Character Analysis (OCR A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Character Analysis

Isabella

Overview

Isabella has begun training to become a novice nun and is Claudio's sister. She demonstrates strong moral principles and unwavering commitment throughout the play, representing virtue and spiritual devotion. Her character is essential to exploring the play's central themes of justice, morality, and the conflict between virtue and vice.

Isabella's actions and decisions drive much of the play's dramatic tension. As someone devoted to religious life, she faces an impossible moral choice when Angelo propositions her. Her response to this dilemma reveals the depth of her convictions and raises important questions about the value of spiritual versus physical life.

Key moments in the play

Initial plea (Act 1, Scene 4)

Isabella is first introduced as she prepares to enter the convent. This scene establishes her dedication to religious life and her virtuous character. Her decision to pursue a spiritual path shows her commitment to moral principles above worldly concerns.

Appeal to Angelo (Act 2, Scene 2)

Isabella visits Angelo to plead for her brother Claudio's life. This scene demonstrates her eloquence and powerful moral conviction. She argues persuasively for mercy, showing her intelligence and rhetorical skill. Her passionate defence of her brother reveals both her compassion and her understanding of justice.

Angelo's proposition (Act 2, Scene 4)

Angelo makes his immoral proposal to Isabella, offering to spare Claudio's life in exchange for her virginity. This scene tests her virtue and places her in an unbearable moral dilemma. Isabella must choose between saving her brother's physical life and preserving her spiritual integrity.

The prison scene (Act 3, Scene 1)

Isabella informs Claudio of Angelo's demands. When Claudio initially supports her decision but then begs her to save him by any means, Isabella remains firm in her moral stance. This scene highlights her unwavering commitment to her principles, even when facing her brother's desperate pleas.

Final scene (Act 5, Scene 1)

Isabella confronts Angelo publicly and responds to the Duke's marriage proposal. Her behaviour in this final scene reflects her consistent moral integrity throughout the play. The ending leaves questions about her ultimate fate and whether she accepts or rejects the Duke's proposal.

Key themes

Virtue and vice

Isabella embodies virtue throughout the play, maintaining her moral standards despite enormous pressure. Her interactions with Angelo create a stark contrast between genuine virtue and hypocritical vice. She demonstrates that true virtue involves difficult choices and personal sacrifice.

Justice and mercy

Isabella's pleas for Claudio illustrate the tension between strict justice and compassionate mercy. She argues that mercy should temper harsh punishment, particularly when the law is applied rigidly. Her response to Angelo's proposition further explores the question of what constitutes true justice.

Power and corruption

Isabella's character reveals how power can corrupt those who hold it. Through her experience with Angelo, the play shows how authority can be abused when those in charge prioritise their own desires over moral duty. Isabella's resistance to Angelo's abuse of power demonstrates moral courage in the face of corruption.

Key quotes

Better it were a brother died at once, / Than that a sister, by redeeming him, / Should die forever.

O, it is excellent / To have a giant's strength, but it is tyrannous / To use it like a giant.

Isabella speaks these words in Act 2, Scene 2 during her appeal to Angelo. She criticises the misuse of power, particularly Angelo's harsh and authoritarian approach to justice. This quote demonstrates her sophisticated understanding of how authority should be exercised ethically.

I'll to my brother: / Though he hath fall'n by prompture of the blood, / Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour / That had he twenty heads to tender down / On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yield them up, / Before his sister should her body stoop / To such abhorr'd pollution.

In Act 2, Scene 4, Isabella emphasises Claudio's honour and her commitment to preserving her virtue. She initially believes her brother would rather die than see her compromise her moral integrity. This quote reveals her unwavering stance on moral and spiritual purity, even when family duty might suggest otherwise. Later events prove her assumption about Claudio's resolve to be mistaken, adding complexity to both characters.

Claudio

Overview

Claudio is a young nobleman whose situation drives much of the play's moral and thematic exploration. Angelo sentences him to death for impregnating his fiancée, Juliet, before their formal marriage. His predicament demonstrates the harsh application of Vienna's moral laws and establishes the foundation for examining justice, mercy, and hypocrisy.

