Who Cyrano de Bergerac is
Cyrano de Bergerac is a soldier and poet in seventeenth-century Paris, equally ready with a sword or a sharp reply. He defends his independence fiercely and answers mockery of his appearance with extravagant insults of his own.
His boldness in public contrasts with the fear he keeps private. He believes no woman could love his face, even though words and courage come readily to him.
What Cyrano de Bergerac wants
Cyrano loves Roxane, whose intelligence and love of poetry match his own. When she asks to meet him privately, he briefly hopes she might return his feelings. Instead, she speaks of Christian and asks Cyrano to protect the young soldier.
Cyrano de Bergerac and the others in the story
Christian has the handsome appearance Cyrano envies, but struggles to express himself to Roxane. Cyrano supplies the letters and speeches that allow Christian to court her. Their agreement gives Cyrano a hidden way to share his own tenderness.
Beneath Roxane's balcony, darkness allows Cyrano to speak with an honesty he otherwise avoids. Roxane hears the feeling she longs for, but believes the voice and words belong to Christian.
Questions
Why does Cyrano help Christian court Roxane?
He believes Roxane cannot love his appearance, so helping Christian lets him express love while concealing his identity.
How is Cyrano related to Roxane?
Cyrano is Roxane's cousin, and he is also secretly in love with her.
Is Cyrano brave?
Yes, Cyrano is courageous with a sword and fiercely protects his independence. Showing his feelings openly is a different kind of risk for him.