Foil

Character Role Analysis

Berowne/King, Princess/Rosaline, and Princess/Jaquentta

As if they were in a hall of mirrors, the protagonist (the King) and antagonist (the Princess) are reflected again and again in the members of their parties. Berowne is a wittier, flashier reflection of the King (and Longaville and Dumain less vivid echoes of both). Armado is a parody of the men's love and self-interest. The serious Princess contrasts with playful, mischievous Rosaline, and with Katharine and Maria, the less developed imitations. Jaquenetta's enthusiastic sexual acquiescence contrasts with the Princess's stringent withholding.