Claudio's character reveals the complexity of human nature. He initially accepts his fate with dignity but later desperately pleads for his life, showing the universal fear of death. His actions and reactions throughout the play illustrate the tension between moral principles and basic human instincts.

Key moments in the play

Arrest and sentencing (Act 1, Scene 2)

Claudio is arrested for fornication after impregnating Juliet. His public humiliation and severe punishment from Angelo establish the play's moral and judicial tone. This scene introduces the strict enforcement of laws that had previously been ignored, setting up conflicts that drive the plot forward.

Appeal to Isabella (Act 1, Scene 4)

Claudio's friend Lucio convinces Isabella to plead for his life. This appeal creates the central conflict involving Angelo's desire for Isabella and her virtue. The request places Isabella in an impossible position, forcing her to choose between her brother's life and her own moral principles.

Prison scene (Act 3, Scene 1)

Claudio faces the reality of his approaching execution. He initially supports Isabella's decision to maintain her chastity but later begs her to save his life by any means necessary. This dramatic shift reveals his deep fear of death and highlights the conflict between moral ideals and survival instincts.

Key themes

Justice and mercy

Claudio's punishment for what seems a relatively minor transgression raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy. His situation demonstrates how overly strict law enforcement can be unjust. The play uses his predicament to question the fairness of Vienna's laws and Angelo's rigid application of them.

Hypocrisy

Claudio's situation exposes the hypocrisy of those in power, particularly Angelo, who condemns Claudio whilst harbouring immoral desires himself. This theme is crucial for critiquing moral absolutism and the abuse of authority. The contrast between Angelo's public righteousness and private corruption becomes central to the play's message.

Human frailty

Claudio's fear of death and desperate plea to Isabella highlight his vulnerability and the universal fear of mortality. His character illustrates the complexities of human nature, showing how people are caught between moral principles and instinctual fears. This theme makes Claudio a sympathetic character despite his transgression.

Key quotes

Thus can the demigod, Authority, / Make us pay down for our offense by weight / The words of heaven: on whom it will, it will; / On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.

If I must die, / I will encounter darkness as a bride, / And hug it in mine arms.

Initially, in Act 3, Scene 1, Claudio resolves to face death bravely, expressing poetic acceptance of his fate. This quote underscores Claudio's inner conflict and demonstrates his attempt to maintain dignity. However, his later desperation when he pleads for his life reveals his ultimate fragility and the human fear of death.

Death is a fearful thing.

This brief but powerful admission in Act 3, Scene 1 captures Claudio's dread of death, a central theme that drives his actions and pleas to Isabella. His fear underscores the play's meditation on mortality and the human instinct for self-preservation, even at the cost of moral compromise. This honest statement reveals the depth of his terror and makes his earlier brave words seem hollow.

The Duke

Overview

The Duke, also known as Duke Vincentio, is the ruler of Vienna. He is a complex character who controls many events in the play through his elaborate disguise as a friar. By temporarily giving up his authority and observing his subjects in disguise, the Duke aims to restore moral order in Vienna and reveal the true nature of those around him. His actions raise important questions about justice, mercy, and the effectiveness of authority.

The Duke's character serves multiple functions in the play. He acts as both observer and manipulator, watching how Angelo governs whilst secretly intervening to ensure justice. His methods are controversial, as he allows situations to develop dangerously before revealing himself. This raises questions about whether his approach is wise or manipulative.

Key moments in the play

Delegating authority to Angelo (Act 1, Scene 1)

The Duke leaves Vienna under the strict rule of Angelo, claiming he wants to restore moral order without appearing tyrannical. This decision sets the entire plot in motion. By stepping back from his position, the Duke creates the circumstances that reveal Angelo's true character.

Disguising as a friar (Act 1, Scene 3)

He disguises himself as Friar Lodowick to observe how Angelo governs and to manipulate events from behind the scenes. This disguise allows him to move freely through all levels of society, gathering information and influencing outcomes. His choice to use religious disguise raises questions about the morality of deception.

Intervening in Isabella's plea (Act 2, Scene 3)

The Duke listens to Isabella's plea for her brother Claudio's life and begins to craft a plan to expose Angelo's hypocrisy. His intervention shows his active role in shaping events, though he operates secretly rather than openly. This moment begins his elaborate scheme to test and ultimately judge Angelo.

