As You Like It, by William Shakespeare, follows the story of Rosalind, who is banished from the court by her uncle, Duke Frederick, and flees to the Forest of Arden. Disguised as a young man named Ganymede, she brings along her loyal cousin Celia and the jester, Touchstone. In the forest, Rosalind encounters Orlando, a young nobleman also in exile. Orlando, who has fallen deeply in love with Rosalind, doesn’t recognize her in disguise. Seizing the opportunity, Rosalind (as Ganymede) offers to help Orlando cure his love by pretending to be his beloved Rosalind, thus allowing her to test his affection and understand him more deeply.

Meanwhile, other characters find love in the forest: Touchstone pursues the country girl Audrey, and Silvius, a shepherd, pines for Phoebe, who falls for Rosalind's male disguise. Through a series of comedic misunderstandings and transformations, everyone’s true feelings and identities are ultimately revealed. In the end, Duke Frederick repents, and the rightful Duke, Rosalind’s father, is restored. Multiple marriages—including Rosalind and Orlando's—conclude the story in a joyful celebration of love, forgiveness, and harmony in the natural world.

Rosalind – The play's heroine, she is the daughter of Duke Senior and falls in love with Orlando. Disguised as the young man "Ganymede" in the Forest of Arden, she uses her disguise to test Orlando's love for her.

Orlando – The young, noble hero who is mistreated by his older brother Oliver and falls in love with Rosalind. His exile to the Forest of Arden leads him to his true love.

Duke Senior – Rosalind’s father, who has been banished by his usurping brother, Duke Frederick. He lives in exile in the Forest of Arden and embodies the theme of resilience and natural harmony.

Duke Frederick – The play's primary antagonist, he seizes his brother Duke Senior's lands and banishes Rosalind. By the end, he repents and gives up his power.

Celia – Duke Frederick’s daughter and Rosalind’s loyal cousin and friend. She accompanies Rosalind into exile and eventually falls in love with Oliver.

Touchstone – The court jester who accompanies Rosalind and Celia to the forest. His wit and humor provide comic relief, and he pursues a relationship with the country girl Audrey.

Oliver – Orlando’s older brother, initially hostile towards him. After experiencing a change of heart, he reconciles with Orlando and falls in love with Celia.

Jaques – A melancholy lord in Duke Senior's retinue who philosophizes on life and famously delivers the “All the world’s a stage” monologue.

Phoebe – A shepherdess who falls in love with Rosalind’s male disguise, Ganymede. She eventually marries Silvius.

Silvius – A lovesick shepherd who is hopelessly devoted to Phoebe and ultimately marries her.

Audrey – A simple country woman who becomes the object of Touchstone’s affection.

Corin – An elderly shepherd who befriends and assists Rosalind and Celia when they arrive in the forest.

 

"All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players,"

Jaques Act II Scene VII

Jaques reflects on life’s stages, comparing human life to a theatrical performance, emphasizing life’s transitory nature.

 

"Can one desire too much of a good thing?"

Rosalind, Act IV Scene I

Rosalind teases Orlando about his passionate love, questioning if it’s possible to want too much of something pleasurable, touching on themes of moderation.

 

"Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak."

Rosalind, Act III Scene I

Disguised as Ganymede, Rosalind humorously comments on the stereotype that women are vocal about their thoughts, showcasing her wit.

 

"Sweet are the uses of adversity."

Duke Senior Act II Scene I,

Duke Senior finds comfort in his exile, suggesting hardships can bring unexpected benefits, reflecting the play’s theme of finding grace in misfortune.

 

"I pray you, do not fall in love with me, For I am falser than vows made in wine."

Rosalind Act, III Scene V,

Rosalind warns Phoebe (who has fallen for her male disguise) against love’s illusions, playfully advising caution in romantic pursuits.

 

Act I

The play opens with tension at court. Orlando, mistreated by his older brother Oliver, decides to challenge the champion wrestler Charles. Meanwhile, Rosalind (the daughter of Duke Senior, who has been banished by his brother Duke Frederick) meets and falls in love with Orlando. Soon after, Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind as well, fearing her influence. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named "Ganymede," and, with her cousin Celia and the court jester Touchstone, she escapes to the Forest of Arden.

Act II

In the Forest of Arden, Duke Senior and his followers live peacefully in exile. Orlando also escapes to the forest, fleeing Oliver’s threats. Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone arrive and decide to buy a shepherd's cottage. Orlando, longing for Rosalind, begins to write poetry and hang it on trees. Meanwhile, Jaques, one of Duke Senior’s followers, reflects on life’s futility in his famous “All the world’s a stage” speech.

Act III

Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, encounters Orlando and convinces him to "pretend" that Ganymede is his love, Rosalind, so he can practice wooing her. This allows her to observe his devotion. Meanwhile, Touchstone courts a country girl, Audrey, and Phoebe, a shepherdess, falls for Rosalind’s male disguise, rejecting her devoted admirer, Silvius.

Act IV

Rosalind (still as Ganymede) continues her "love lessons" with Orlando, but is disheartened when he doesn’t arrive for their meeting on time. She rebukes him for this but forgives him. Orlando later saves his brother Oliver from a lion, leading to their reconciliation. Oliver also meets and falls in love with Celia, and they plan to marry.

Act V

The various love plots resolve. Rosalind reveals her true identity and marries Orlando. Phoebe realizes she cannot marry Ganymede and instead weds Silvius. Celia and Oliver marry, and even Touchstone marries Audrey. Duke Frederick has a change of heart and restores Duke Senior to power, allowing everyone to return to court. The play ends in a joyful celebration of love and reconciliation.