merry Wives of Windsor" is a comedic play by William Shakespeare that centers on the character Sir John Falstaff, who attempts to woo two married women, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The plot unfolds as Falstaff's misguided romantic pursuits lead to a series of humorous deceptions carried out by the clever wives, who successfully outwit him at every turn. The two women, characterized by their practicality and resourcefulness, are pivotal in navigating their husbands’ suspicions and Falstaff's advances.
Other significant characters include Thomas Page, who demonstrates trust in his wife but disapproves of her suitor Fenton, and his jealous friend Ford, who disguises himself to uncover Falstaff’s schemes. Additionally, the play features a cast of quirky supporting characters such as the bumbling Dr. Caius, the pedantic Sir Hugh Evans, and the foolish Justice Shallow, each adding layers of comedic conflict. Anne Page, the intelligent daughter of Mistress Page, ultimately takes control of her own romantic fate by eloping with Fenton, highlighting themes of love and agency. Overall, the play is notable for its exploration of social dynamics and the cleverness of women in a male-dominated society.
The Merry Wives of Windsor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Shakespeare
First published: 1602
Genre: Play
Locale: England
Plot: Comedy
Time: Sixteenth century
Sir John Falstaff (FOHL-staf), the jovial, rotund friend of Prince Hal in Henry IV, who comes with his hangers-on to Windsor and amuses himself by wooing the respectable ladies of two merchants. Twice gulled by the “merry wives,” beaten and dumped into the Thames from a laundry basket, he tries a third time to succeed in his amorous designs and plans a rendezvous in the woods. He is discovered there by his friends wearing a buck's head and lying face down for fear of the fairies and elves who have been pinching him. He accepts this last deception in good humor and confesses that he was rather dubious about the authenticity of the spirits who visited him.
Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, the brisk, practical ladies on whom Falstaff practices his romantic arts. Incensed as much by his identical letter to each of them as by his presumption in writing, they outwit the fat knight at every turn and firmly convince their husbands of their fidelity.
Thomas Page, Mistress Page's husband, a well-to-do burgher dwelling at Windsor. He trusts his wife's ability to withstand Falstaff's advances, although he follows his more suspicious friend Ford when he sets out to search for the knight at his own home. He disapproves of Fenton's suit for his daughter's hand, fearing the young man's high social standing, and arranges Anne's elopement with Slender. He is, however, quickly pacified when she announces her marriage to Fenton.
Ford, Page's jealous friend. He disguises himself as Brook to ferret out Falstaff's plans, and he instigates the searches that precipitate the knight's unexpected bath in the Thames and his thorough thrashing.
Mistress Quickly, an old busybody, Dr. Caius' nurse and housekeeper. She supposes herself Anne Page's confidante and tries to use her influence to marry the girl to her master. She is much distressed by young William Page's Latin lessons, for she is sure that his exercises contain improper language.
Sir Hugh Evans, the Welsh parson, a pedantic scholar whose “correctness” is made more ridiculous by his heavy accent. Duped by the host into challenging Dr. Caius to a duel, he quickly and surreptitiously convinces his adversary that friendship is preferable to fighting. He joins the final plot against Falstaff and, dressed as a satyr, leads the “elves” and “fairies” to the knight.
Dr. Caius (keez), a French doctor, a rather stupid man and one of Anne Page's suitors. His ignorance of the English language provides much amusement for his companions.
Justice Shallow, a foolish old country squire who is determined to sue Falstaff for injuries to his men, his property, and his pride. He avidly pursues his scheme for wedding his nephew to Mistress Anne Page and her handsome dowry.
Slender, Shallow's rather simple-minded nephew. He is willing to acquiesce in his uncle's wishes. Having little notion of the proper methods of courtship, he confesses his indifference to Anne and wishes privately that he had his book of songs and sonnets to help him woo her.
Simple, Slender's aptly named servant, who is almost as literal-minded as his master.
Anne Page, an attractive, intelligent young woman. She quickly assesses the defects of character in the prospective husbands put forth by each of her parents and resourcefully arranges her elopement with Fenton.
Fenton, Anne's sweetheart, a well-born, sensible young man and a persistent suitor.
Pistol, Nym, and Bardolph, Falstaff's disreputable cronies, who cozen Shallow, Slender, and the host and direct a steady barrage of insults and jests at the fat knight.
ThehostoftheGarter, a loquacious taverner. He jokes with Falstaff and amuses himself by setting up a duel between Dr. Caius and Sir Hugh. He assists in most of the deceptions and plots afoot in Windsor, abetting Ford's disguise, Dr. Caius' courtship, and Fenton's elopement. He is forced to take some of his own medicine when Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol make off with three of his horses.
William Page, Anne's younger brother, Sir Hugh's apt pupil in Latin.
Robin, Falstaff's page, who carries messages to Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.