Who Hermia is
Hermia faces a choice between the man she loves and the marriage her father demands. Egeus asks Duke Theseus to enforce Athenian law, which requires a daughter to obey her father. If she refuses, Hermia faces death or life as a nun, and Theseus urges her to submit.
What Hermia wants
Hermia wants to stay with Lysander rather than marry Demetrius at her father's command. She and Lysander plan to meet in the wood and escape to his aunt's house beyond Athenian law. Their decision turns a dispute about obedience into a journey away from the city's authority.
Hermia and the others in the story
Hermia trusts her friend Helena enough to tell her about the escape plan. Helena loves Demetrius and tells him the secret, hoping to win his attention by following him into the wood.
Fairy magic then makes Lysander turn from Hermia to Helena, leaving Hermia bewildered by his sudden rejection. Hermia believes her old friend has stolen his love, and their closeness gives way to angry accusations.
Questions
Who does Hermia love?
Hermia loves Lysander and plans to leave Athens with him rather than accept the husband her father chooses.
Who is Hermia's father?
Hermia's father is Egeus, who wants her to marry Demetrius and asks Theseus to enforce his wishes.
How are Hermia and Helena connected?
Hermia and Helena are close friends, but their friendship comes under strain when magic redirects Lysander's love toward Helena.