Revealing his identity (Act 5, Scene 1)

The Duke reveals his true identity in a dramatic public scene, orchestrating both justice and mercy for the play's resolution. This theatrical unveiling allows him to judge all the characters and determine their fates. His manipulation of the final scene demonstrates his complete control over events throughout the play.

Key themes

Justice and mercy

The Duke's actions highlight the balance between justice and mercy, demonstrating that rigid enforcement of the law must be tempered with compassion. He shows that effective governance requires both fair punishment and forgiveness. Through his disguise, he learns when to apply strict justice and when to show mercy.

Authority and disguise

His use of disguise raises questions about the nature of authority and the moral complexities of governing. The Duke believes he can rule more effectively by observing secretly rather than openly. This theme explores whether genuine authority requires transparency or whether deception can sometimes serve justice.

Hypocrisy

By exposing Angelo's hypocrisy, the Duke illustrates the dangers of moral absolutism and the need for a more nuanced approach to justice. He demonstrates that those who claim to be most virtuous may actually be most corrupt. The Duke's revelation of Angelo's crimes serves as a warning against self-righteousness.

Key quotes

I love the people, / But do not like to stage me to their eyes.

Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; / Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure.

The Duke comments on the concept of justice in Act 5, Scene 1, emphasising that people receive consequences that match their actions. This quote underscores the play's central theme of justice and retribution, encapsulated in the title Measure for Measure. It suggests a philosophy of proportional justice where punishments fit crimes.

We have strict statutes and most biting laws, / The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds, / Which for this fourteen years we have let slip.

In Act 1, Scene 3, the Duke reflects on the state of Vienna's laws and his decision to enforce them more strictly through Angelo. This quote highlights the Duke's recognition of the need for balance in law enforcement, setting the stage for the play's exploration of justice and governance. He admits his own failure to maintain proper authority, though he chooses an indirect method of correction.

Angelo

Overview

Angelo is the primary antagonist in Measure for Measure. As the strict, self-righteous deputy left in charge of Vienna by Duke Vincentio, Angelo is tasked with restoring moral order. Despite his outward appearance of virtue and piety, he is deeply hypocritical, abusing his power and failing to live up to the rigid standards he imposes on others. His actions expose the complexities of morality, justice, and human frailty.

Angelo's character demonstrates how power can corrupt even those who seem most virtuous. He presents himself as morally superior, yet when tested, he reveals immoral desires and a willingness to abuse his authority. His downfall illustrates the dangers of moral absolutism and self-righteousness.

Key moments in the play

Given authority (Act 1, Scene 1)

Angelo is appointed by Duke Vincentio to enforce Vienna's neglected laws, a task he accepts with apparent humility and resolve. His appointment seems wise initially, as he appears to be virtuous and dedicated to justice. However, this decision ultimately reveals his true nature.

Sentencing Claudio (Act 1, Scene 2)

Angelo condemns Claudio to death for impregnating Juliet before marriage, demonstrating his strict and unforgiving interpretation of the law. This harsh sentence establishes Angelo's rigid approach to justice and sets up the moral conflicts that follow. His lack of mercy foreshadows his own hypocrisy.

Tempting Isabella (Act 2, Scene 4)

Angelo is overcome by lust for Isabella and propositions her, offering to spare Claudio's life in exchange for her virginity. This moment reveals his hypocrisy and moral corruption. The man who condemned Claudio for a sexual transgression now attempts to commit a far worse one, demonstrating his abuse of power.

Failing to honour the deal (Act 4, Scene 4)

Despite his promise to Isabella, Angelo orders Claudio's execution anyway, showing his ruthless and deceitful nature. This betrayal reveals the depths of his corruption and his willingness to commit multiple wrongs to hide his initial crime. His actions prove he has completely abandoned any pretence of justice.

Public reckoning (Act 5, Scene 1)

Angelo's misdeeds are exposed by the Duke, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. This public humiliation and judgment complete his character arc from self-righteous judge to exposed hypocrite. The Duke's mercy towards Angelo at the end raises questions about justice and forgiveness.

