The Library
of Alexandria

A character in As You Like It

Who is Orlando?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23. Okt 2026

In short

  • Orlando is a mistreated younger son who falls for Rosalind in William Shakespeare's play As You Like It.
  • His elder brother Oliver keeps him poor and denies him the education his birth should bring.
  • In the Forest of Arden, his courage and tenderness sit beside his awkward attempts at love poetry.

Who Orlando is

Orlando is the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, but his brother Oliver treats him like a farm hand. Denied schooling and money, he speaks openly against the treatment that leaves him without a place matching his birth.

His bravery shows when he challenges Charles, the Duke's wrestler, despite the danger. His gentler side appears when he carries Adam, the old servant who helps him escape Oliver's threats.

What Orlando wants

Orlando wants to find his place and win Rosalind, whom he meets at the wrestling match. They fall in love at first sight, and she gives him a chain from her neck.

In Arden, he hangs love poems on trees, expressing sincere feelings in clumsy verse. His honesty makes his courtship touching, even when his words give others something to tease.

Orlando and the others in the story

Rosalind meets Orlando again disguised as Ganymede, without telling him who she really is. Ganymede offers to cure his lovesickness by pretending to be Rosalind and letting him practise courtship.

Orlando takes part in a game that lets Rosalind question his promises and test his love. Their conversations place his earnest devotion beside her wit, teasing, and doubts about lovers' claims.

Questions

Who is Orlando's brother?

Oliver is Orlando's elder brother, who withholds his inheritance and plots against him.

Is Orlando in love with Rosalind?

Yes, Orlando falls for Rosalind at the wrestling match and later writes poems praising her.

Does Orlando know who Ganymede is?

During their courtship game, Orlando does not know that Ganymede is Rosalind in disguise.

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