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
Rosalind (As You Like It) play directed by Basil Coleman, and Bryce Dallas Howard in the 2006 production directed by Kenneth Branagh. American actress Patti LuPone played the role at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, after her award-winning portrayal of Eva Peron in the original Broadway run of "Evita". This caused much speculation because LuPone was leaving the Broadway stage and moving to "regional" work. Adrian Lester won a Time Out Award for his performance as Rosalind in Cheek by Jowl's 1991 production of "As You Like It". A male actor in the role (as would have been the norm in Shakespeare's time) underlines the