Key themes

Hypocrisy

Angelo's strict enforcement of moral laws is contrasted by his immoral actions, highlighting the dangers of hypocritical leadership. He condemns others for the very sins he commits himself, making him the play's clearest example of hypocrisy. His character warns against those who claim moral superiority whilst acting immorally.

Power and corruption

His abuse of power illustrates how authority can corrupt and how those in power can exploit their position for personal gain. Angelo uses his role as deputy to pursue his desires, showing no concern for justice or morality. His character demonstrates that unchecked power leads to abuse.

Justice and mercy

Angelo's rigid application of justice is shown to be flawed, emphasising the need for compassion and mercy in governance. He applies the law without considering individual circumstances or human weakness. His character argues for a more balanced approach to justice that includes understanding and forgiveness.

Key quotes

When I that censure him do so offend, / Let mine own judgment pattern out my death, / And nothing come in partial.

Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true.

In Act 2, Scene 4, Angelo acknowledges that his reputation and power will protect him from Isabella's accusations, demonstrating his awareness of his moral failings and his reliance on social status to shield him. This quote underscores Angelo's manipulation of power and the societal structures that enable his deceit and corruption. He understands that he can abuse his position because people will believe him over Isabella.

O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, / With saints dost bait thy hook!

In Act 2, Scene 2, Angelo laments his uncontrollable lust for Isabella, portraying his internal conflict and the struggle between his public virtue and private desires. This quote highlights the theme of appearance versus reality and Angelo's failure to reconcile his outward piety with his inner corruption. He blames external forces rather than accepting responsibility for his desires.

Elbow

Overview

Elbow is a minor character who serves as a constable tasked with enforcing Vienna's strict laws, particularly those related to sexual conduct. Despite his position, he is portrayed as somewhat bumbling and unintelligent, often speaking in malapropisms, which means using incorrect words that sound similar to the right ones. Elbow serves as a comedic foil, highlighting the incompetence and absurdity of law enforcement in Vienna.

Elbow's character provides comic relief in an otherwise serious play. His inability to express himself clearly or understand basic concepts creates humorous situations. Through him, Shakespeare critiques the gap between the law's serious intentions and the flawed humans who must enforce it.

Key moments in the play

Arresting Pompey and Froth (Act 2, Scene 1)

Elbow brings Pompey and Froth before Angelo and Escalus, accusing them of running a brothel and engaging in immoral activities. His confused speech and inability to present the charges clearly make this scene highly comedic. Elbow's malapropisms and muddled logic undermine the seriousness of the accusations.

Interaction with Escalus (Act 2, Scene 1)

Elbow's exchanges with Escalus further illustrate his incompetence. Escalus tries to understand Elbow's accusations, but Elbow's muddled language and logic create confusion and amusement. Despite his good intentions, Elbow cannot effectively communicate or carry out his duties.

Further comic relief (Act 3, Scene 2)

Elbow continues to provide comic relief, interacting with Pompey and other characters. These scenes showcase the disparity between the law's intentions and its execution. Elbow's persistent incompetence suggests that Vienna's legal system has fundamental problems beyond just the corruption of its leaders.

Key themes

Incompetence of authority

Elbow's character exemplifies the incompetence and inefficiency within Vienna's law enforcement. His inability to articulate his thoughts or effectively carry out his duties reflects the broader theme of flawed authority. Through Elbow, Shakespeare suggests that the justice system fails not just because of corruption but also because of incompetence.

Comedy and satire

Through Elbow, Shakespeare injects humour and satire into the play, using his malapropisms and bumbling nature to critique the serious themes of justice and morality. Elbow's comedic presence provides relief from the play's darker elements whilst still serving a critical function. His character suggests that the law enforcement system deserves mockery as well as serious criticism.

Key quotes

If it please your honour, I am the poor duke's constable, and my name is Elbow: I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors.

First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman.

Elbow's convoluted speech whilst trying to present his case against Pompey and Froth in Act 2, Scene 1 showcases his inability to communicate effectively. He means to say the house is disreputable but instead calls it respected, again reversing his meaning. This quote underscores the incompetence within the justice system, as represented by Elbow's character.