Jaques (As You Like It) Jaques (As You Like It) Jaques () is one of the main characters in Shakespeare's "As You Like It". The 'Melancholy Jaques', as he is known, is one of Duke Senior's noblemen who lives with him in the Forest of Arden (or Ardennes). The role has long been a favourite for famous Shakespearean actors. Jaques' distinguishing characteristic is his unmitigated cynicism. He is the only purely contemplative character in Shakespeare. He thinks, and does nothing. His whole occupation is to amuse his mind, and he is totally regardless of his body and his fortunes. Hazlitt describes him as "the prince
Orlando (As You Like It) usurped Duke Senior and is eventually united in marriage with Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind. Actor Laurence Olivier played the character in a 1936 film with Elizabeth Bergner opposite him as Rosalind. Orlando (As You Like It) Orlando is a fictional character and the male lead in the comedy "As You Like It" (1599/1600) by William Shakespeare. Orlando is the younger son of the deceased Sir Rowland de Boys and brother of Oliver. He is brave, chivalrous, tender, modest, smart, strong, handsome and beloved by all. He resents the harsh treatment he receives at Oliver's hands and complains that Oliver is